NORML New Zealand National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, NZ Inc.

Media Release: 27 April 2001

J DAY 2001 - SATURDAY 5 MAY

Cannabis law reform activists from 130 cities around the world will join together on Saturday 5th May 2001 for the largest ever celebration of cannabis.

The forth annual international day of anti-prohibition activity is a political event intended to highlight the injustice associated with cannabis prohibition and to remember the victims of it.

Over 130,000 New Zealanders have been criminalised under cannabis prohibition for choosing a natural herb that is safer than alcohol or tobacco. Another twenty people a day continue to be criminalised by the current Labour-Alliance government. Thousands have their homes ransacked by zealous anti-drug officers, while people continue to be killed or beaten over a weed now worth it’s weight in gold.

“Coming to J Day is about showing your support for sensible cannabis policies that do not cause more harm that they prevent,” said NORML’s president Chris Fowlie.

“Supporters of the current failed policy get all the headlines, while the majority support for law reform is largely silent. It is only through ‘coming out’ and attending events such as J Day that politicians will get the message and change the law. We are not demanding special treatment, but to be treated equally. Cannabis smokers deserve to be treated fairly.”

"J Day 2001 is intended as both a celebration of the unique cannabis culture in New Zealand and a strong public demonstration against the continued criminalisation of New Zealanders for cannabis offences," said Wellington J Day organiser and Wellington NORML branch convenor Ben Knight.

"We have a range of activities planned for J Day 2001 including a growers' iron-man competition and a remembrance service and balloon release for the 133,000 people turned into criminals by the outdated laws in this country," added Mr Knight. News media are invited to attend the remembrance service in Wellington at 3-30pm and witness the release of 1330 green and white balloons.

J Day 2001 will be the largest ever celebration of the blooming cannabis culture, with rallies, protests and free concerts planned in 130 cities around the world, including Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin in New Zealand. For a full list see www.cannabis2001.com

· J DAY AUCKLAND: Albert Park, from high noon. Speakers include NORML’s Chris Fowlie, ALCP President Les Gray, Medi-Cann medical marijuana activist Greg Soar, markets, workshops, plus bands Kaya, Betchadupa, Gideon, Foghorn, and DJ Automatic. Contact: Chris Fowlie (025) 297-6843

· J DAY HAMILTON: Garden Place, from 10am to 2pm. Features Cosmic Starchild band plus Djs, markets, street performers and more. Contact: Andrew (07) 8471669

· J DAY WELLINGTON: Frank Kitts Park, from high noon. Guest speakers will include Green MP Nandor Tanczos and Maori leader Peter Love plus entertainment by DJ's Raw, Puppy, Clinton Smiley, Vishal and Jak Wild, and reggae band Rainbow Country. Contact: Ben Knight (025) 377-509

· J DAY CHRISTCHURCH: Cathedral Square, from high noon. A cannabis carnival in the city with guest speakers, bands and more. Contact: Irinka Britnell (03) 389-6876

· J DAY DUNEDIN: The Octagon, from high noon. Guest speakers, bands Zuvuya and MC Hambone & the Funky Feelings, DJs Philistine, Baden, Fat Eddy and more. Contact: Duncan Eddy (025) 719-139

· PLUS 125 more cities around the world, including Adelaide, Amsterdam, Athens, Berlin, London, New York, Nimbin, Oslo, Paris, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver and Zagreb.

Thanks to our sponsors Radio Active 89FM, Cannabis Culture Magazine, The Hempstore Aotearoa, and The Switched On Gardener.

More information about J Day 2001 and archive material from previous J Days can be found on NORML’s website: http://www.norml.org.nz

-- ENDS --

National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, NZ Inc.

J Day Sat 5 May 2001: an international cannabis celebration Akl, Ham, Wgtn, Chch, Dun + 125 cities around the world

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