Yes to cannabis - no to cancer

The Cannabis For Cancer Patients expedition team, lead by NORML ZA Community Outreach Director, Imiël Visser, will be doing the 5km walk backwards to highlight the South African Government's backwards policy of arresting medical patients for using and growing a plant which has been scientifically proven as an effective treatment for people suffering from cancer.

"Walking the 5km route Backwards to NORML is about highlighting the absurdity of criminalising cancer patients that want to be able to legally use or grow medical marijuana to treat their cancer! Let's walk to get things back to NORML." says Imiël Visser, Community Outreach Director for NORML ZA, "It's time for South Africa to join the rest of the scientifically enlightened world and legalise the medical use of the sacred and widely prescribed medicinal cannabis plant!"

The five-person NORML ZA crew will start the Backward to NORML Walk at 11am on 24 Sunday July. They will, however, be at the event from 9am in NORML ZA gear, handing out flyers and educating the public of the importance of legalising cannabis - an ancient plant that is widely prescribed by modern medical doctors worldwide and is legal for medicinal use in a number of European nations, 16 American states and Canada, among others.

The 702 Walk The Talk, is an annual walk and fun run held every year in Johannesburg, South Africa. (http://www.walkthetalk.co.za www.walkthetalk.co.za)

About NORML ZA:

The South African Chapter of NORML - The National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws!

NORML supports the right of adults to use cannabis responsibly, whether for medical or personal purposes. All penalties, both civil and criminal, should be eliminated for responsible use, possession and cultivation. Further, to eliminate the crime, corruption and violence associated with illicit cannabis trade, a legally regulated market should be established where consumers could buy cannabis in a safe and secure environment.

NORML also supports the legalisation of hemp for industrial and nutritional purposes. Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of cannabis and is a botanical cousin of marijuana.

NORML ZA contacts:
• Imiël Visser - community outreach director: az.gro.lmron@vleimi / +27 (0) 79 655 4711
• Chris Jonsson - managing director: az.gro.lmron@jsirhc / +27 (0) 82 940 0673
• Nicholas Szymanowski - communications director az.gro.lmron@aidem / +27 (0) 76 177 4002

For more information go to http://www.norml.org.za/