Press Releases

Viewing by tag: drug war bullshit

  • Synthetics ban won’t work if cannabis remains illegal, says drug law reform group

    posted on the April 28th, 2014 by Chris

    The Government’s intention to ban the remaining synthetic substitutes won’t work if cannabis remains illegal. “The more risky synthetic substances are only demanded because consumers can’t legally use natural cannabis,” says Chris Fowlie, spokesperson for NORML (National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, New Zealand Inc). “The false demand for synthetic products will only […]

  • New pipe ban will increase harm to cannabis consumers, and encourages users of legal synthetics to smoke more

    posted on the April 15th, 2014 by Chris

    The Government will increase harm by further restricting the sale, supply and importation of drug harm reduction equipment. “This National-led Government seems to be encouraging use of the more harmful synthetics over safer natural cannabis. Now it is increasing harm even more, by forcing them to smoke larger amounts,” said Chris Fowlie, spokesperson for the […]

  • The Media Should Stop Pretending Marijuana’s Risks Are a Mystery — The Science Is Clear

    posted on the December 20th, 2013 by Chris

    We now know as much about cannabis as we know about alcohol, tobacco and many prescription drugs. Speaking recently with the Los Angeles Times, UCLA professor and former Washington state “pot czar” Mark Kleiman implied that we as a society are largely ignorant when it comes to the subject of weed. Speaking with Times columnist Patt […]

  • Is Your Mayor in the Marijuana Majority?

    posted on the May 23rd, 2013 by Chris

    by Erik Altieri & Chris Fowlie On TV3’s The Vote, New Zealanders voted 70-28 to decriminalise cannabis. While the show and poll are memorable for the overwhelming support shown for alternatives to prohibition, it was clear the opposing team were out of touch and none more so than Timaru’s mayor Janie Annear. Now, you can […]

  • Five Scientific Conclusions About Cannabis That The Mainstream Media Doesn’t Want You To Know

    posted on the July 27th, 2012 by norml

    The government and mainstream media like to push studies touting the purported dangers of marijuana, while ignoring scientific evidence that demonstrates the opposite, writes Paul Armentano. While studies touting the purported dangers of cannabis are frequently pushed by the federal government and, therefore, all but assured mainstream media coverage, scientific conclusions rebutting pot propaganda or demonstrating […]

  • Problems with cannabis potency claims

    posted on the January 18th, 2012 by Chris

    New Zealand Police are complaining that domestic cannabis has apparently “quadrupled in strength“. Aside from the obvious point that if cannabis is stronger consumers don’t need to smoke as much, there are several problems with this claim. We thought the NZ Drug Foundation covered it well: http://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/mythbusters/cannabis-potency Cannabis potency Thursday, November 25, 2010 “New Zealand […]

  • Drug driving campaign may backfire

    posted on the January 13th, 2012 by norml

    NORML supports efforts to reduce impairment on the roads, and our own “Principles of Responsible Cannabis Use” invoke a no-driving clause. However, like with alcohol it is important to distinguish between use and impairment. Furthermore, efforts to reduce the use of drugs may actually backfire by encouraging more use of alcohol, a far more dangerous […]

  • Medical Council wrong, says NORML

    posted on the December 29th, 2011 by Chris

    Contrary to what the Medical Council says, cannabis is not illegal if used with a license or prescription, says cannabis law reform group NORML. “This is the same as with opiates such as morphine which are commonly prescribed,” said spokesperson Chris Fowlie. “Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act is for issuing licenses. One […]