# Bylaws for the advocacy organization Stopp lidelsen

**28.02.25**

## § 1 Organization name
The organization's name is Stopp lidelsen (Stop the suffering).

## § 2 Purpose
Stopp lidelsen works to make medical cannabis genuinely accessible by prescription for all Norwegian patients who may benefit from it, and to break down stigma and prejudice associated with this group of medications.

## § 3 Organizational structure
The organization is an independent legal entity with members and is self-owned. Self-ownership means that no one, neither members nor others, has claim to the organization's assets or property, or is liable for debt or other obligations. The organization is primarily financed through donations.

## § 4 Members
The board members are the organization's only members.

## § 5 Rights and obligations of membership
All members have the right to participate in the annual meeting, have voting rights, and are eligible for elected positions in the organization. Members are obligated to comply with the bylaws and decisions made at board meetings and annual meetings.

## § 6 Annual meeting
The annual meeting, held every year, is the organization's highest authority. The annual meeting has quorum with the number of voting members present, and all members have one vote. The meeting chair is elected by the annual meeting.

Unless otherwise determined, a decision must be made by simple majority of votes cast to be valid. Ties are decided by drawing lots.

The annual meeting is convened by the board with at least two weeks' notice, directly to the members. Proposals to be considered at the annual meeting must be submitted to the board no later than one week before the annual meeting. Complete agenda and case documents must be available to members no later than 3 days before the annual meeting.

The annual meeting cannot consider proposals not listed on the agenda, unless 3/4 of those present demand it.

## § 7 Annual meeting responsibilities
The annual meeting shall be held by the end of April and shall:
- review the annual report
- review the accounts
- consider submitted proposals
- adopt the budget
- vote on any changes to the board composition

The fiscal year follows the calendar year.

## § 8 Extraordinary annual meetings
Extraordinary annual meetings are held when the board decides, or at least 1/3 of the board members demand it.

Notice is given in the same manner as for ordinary annual meetings, with at least one week's notice.

An extraordinary annual meeting can only consider and decide on matters announced in the notice.

## § 9 Board
The board is the highest authority between annual meetings and consists of a minimum of 3 members. The organization shall, as far as possible, consist of the competence and experience required to achieve our goal. Board members may hold their positions until they resign or the annual meeting decides otherwise. The board may appoint committees or individuals who are not members of the organization and prepares instructions for these. These report to the board.

The board shall hold meetings when the board chair or a majority of board members request it.

The board shall:
- implement annual meeting decisions
- administer and maintain necessary control of the organization's finances in accordance with applicable instructions and regulations
- represent the organization externally
- propose board members as needed

The board may make decisions when a majority of board members are present. Decisions are made by majority of votes cast.

## § 10 Signatory authority
Two board members jointly have signatory authority.

## § 11 Amendment of bylaws
Amendments to these bylaws can only be made at an ordinary or extraordinary annual meeting after being on the agenda, and require a 2/3 majority of votes cast.

## § 12 Dissolution
Dissolution of the organization can only be considered at an annual meeting and requires a 2/3 majority. The organization's assets shall, after dissolution and debt settlement, be allocated to the purpose the organization works to promote, by the net assets being given to an organization determined by the annual meeting.

No members have claim to the organization's funds or share thereof, or are liable for debt.
