Graham Watson, President of Auckland University NORML and spokesperson for Universities of New Zealand NORML (National Organisation for Reform of Marijuana Laws) is in Christchurch this week to ensure University students and the public are familiar with Nandor Tanczos' pre-election campaign message of legalising cannabis.

Mr Watson is concerned at recent statements by the Green MP touting decriminalisation as opposed to legalisation. "Clarification of Nandors' statements is essential to determine wether Nandor is simply using the two words interchangeably or is betraying the substantial cannabis vote which the put the Greens in power."

We fear decriminalisation will not eliminate the black market, resultant prohibitionist crime, remove the stigma associated with cannabis or allow the government an effective means to tax cannabis as it does with tobacco and alcohol."

The NORML group want to see cannabis available to those 18 years and older on a consistent basis with tobacco and alcohol.

"Medical evidence suggests cannabis is no worse if not less harmful than tobacco and alcohol, Cannabis prohibition cannot be justified for health reasons, the current law is merely making criminals of half a million adult New Zealanders"

The NORML group is also in Christchurch to have meetings with the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party Christchurch Branch, the Mild Greens and other interested groups.

Graham Watson is available for interviews. Telephone 03 3896876 from Monday 21st - 26th February.

Mr Watson will also be available at the Shirley by-election, "meet the candidates" at Shirley Primary School, where he will be observing the response to Blair Anderson, ALCP candidate's community initiatives. 7:00pm Monday the 21st.

ENDS

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