“New LCA” – Call For Nominations
“New LCA” is in the process of drafting its constitution and revising its aims and principles in accordance with the results of the leadership election. The immediate plans following the election are set out here.
The management committee is considering a new name which will better reflect the aims of the party. Nominations are invited from everyone.
This is not a competition and there are no prizes, guarantees or rewards. We are looking for suggestions and ideas. The committee will decide the name that it will recommend to the membership as part of the new constitution.
The main consideration is how to advance our cause, ending the prohibition of cannabis, and who we have to communicate with and persuade in order to achieve that. That means looking outwards at people who do not use cannabis and particularly at MPs, opinion formers and the media. These are the people we must influence.
We need a name and identity around which we can rally supporters but we are not the main concern. For instance, “legalise” is a word that frightens people. Our target audience thinks that it means a free for all, whereas our intention is a system of regulation based on facts and evidence which protects children and the vulnerable and maintains quality and safety standards.
“Cannabis” is a word that people are concerned about having linked to their online and Facebook profiles but it is the essence of our cause. It is difficult to see how any name could be successful without including the word. Our new campaign theme is “Reform Regulate Realise” but it needs a payoff to say clearly what it is about.
Please think about how the name will sound when you write to your MP . Will it be an immediate turn off or will it invite interest? When Jeremy Paxman talks about us on Newsnight will it be with a sneer or with some respect, that here is a serious party with a serious proposition?
Please post your ideas here as comments. I promise that every suggestion will be considered. Here are some ideas to start off with.
Cannabis Party
Cannabis Tax & Regulate Party
Cannabis Tax Party
Cannabis Law Reform Party
End Cannabis Prohibition Party
Reform Regulate Realise Party
Safer Access Party
British Cannabis Reform Party
Peter Reynolds 
The End Prohibition Party
– i know this kinda suggests other things but make it clear we take no stance on other drugs until cannabis is legal
Clark
clarkfrench
February 19, 2011 at 8:34 pm
According to current thinking the 3 R’s are very important especially in education 😉
John Ellis
February 19, 2011 at 8:48 pm
I am SO delighted someone else saw that John!!!
Peter Reynolds
February 19, 2011 at 9:00 pm
The RRR Party
The Three Rs Party
Peter Reynolds
February 19, 2011 at 9:01 pm
@ least thet would start the wording they are ment to represent lol
John Ellis
February 19, 2011 at 9:08 pm
I would like to hear Paxman say 3R’s quickly.
Peta
February 20, 2011 at 11:20 am
🙂 reading righting rithmatick what more could an educated nation need O.o
John Ellis
February 19, 2011 at 9:06 pm
I like the Cannabis equality party as ‘we are not all equal in the eyes of the law’ One other thing I know its small but why oh why must we keep talking about legalisation it does give negative connotations, its meant to its a politicians word which reinforces the notion that we are looking to change the status quo, WE ARE NOT! We are looking to re-establish the status quo with the re-legalisation of Cannabis. We must get out of the mind set put on us with the word legalisation and use the correct term RE-LEGISLATION
Perhaps we should call ourselves The Re-Legalisation Party either way lets stop using legalisation.
Philip Walsh
March 4, 2011 at 6:56 pm
Sorry the end of my last comment, upon reflection it needs to be corrected to:
Perhaps we should call ourselves The Re-Legalisation Party, either way lets stop being ‘used’ by ‘legalisation’.
Philip Walsh
March 4, 2011 at 18:56
Philip Walsh
March 5, 2011 at 12:52 am
I’m thinking of a few ideas..
Cannabis Can Cure Party
Rational Approach To Cannabis/Drugs Party
Peace and Green Pary
Cannabis Equality Party
Tax for Cannabis Party
Sense On Prohibition Party
Sense Against Prohibition Party
(from http://www.ismokeherb.co.uk/cannabis/%E2%80%9Cnew-lca%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-call-nominations/ )
Nuff Said
February 19, 2011 at 8:55 pm
I think you’re quite right that the word Legalise should go and the word Cannabis must stay.
I like “Cannabis Tax & Regulate Party” best but would reverse it to become the “Regulate & Tax Cannabis Party”.
Adam C
February 19, 2011 at 9:33 pm
-Rational Drug Policy party
-Cannabis regulation party
-Sensible Drug Policy party
-Drug Policy reform party
-Stop the war on drugs party
Also I was looking around the Internet and saw a PM-answers-youtube questions thing, if we can do what was achieved in America through a coordinated effort, and swamp the questions with drug-policy questions, we could raise alot of attention.
E. Tricker
February 19, 2011 at 9:38 pm
The EML
Educate, Medicate, Legislate
Mr Ian
February 19, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Educate not Dictate Party
Tee
February 19, 2011 at 10:25 pm
http://www.youtube.com/worldview?feature=ticker
Stephen
February 19, 2011 at 11:08 pm
British Cannabis Reform Party
I like this one the best, it seems the most professional. I also think the inclusion of British will go the association good. I know the other ones sum up the general ethos of the party better, but that one just sounds the best to me.
Sam
February 19, 2011 at 11:42 pm
I like that Sam. Definitely need to use words like “reform” rather than “end prohibition” and I agree that the inclusion of “British” to the title could have a great impact.
Rhys
February 23, 2011 at 11:10 am
The Cannabis Party
simple, says it all – after all it is about cannabis – and avoids the word legalise (etc)
people will want to know what they are voting for and words like “realise” will not mean much to them.
anything with tax in it would split the voters
“cannabis can cure” makes it too medical
“sense against prohibition” would be a great title foe flier or book
Safe Access is surely just oen aspect of policy
You would not be allowed to use the word “Green”
Alun
February 19, 2011 at 11:59 pm
New Leaf
(The Cannabis Reform Party)
pjmcneill
February 20, 2011 at 2:18 am
The Talking About Prohibition Party? TAP Party being the acronym? That way, the party can continue for the full battle of prohibition once cannabis is sorted?
I think a catchy acronym is vital, that way you can field off that without the possible evocation of any kneejerk reactions that inevitably come.
TEA party? No wait…
REC party? Reform & Education of Cannabis party.
Maybe try and think of a funny acronym and make the words fit. I’ve just tried to think of something for CANUTE party but it’s not happening at 2.30am for this Outlaw.
Jason Reed (HomeGrown Outlaw)
February 20, 2011 at 2:28 am
CANNABIS REGULATION PARTY
Sounds like a party that want to enforce regulations on it. Not simply have the drug easy to buy and smoke anywhere. Sounds sensible and a good cause when people see it. This name is indeed the aim of this party, to regulate the weed.
Mellow Man
February 20, 2011 at 3:26 am
‘End Organised Drug Gangs By Ending Prohibition of Cannabis Party’
got that ring to it, ey 😉
or for short EODGBEPC Party
Cure Ukay
February 20, 2011 at 9:31 am
TUKC – Tax United Kingdom Cannabis (Party)
Cure Ukay
February 20, 2011 at 9:36 am
I would suggest a name as a opposed to a description. By that I mean something like “Change” with the tag line something like “for cannabis law reform”.
The advantage of something like that is it’s a brand name, something people can relate to and use in conversation easily.
Of course, this is what Transform have done and many others before.
What I would plead though, in all seriousness, is that the current LCA site should be taken down and replaced by a holding site, perhaps with a blog and a small forum. This needs to be done urgently, before anything else.
Derek
February 20, 2011 at 9:45 am
Might be an idea to take a look at the Facebook page too.
Peta
February 20, 2011 at 11:14 am
‘Realise’
Nick
February 20, 2011 at 12:46 pm
British Cannabis Reform Party
This sounds like the best name to me.
John
February 20, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Just a few:
Safer Cannabis Access – SCA
Safer Cannabis Control – SCC
Safer Regulation – SR
Safety Through Regulation – STR
Safety Through Evidence – STE
Sensible Cannabis Access – SCA
Sensible Cannabis Control – SCC
Evidence Based Policy – EBP
Cannabis Policy Through Evidence – CPTE
Thoughtful Heuristic Control – THC
-sorry, couldn’t resist that last one 😉
Personally I like Reform Regulate Realise party as it says exactly what it is without saying ‘what it is’ (so no problems joining on facebook etc.). I think as soon as you put Cannabis, legalise, prohibition etc. it detracts from the message. The current prohibition isn’t the same as 1920’s alcohol ‘prohibition’ semantically as we call prohibited drugs ‘illegal’ and the public don’t generally label the whole policy as ‘prohibition’. I know this is a bit pedantic but we don’t want to give any ammunition to the DM/Sun et al. All aspects of the name have to be considered and treated like any other brand i.e. even the acronym can’t spell anything silly. Colour/logo etc. have to appeal to a broad range of demographics and thus be relatively neutral or subtle and the name contributes a lot to this.
I’ve said it before, we’ve won the intellectual and scientific debates, we now need to win the emotional one. Our cause will always be targeted by certain groups so a name that is sensible and is hard to criticise is ideal (is why Transform, Release etc. have been successful). If the name doesn’t immediately identify with Cannabis I think it could be a plus and start on a strong foot (even Prop19 had the word Cannabis at the end of the proposition title instead of the fore so it didnt detract attention from its aim) – think about Paxman mentioning the name and people think ‘this isnt the usual bunch of hippies, maybe they have something interesting to say.. I’ll check their website out’ (Note: No offence to anyone classed as a hippy, just making a point of some peoples negative perceptions). Just my 2p…
But some good suggestions from everyone here!!
Jake
February 20, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Freedom and Equality for Lifestyle Choices Party
Nuff Said
February 20, 2011 at 3:18 pm
I have to agree with British Cannabis Reform Party.
Tim Kendall
February 20, 2011 at 4:11 pm
I also would say that british cannabis reform party is best.
second in line is the simple suggestions combining Aluns suggestion with the british tag
i.e. the ‘British Cannabis Party’.
ingo
February 20, 2011 at 4:31 pm
I think that a new web site should be set up by those who find it that urgent, including the newly chosen name, the old site is really not to debate, nobody uses it much.
ingo
February 20, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Derek’s earlier comment about having a name, rather than a description, is valid. As he points out, Transform doesn’t say what they want to transform – no mention of drugs laws – but everybody knows what they do. Tesco don’t call themselves ‘Tesco Grocers, Electrical Supplies and Clothing’, do they?
I think my suggestion, New Leaf (The Cannabis Reform Party), would acquire the same kind of familiarity, in that people would know what they stood for without it being spelled out to them.
The cannabis leaf is the most recognised in the world (except for, maybe, the maple?), and you wouldn’t even need a picture of it as a logo: the word ‘leaf’ is enough to conjure up the image.
Love ’em or loathe ’em, ‘New’ worked for Labour. It’s an exciting word – people love to get new things – and is full of optimism and promise of change. It shows a change of direction, a different way of doing things!
Then there is the common phrase ‘Turning Over a New Leaf’ – as in making a fresh start in drugs legislation.
New Leaf (The Cannabis Reform Party)
pjmcneill
February 20, 2011 at 5:04 pm
New Leaf also suggests a revelation of the truth about cannabis to the broader, deceived, public – a different perspective on it.
New Leaf(The Cannabis Reform Party)
pjmcneill
February 20, 2011 at 5:17 pm
The I’ve Got the Giggles Party
Alun
February 20, 2011 at 5:25 pm
HAHA..
CannaZine
March 4, 2011 at 6:19 pm
How about something simple like “Reform Party” ?
Positive sounding yet to the point.
Cupid Stunt
February 20, 2011 at 7:54 pm
The Green and Sticky Party
Julian
February 20, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Hi, just wanted to throw this in the bowl…..
British Prohibition Reform Party
Prohibition Reform Party
Rethink UK
B.A.P.S. Brits Against a Prohibition System
love and respect to all in the fight
Resistance is future
Noodle
February 21, 2011 at 6:56 am
What about The Truth Party?
Nick
February 21, 2011 at 9:22 am
I like:
Drug Policy Reform Party (DPRP)
or
Tax and Regulate Cannabis Party (but that is only if you want to refer to the narrower agenda of cannabis on its own rather than drug policy as a whole.)
Rory
February 21, 2011 at 9:25 am
RRRealise Party
RRReform Party
IMHO any political party with “cannabis” in the name is no go at the moment. Majority of cannabis users would like to stay “unlabeled” from Big Brother, thus avoiding possible harassment and problems they might have, from the smallest social cell like a family, over bigger ones like business surroundings, to the biggest social structures like states.
On the other hand, there are many other things to be reformed, regulated and realised in nowadays society, which leaves you a broader spectrum of possible political activities for the future and will attract a bigger number of supporters, who can identify with your political goals.
Actually, it is a society that should be reformed in a more humanistic way.
But of course, there is always a different perspective. If your only concern would stay cannabis legislation then your major point could be somewhat peculiar one, probably they didn’t think about it lol. In the case that every cannabis user is a political activist as well, that fact alone would protect them from any harassment. Nobody wants to put political activists behind the bars in democratic society.
Yes, there are two paths you can go by
But in the long run
There’s still time to change
The road you’re on
John
John
February 21, 2011 at 11:34 am
either
Drug Policy Reform Party – sounds serious and clear towards your objectives.
or
New Leaf – stands out from other party names. It’s not obviously clear what you stand for, which could spark more curiosity – then again it could cause a simple shrug of the shoulders.
Duncan Stott
February 21, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Thanks, Duncan
I think it might grow on people… (geddit?)
pjmcneill
February 21, 2011 at 7:29 pm
I know this is off subject but, just found out we’ve been selling arms to Gaddafi. Of course, they are much safer than a spliff. WTF is going on in our country?!?
Nick
February 21, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Hi Nick
Not strictly off subject: my brother just sent me this link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12522848
about the American Gene Sharp, whose techniques of non-violent resistance have been credited for the current Middle East domino effect.
It shows what can be done with a different approach to a difficult situation, and is a parallel to what is going to be happening with the former LCA’s efforts to overturn the status quo.
Power to the people!
pjmcneill
February 21, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Drugs Research and Reclassification Party
The DRRP
Frank
February 21, 2011 at 3:42 pm
The Prohibition, Education & Politics Party; PEP Party.
Some good suggestions from everyone!
Jason Reed (HomeGrown Outlaw)
February 21, 2011 at 5:11 pm
without a doubt the ‘safer access’ party. Seems the friendliest to people who aren’t already on our side and has the benefit of ‘cognitive priming’.
Gary
February 21, 2011 at 5:55 pm
The Pro Democrats? – Meaning, The Prohibition Democrats of course.
I’d like to see prohibition in there as I think it’s time to make this a household word and concept with all of its ugly truth.
Jason Reed (HomeGrown Outlaw)
February 21, 2011 at 7:21 pm
errrrm
Legalise cannabis alliance seems apt to me. Cannabis party? sounds like a happening…..
toker
February 21, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Forum suggestion:
the Prohibition Reform Party – the PRP.
Jason Reed (HomeGrown Outlaw)
February 21, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Glad you picked up on this one Jason, thought it had the most weight behind it. The word Prohibition is important, that’s why it’s been re-branded The War on Drugs as you well know. I think once people start to equate whats going on as a prohibition they might start to wake up.
Still like B.A.P.S. tho
Noodle
February 21, 2011 at 9:35 pm
When Peter gets invited onto Newsnight at the re-launch, and Paxman asks him about the new name ‘New Leaf’, and why no mention of cannabis in it, he will explain that cannabis is a much broader issue than kids getting stoned, and go on to illustrate the glorious history of the hemp plant, its industrial potential, the vast therapeutic and medicinal value, and the environmental and famine-relief benefits.
New Leaf
(The Cannabis Reform Party)
pjmcneill
February 21, 2011 at 8:47 pm
I admire everybody’s efforts to maintain a sense of ending prohibition in the New Name, because that is what we are all after.
However, the Drug Equality Alliance, http://www.drugequality.org/ for the past couple of years or so, has been doing great work in dissecting, and exposing the discrimination inherent in, the Misuse of Drugs Act.
They have legal academics who are carefully presenting defences in selected cases to challenge this injustice, and I’m sure that they will eventually embarrass enough people in the legal system for ‘something to be done’.
Peter has already co-opted the Top Man from the cannabis experts, and I see the party at the front of these efforts, the political face of a movement.
Plenty of people on the political fringes have seen the folly of prohibition, and the benefits of it ending, and are making their views known. So we’re not fighting a lone battle.
pjmcneill
February 22, 2011 at 12:53 am
Slightly off message but just wanted to thank you pjmcneill for the link to Drug Equality. The interview with Edwin Stratton is fascinating.
Peta
February 23, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Hi Peta
Don’t know how sedate you like your music, but here is the mild-mannered Mr Stratton in a former life. He’s the one on drums. Enjoy!
pjmcneill
February 23, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Er, it would help if I’d provided the link!
Sorry.
pjmcneill
February 23, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Wow! Didn’t expect that…
pjmcneill
February 23, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Was a little hard to see him but I got the general idea – thanks for the link. I really hope he gets a result.
Peta
February 23, 2011 at 9:34 pm
I would have to go with British Cannabis Reform Party although I do like New Leaf I think its a little too `new age’ as is the word realise and the fundamental point is to be taken seriously. My suggestion – Cannabis Hemp Party 🙂
Dr.Jupiter
February 22, 2011 at 11:26 am
‘British Cannabis Reform Party’ – BCRP, gets my vote.
Lee Gramson
February 23, 2011 at 3:04 pm
I think “Tax and Regulate Cannabis Party” is the most straightforward, honest and should give anyone who doesn’t know much about the topic a good insight into what the Party stands for.
A party with the name ‘Reform’ in it doesn’t give the most direct impression of how you want to reform the laws.
The Tax & Regulate Cannabis Party.
Tom
February 23, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Noodle, definitely on the same page as you!
I’ve just had this from a poster on here and the forums, so full credit to him as I personally love this suggestion and the area he’s gone for:
“SBPP – Science Based Policy Party & expand the manifesto to cover any areas where MP’s moral views & media pressure have over-ridden genuine scientific facts.”
Even ESP – Evidence and Science Party. Think that all has real scope.
Also, is it worth backing and running a small campaign on AV?
Jason Reed - HomeGrownOutlaw
February 24, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Like the thinking as it gives the party more legs once we win on this issue. (so much to sort out, one step at a time!) Both suggestions work well for me, ESP also suggest a bit of enlightenment and foresight on the subject.
Also agree with an AV campaign. AV might not be perfect but if we don’t start the change it will never happen in our life times.
Resistance is future
Noodle
February 25, 2011 at 8:31 am
British/UK Cannabis Reform Party is the most professional.
Or British Cannabis Reform Alliance/Coalition – people like words that symbolise consensus and unity.
I know you have to pick your battles, but secretly I would always prefer British Drug Policy Reform Alliance!
Jack
February 26, 2011 at 5:38 pm
i would like to argue the case for my proposal – the End Prohibition Party
firstly it puts the emphasis on the prohibition and not the cannabis.
and i think for the issue to stand a real chance we need to take the focus off the cannabis itself and onto the harm that prohibition cause
the connatations of this are huge
with the current econimic climate people need jobs and the cannabis industry could provide thousands of jobs for UK citizens
The EPP is short and consice, says everything we want to say but puts it in a diffrent context.
by ending prohibition of cannabis we make it possible to reduce the harmful effects of other drugs – most importantly Alcahol and tobacco – the 1st and 3rd biggest killers.
i think that to take us into the future we need to look professional and we need to sound it
having the word legalise gives people the wrong impression
and it is wrong that this is the case
so does the word cannabis.
it shouldnt, but it does
we can stick by our aims completely and campaign for what we believe in, and i think the epp works on all the levels we need it to
Clark
Clark
March 4, 2011 at 5:43 pm
Simply put i like “the HRA” The Harm Reduction Alliance 🙂
Badger117
March 5, 2011 at 9:07 am