March Against Cannabis Prohibition

J-Day, part of the Global Marijuana March against cannabis prohibition, will take place in Wellington this year on Saturday the 2nd of May at Frank Kitts Park. From high noon until 4:20, the day will feature speeches from campaigners Michael Appleby (Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party) and Phil Saxby (NORML), along with entertainment from a DJ. Anyone over 18 is welcome to come along to publicly demonstrate that the current laws do not match reality. In the event of rain, the protest will take place on Sunday the 3rd of May.

2009 is an important year in the fight for sane and responsible marijuana laws, as the United Nations is currently reviewing its Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 while the Law Commission is reviewing New Zealand’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. While current research – including two NZ Health Select Committee enquiries – largely suggests a health-based, harm-reduction policy is the best way to control the dangers associated with drug use, both the UN Convention and the Misuse of Drugs Act continue to enforce a crime-and-punishment based approach. With President Obama describing the “war on drugs” as a “failure” and the Law Commission taking an open-minded look at domestic policy, there is hope for a more responsible future, and it is important that Wellingtonians get behind this movement for change.

J-Day is an R18, alcohol-free event. Let’s show our law-makers that marijuana smoking can be a peaceful, responsible practice. For further information, contact Danyl Strype, 021 11 77 578 or danyl@norml.org.nz.

-- No victim, no crime! Legalise Cannabis!

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