NORML
It's not for everyone, but it's not a crime
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is a voice for responsible marijuana smokers who oppose marijuana prohibition.
NORML (The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) is a US-based nonprofit group whose aim is to move public opinion and achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty. Since its founding in 1970, NORML has provided a voice in the public policy debate for tens of millions of Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end to the practice of arresting marijuana smokers.
In general, NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts, and supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana.
History
NORML was founded in 1970, and in its early years the organization played a central role in the marijuana decriminalization movement. During the 1970s, NORML led the successful efforts to decriminalize minor marijuana offenses in 11 states and significantly lower marijuana penalties in all others. In 1972, NORML filed the first petition for cannabis rescheduling in the United States. NORML also supports the right of farmers to grow commercial, non-psychoactive hemp.
NORML was founded in 1970, and in its early years the organization played a central role in the marijuana decriminalization movement. During the 1970s, NORML led the successful efforts to decriminalize minor marijuana offenses in 11 states and significantly lower marijuana penalties in all others. In 1972, NORML filed the first petition for cannabis rescheduling in the United States. NORML also supports the right of farmers to grow commercial, non-psychoactive hemp.
Today NORML continues to lead the fight to reform state and federal marijuana laws, whether by voter initiative or through the elected legislatures. NORML serves as an informational resource to the national media on marijuana-related stories, providing a perspective to offset the anti-marijuana propaganda from the government; lobbies state and federal legislators in support of reform legislation; publishes a regular newsletter; hosts, along with the NORML Foundation, an informative web site and an annual conference; and serves as the umbrella group for a national network of citizen-activists committed to ending marijuana prohibition and legalizing marijuana.
The oldest and largest marijuana legalization organization in the country, NORML maintains a professional staff in Washington, DC, headed by Executive Director (and NORML founder) Keith Stroup, and a network of volunteer state and local NORML Chapters across the country.
NORML also has chapters in Canada, New Zealand, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Norway and Jamaica.
NORML also has chapters in Canada, New Zealand, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Norway and Jamaica.
NORML Foundation
The NORML Foundation, the organization's tax-exempt unit, sponsors public advertising campaigns to better educate the public about marijuana and alternatives to current marijuana policy; provides legal assistance and support to victims of the current laws; and undertakes relevant research.
For instance, in October 1998, NORML's Paul Armentano and Jon Gettman published a NORML Report on U.S. Domestic Marijuana Production that was widely cited in the mainstream media. The report methodically estimated the value and number of marijuana plants grown in 1997, finding that DEA, state and local law enforcement agencies seized 32% of domestic marijuana plants planted that year. According to the report, "Marijuana remains the fourth largest cash crop in America despite law enforcement spending an estimated $10 billion annually to pursue efforts to outlaw the plant".
The NORML Foundation, the organization's tax-exempt unit, sponsors public advertising campaigns to better educate the public about marijuana and alternatives to current marijuana policy; provides legal assistance and support to victims of the current laws; and undertakes relevant research.
For instance, in October 1998, NORML's Paul Armentano and Jon Gettman published a NORML Report on U.S. Domestic Marijuana Production that was widely cited in the mainstream media. The report methodically estimated the value and number of marijuana plants grown in 1997, finding that DEA, state and local law enforcement agencies seized 32% of domestic marijuana plants planted that year. According to the report, "Marijuana remains the fourth largest cash crop in America despite law enforcement spending an estimated $10 billion annually to pursue efforts to outlaw the plant".
Link: NORML website
Rate:
Related Content
 Raising awareness of the consequences of drug prohibition
Rate:
Location: Pro-Cannabis Organizations / Articles |
 by Clint
Rate:
Location: Cannabis and Health / Articles |
 A new research
Rate:
(2.6)Location: Cannabis and Health / Articles |
 Cannabis as medicine
Rate:
Location: Cannabis and Health / Pro-Cannabis Organizations |
By Michael R. Paley, jewishpress.com
Rate:
(4.4)Location: Pro-Pot Info > Cannabis and the Law |
Marijuana Policy Project, 6/30/06
Rate:
|
Add Feedback