Marijuana magazine under scrutiny by Censor

By Jeff Hampton

Authorities want the Censor's office to look at a national pro-cannabis magazine which even sells in some branches of Whitcoulls.

But their move, which could result in the censor banning Norml News is outraging politicians and cannabis law reformers who say it's undemocratic.

Norml News is the voice of New Zealand's dope smokers and since 1990 it's been calling for the reform of the country's cannabis laws.

The magazine carries pro-cannabis articles, gardening supply advertisements, and the latest issue even has a message from Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei.

Now Internal affairs has sent it to the Censor's office, Ms Turei says she's horrified and it’s an attack on democracy – the magazine's editor is livid.

“No member of the public has ever complained about any marijuana publication – it's always coming from the authorities who are trying to be thought police and tell us what we can think and what we can read,” Chris Fowlie says.

Internal Affairs says it's just seeking guidance.

The latest move came as fall-out continues from the police operation Lime which saw them raid all 16 branches of the horticultural supply firm Switched on Gardener.

Around the country 250 were arrested on 700 charges, most cannabis-related, but some were charged with selling plant growing equipment and copies of Norml News were seized, even though the magazine is not illegal.

“The police have stolen those copies and that is stock we sold those stores and we're owed money for it,” Mr Fowlie says.

Further south, tension is growing at Otago University where for the last five years a pro-cannabis group has had a regular smoke-up at 4.2o on Wednesday and Friday afternoons – but now the 4.20 club, as it's known, is facing pressure from the students association to stop the smoke-up.

“We are doing an illegal activity but it's a peaceful protest,” says Jacob Muir of Norml Otago.

As for the magazine, it will be at least six weeks before the Censor's office announces its decision on any possible ban.

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