Dunedin's Cannabis Connection Features in Film

A controversial new documentary is set to have its World Premiere in Dunedin next week.

'Druglawed' is an explosive documentary exposing how New Zealand has been co-opted by the US into fighting the failed War On Drugs.

Filmed in six countries over six years, this is the first feature length documentary examining the effects of international cannabis prohibition on New Zealand society.

Over the last 100 years the US government has forced its drug control policies on almost every country on earth. Over 40 years since Richard Nixon declared the War On Drugs in 1972, 22 million Americans have been arrested for marijuana. Only one country in the world has higher arrest and conviction rates, New Zealand.

Druglawed examines how New Zealand fell in lockstep with US policies, and shows how smaller countries can break out.

Dunedin features heavily in the film as the narrative compares alcohol fuelled riots on Castle St with peaceful cannabis protests on campus.

Otago Norml president Abe Gray and local drug policy expert Dr Geoff Noller appear in the film alongside international experts and well known New Zealand politicians such as John Key, Metiria Turei and Nandor Tanczos.

Production of Druglawed began six years ago when South African filmmaker Arik Reiss stumbled upon cannabis protests at Otago University during a visit to Dunedin. Mr Reiss will be at the premiere for a question and answer session after the screening.

The World Premiere of Druglawed will be held in Dunedin at 6.30pm on April 14th at the College of Education Auditorium (145 Union Street East).

For more information visit: www.druglawed.com

ENDS

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