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Craccum Drug Guide
Tuesday 22 July 1997 - for immediate use
National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws proud to publish important drug safety information in Auckland student magazine Craccum.
'The typically conservative New Zealand Herald has reported we are 'in trouble' for giving out such vital harm reduction information as safe needle techniques and recognising heroin overdose symptoms. But really, the only trouble has come from the Herald's hysterical reaction to sensible drug information,' said NORML Board member and co-author of the article, Mr Chris Fowlie.
The Craccum article covers popular drugs such as cannabis, opium, morphine, heroin, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy, LSD, and magic mushrooms. In it, NORML advises on the effects of use, how to take the drugs in the safest way, legal penalties the user may face, what they can expect to pay on the street, quick street quality tests, overdose information and safe needle techniques.
'Contrary to that mis-reported in today's NZ Herald, the article does not cover where to find or buy these drugs. We figured that most young people already know where to score, but most don't know how to use their drug of choice in the safest way. All we have done is provide the user with the information they need and that the government refuses to even talk about. The government will tell them all about the jail time they'll face, but won't tell them how to use a needle safely,' said Mr Fowlie.
'Young people need and value this sort of information, as like it or not, they are using drugs in ever-increasing numbers. While NORML recognises this plain reality, many prefer a head-in-the-sand approach,' Mr Fowlie commented.
'The Herald has been irresponsible in its sensational coverage of this article. Like much myth and misinformation touted as 'drug education', the Herald has taken lines out of context and reported them as the substance of the article,' he added.
'We recognise that the law has not stopped illegal drugs finding their way onto the streets, and it has not prevented young people from using them. The law has however, prevented young people from having access to relevant information with which to make informed responsible choices and to minimise any health and legal effects that may arise form those choices.'
'Although the government mouthes words such as 'harm minimisation', their lack of any action betrays their non-commitment to this life-saving principle, and the abdication of their responsibility to provide access to true drug education and information. NORML feels this issue is so important, we cannot wait around for the government to act. We have stepped in to cover for their failure.'
'An example of their complete lack of commitment to harm minimisation techniques was the very recent passing of anti-drug paraphernalia legislation. This law has the potential to make illegal such harm-reducing devices as water bongs, vapourisers and so on, while sensibly leaving needles and syringes alone.'
'The harm reduction perspective that we have taken recognises that people do take drugs, and endeavours to provide them with true and accurate information with which to reduce any harmful effects, whether from the drug itself, its method of use, or any legal consequences. Overseas experience has shown this approach to be the most effective in reducing the amount of drugs used, and in reducing the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitus C.'
A full text copy of the Craccum article, 'How to take drugs safely',
is available on request from NORML or the Craccum office.
For more information or comment, please contact Chris Fowlie at NORML on (09) 302-5255
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