The ABNORML responds to NORML

On 02/08/11, NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) called for the regulation of all 'low risk' drugs. Acting President Phil Saxby says that "low risk drugs like cannabis and party pills should be regulated, not banned". In response, drug-freedom lobby group The ABNORML is calling for the regulation of all drugs.

"NORML admits that drug prohibition does not work, and yet it calls for the regulation merely of some drugs. By doing so, effectively NORML is calling for prohibition to continue", says al Mansell (Spokesperson for The ABNORML). "Mr Saxby misses the point when he calls for the regulation of low-risk drugs. The point is that prohibition increases the harm-potential of all drugs. All psychoactive drugs should be regulated by health professionals."

The ABNORML also takes issue with NORML's definition of 'low risk drugs'. "There are no low-risk drugs or high-risk drugs; rather, there is low-risk and high-risk drug use. The risk is different for each person, and for some people, cannabis use is a very high-risk activity. That's why The ABNORML calls for all psychoactive drugs to be available on prescription from doctors."

"NORML calls itself a drug law reform organization, but it is becoming increasingly clear that NORML is nothing more than a cheer-leading squad for cannabis. NORML consistently downplays the potential harm of cannabis use, in an attempt to distance cannabis from other illegal drugs. NORML wants cannabis dealt with separately to other illicit drugs; they want it to be sold in the shops like lollies, rather than treated like the serious psychoactive drug that it is", says al Mansell.

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