Helen Clark talks about Cannabis, Election 08

BudBeard · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:21 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czxr30xBC34

Helen was speaking on the University of Otago campus today where she announced the implementation of a Universal Student Allowance. She speaks about marijuana in response to a question I ask her.
_________________
Tick the Leaf - www.alcp.org.nz
Welcome to Dunsterdam - www.otagonorml.com

Julian Crawford - ALCP Dunedin Nth.
Liberate, Regulate, Educate.

bubblebobble · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:28 pm

Were I not the cynical prick that I am, I might think any of that meant something. Either she just plain backpedals, or gets held hostage by some or another king maker whom she needs to form a coalition. I wouldn't vote Labour solely based on her saying that.

Also, I love how as Julian announced he's from NORML the room erupted in laughter, but as Helen said exactly what NORML have been saying all year, she gets a rather large clapping spree. Goes to show that a lot of students are fuckwits who will laugh at anything NORML says just because NORML says it.

atheist · Newbie Joined: Mar 29, 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Dunedin

I totally agree - the laughter from the student population at the question from Julian gives the whole issue (and NORML / ALCP) a lot of negative press. The general population will look at that and think "A bunch of students taking the piss".

It is a serious debate and deserves serious consideration.

Paul13 · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 9:41 pm

atheist · Newbie Joined: Mar 29, 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Dunedin

Yep - I wasn't there but watching the vid it seemed that way??

I was just making the point that students jeering when NORML is mentioned isn't good press (no matter their intention at the time)

paula · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 10:18 pm

It sounds OK to me too. Onya Budbeard ! Maybe you'd better listen again athiest.

bubblebobble · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:59 pm

paula · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:41 am

Well thats funny, I just listened to it repeatedly because I transcribed it. Every word they both exchanged is clearly audible.

Budbeard:
I'm from the National Organisation for Reform of Marijuana Laws. The issues been quite contentious down here this year but we're very thankful for Pete Hodgson.. he's made efforts to bring medical marijuana to some patients in the form of Sativex. My question is " If Labour wins the election are the cannabis laws likely to be relaxed further?"

Helen Clark:
The fact that cannabis has been an illegal drug doesn't mean that if it has advantage for medical conditions - and certainly some advocate it for treatment of glaucoma - that it can't be considered for that.

We have had select committee reports look at this issue and there is a whole range of points of view: Should there be partial prohibition, should there be partial decriminalisation?

I think its time we had a more rational debate about these issues but its difficult to have a rational debate. In my view the greatest killers in our country are actually tobacco and alcohol and its effects on the road.

But the rub is given the harm of those perfectly legal drugs at the moment - and tobacco is one where used as intended it does kill a significant number of people who use it - theres obviously considerable reluctance to actually legalise others.

But I think we need to have a continuing and rational debate about what the best form of the law is and look at what is happening in other western countries where theres a wider range of approaches.

atheist · Newbie Joined: Mar 29, 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Dunedin

It wasn't the question or the response I had an issue with (quite the contrary). It was great the hear someone ask the question (good on ya Budbeard) and the response was typical political speak.

It was the few people in the crowd that turned into 4th formers when they heard the word "marijuana" and drowned out part of the question.

mfinest · Heavy User Joined: Jun 20, 2006 Posts: 231 Location: NZ

Atheist, students are merey that, students. Burning couches, racing unroadworthy vehicles from CHCH to Dunsterdam etc..etc.. They are by thier very nature immature to an extent. Fresh out of school and into Uni..they have little if no life experience and are still immature.

It is to be expected that they will giggle/laugh at the mention of a slightly more taboo subject.

They just need a few more years to grow-up.

Obviously, like all stereotypes this does not apply to all Uni students as I'm sure there many more diligent seekers of knowledge than unwashed STD carrying imbiciles.

Paul13 · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:00 am

potshots · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:54 am

Thanks for asking that question BudBeard. Good stuff!

And thanks for transcribing it and the PM's answer, paula.

Have to admit that I'm somewhat encouraged by the Helen Clark's reply.
The fact that she mentioned both partial prohibition and partial decriminalisation in the same rhetorical question shows that she is aware of the distinction between them.
According to the 2003 HSC cannabis report she mentioned, "Under [Option F:] partial prohibition, use, possession, and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use are legal, but the cultivation and possession of large amounts, and the sale of any amount, are illegel" (aka the grow-your-own model).
I'm not sure as to what exactly she means by partial decriminalisation but my guess is that it would be "Option E: Prohibition with civil/administrative penalties" (aka Instant Fines).

Maybe we should start lobbying Labour MPs to see which option they prefer: Partial prohibition, partial decriminalisation or the status quo?

BudBeard · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:08 pm

I must admit i was slightly surprised when the crowd cracked up laughing but i didnt mind because it was mostly supportive. I think I got that reaction because the crowd was already in high spirits and NORML has been very high profile down here and people were like, here we go again, NORML pressing the boss on the pot issue.

Initially I thought her answer was quite moderate but then I realised that there were a lot of hints in there pointing to law reform. The rational debate is clearly a reference to the Drug Foundation.
_________________
Tick the Leaf - www.alcp.org.nz
Welcome to Dunsterdam - www.otagonorml.com

Julian Crawford - ALCP Dunedin Nth.
Liberate, Regulate, Educate.

paula · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:31 pm

Paul13 · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:53 pm


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