Press Conference at Parliament - "No Dunne Deals

Sun, 9 Nov, 2008
For Immediate Release

At High Noon today (Monday Nov 10, 08), the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) will hold a press conference at parliament, beside their distinctive 'Legalise Cannabis' mascot, MaryJane the CannaBus. CannaBus Coordinator Dakta Green says, "No more Dunne deals stifling the debate. This time, we are first off the mark, the time for cannabis law reform is now!"

At a NORML rally at parliament on May 15, Prime Minister Elect John Key was asked by Green whether he could support NORML's demand to "Stop locking our people up!", and redirect the millions spent on the criminalization of cannabis users, retailers, and growers. Green claims his crew videoed Key replying, "We will take it under consideration."

NORML is calling for regulation of cannabis supply as an alternative to prohibition and the illegal market.

"We want to see the incoming government act to end arrests for personal use, and non-commercial home-growing of cannabis plants. We also hope to see supply of the herb decriminalized, with legislation introduced to create licenses for cannabis growers, distributers and retailers with a strict R18 policy," says newly elected NORML President Phil Saxby, who will also speak at tomorrow's press conference.

"National does not need the stub of United Future to form a government, and ACT leader Rodney Hide has spoken out strongly against prohibition, in keeping with ACT's freedom and personal responsibility principles. [National has no excuse not to make history by joining the move towards sensible, evidence-based drug laws," he says.

"Freedom is NORML. Is National really committed to freedom?" he asks."We say its time for a re-think on the failed drug policies of the past and a fresh start".

ENDS