CANNABUS COMES TO TOWN

BANNING cannabis is wrong, according to the National Organisation for
the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

NORML's "cannabus" was in Wanganui yesterday on a 42-town tour to
raise the profile and get politicians talking about the subject.

The green-painted bus drove down Victoria Ave, where they received a
mixed reception from curious onlookers, and toots of support from
passing vehicles.

However, a crowd gathered later at Moutoa Gardens where the air was
thick with marijuana smoke.

I did not inhale.

Driving the "cannabus" was Ken "Dakta Green" Morgan, who said he first
smoked marijuana when he was 40, with his adult son.

He's now 57.

"I was a prohibitionist and believed cannabis was evil."

Mr Green said that first experience was wonderful and he shared
conversations with his son about things never discussed before.

"The next day I did not have a hangover," and with the positive
experience, his attitude to marijuana changed. The former businessman,
who campaigned for Saturday shopping in Queen St in the '70s, said he
would no longer allow New Zealanders to be hoodwinked.

"Smoking marijuana is like the gays kissing in the '80s. Now gay
couples can enter into a civil union."

NORML president Chris Fowlie said the organisation had consistently
outpolled United Future and that party had an agreement with Labour
not to discuss marijuana.

"We've had two Parliaments that have consistently ignored
constituents' call for a change to the law and closed down
discussion."