Worldwide Boycott Against Kellogg's

Marijuana Advocates Support Worldwide Boycott Against Kellogg's

Media Release - 13 February 2009

Local marijuana law reform advocates are urging a boycott of Kellogg Co., for cutting ties with Olympic champion Michael Phelps after he was photographed with a bong.

NORML New Zealand said it is not Michael Phelps who should be castigated, but rather it's the absurd and hypocritical laws that criminalise the behaviour of Phelps and tens of millions of other successful and productive people like him that is worthy of condemnation.

Michael Phelps is in good company. Nearly one out of two Americans have admitted using marijuana - including the last three presidents - and four out of five young New Zealanders.

"Whether or not the most decorated athlete in history chooses to unwind during his off time with a glass of wine or a puff of cannabis is really none of the government's --- or our --- business," said NORML New Zealand spokesperson Phil Saxby.

Of numerous big-name sponsors, Kellogg's was the only one to drop the champion athlete.

"Kellogg's had no problem signing up Phelps when he had a conviction for drunk-driving, something that could have killed another person," said Mr Saxby. "Rather than being castigated, Phelps should be congratulated for choosing to use a substance that is safer than beer."

Please take time today to contact the Kellogg Corporation. Tell them that you oppose their decision to drop Michael Phelps and that, as a result of their actions, you will not be purchasing any Kellogg's related products for the next three months (or until the company decides to reinstate the Phelps as their spokesperson).

There are several ways you can make your opinion known to the company.

Call Kellogg's main telephone number during US east coast business hours, Monday through Friday, at: (269) 961-2000 or toll free at: 1 (800) 962-1413.

E-mail Kellogg's consumer services department by visiting: www2.kelloggs.com/ContactUs.

Contact Kellogg's media relation department at: 269-961-3799 or via e-mail at media.hotline@kellogg.com.

E-mail Kellogg's corporate responsibility department at: corporateresponsibility@kellogg.com.

E-mail Kellogg's investor relations department at: investor.relations@kellogg.com.

Or write the Kellogg Company a letter at:

One Kellogg Square
P.O. Box 3599
Battle Creek, MI 49016-3599

When contacting the company, please be polite and concise. You could tell them something like:

"Hi, my name is _____________ and I'm a frequent consumer of Kellogg's products.

Nearly one out of two Americans has used marijuana. This includes tens of thousands of prominent, highly successful Americans --- including our current President. Michael Phelps should not be stigmatised nor condemned for private behaviour that he, and millions of others, engage in.

The majority of the public, as well as those in the media, are standing behind Michael Phelps and so am I. I will no longer be purchasing Kellogg's brand products until your company reverses its decision and reinstates Michael Phelps as your spokesperson."

NORML thanks you for standing up against the needless discrimination of cannabis consumers around the world.

ENDS

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