NOTE: This is an archive site - we now have a new site.
About NORML New Zealand
What is NORML and what does the organisation stand for?
NORML NZ, the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws in
New Zealand, is a non-profit, public-interest lobby incorporated in
1980. NORML NZ provides a voice for New Zealanders who
oppose marijuana
prohibition. We represent the interests of the hundreds of thousands of
New Zealanders who smoke cannabis responsibly and believe the
recreational and medicinal use of cannabis should no longer be a
crime.
NORML NZ supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private
possession and responsible use of cannabis by adults, including the
cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit
transfers of small amounts. This model, similar to that recommended to
the US Congress by President Nixon's esteemed Shafer Commission in 1972,
is called "decriminalisation."
NORML NZ additionally supports the development of a legally controlled
market for cannabis, where consumers could purchase it from a safe,
legal and regulated source, in a similar way to how alcohol is sold now.
This model is referred to as "legalisation" or "regulation".
NORML NZ believes that cannabis smoking is not for kids and should only
be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must
never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior.
Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from cannabis should
remain prohibited.
NORML NZ strongly supports the right of patients to use cannabis as a
medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and
suffering.
Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate
the
nonpsychoactive strain of cannabis known as hemp for industrial
purposes,
such as food and fiber production.
What does NORML do?
NORML lobbies Parliament for more rational and cost-effective cannabis
policies. NORML also serves as a marijuana-law reform advocate with the
media nationwide, publishes a quarterly newsletter "Norml
News", and maintains a comprehensive web site, where visitors can inform
themselves about the issue. We provide research and information for
hundreds of requests each year, ranging from school
projects to in-depth media articles. We organise public rallies and
demonstrations such as J Day, letter-writing campaigns, court support
for those charged with cannabis offenses, education about
civil rights, and give public lectures and presentations whenever we
can. We provide expert witnesses for legislative hearings in support of
marijuana reform legislation and provide legal first-aid to
assist people charged with marijuana offenses. In addition, we maintain
a list of criminal defense lawyers nationwide who specialise in the
defense of people charged with marijuana-related offenses.
In short, we try to do a lot, but we are limited by our resources. If
you support what we do, please join NORML and/or set up a regular
donation so that we can do more to end cannabis prohibition.
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