The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws or NORML (pronounced "normal") is a US-based non-profit corporation whose aim is, according to their most recent mission statement, "move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty." According to their website, 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. At least twelve states reduced marijuana from a criminal offense carrying jail time to a civil violation, payable by a small fine. However, the drug remained a Schedule I substance under federal law, prohibiting even medical use. In 1972, NORML filed the first petition for cannabis rescheduling in the United States, and was very active throughout the 1970's. NORML also supports the right of farmers to grow commercial, non-psychoactive hemp. NORML's history has been marred by controversy, and in recent years it has had trouble competing with newer, more action-oriented groups, such as the Marijuana Policy Project, which have attracted more funding and produced more tangible results. NORML now serves more as a service organization for marijuana users, while other groups take the lead in effecting policy change.
NORML Foundation
The NORML Foundation, the organization's tax-exempt unit, conducts educational and research activities. 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".
NORML has local chapters and affiliated organizations in most US states, and also in Canada, New Zealand, Czech Republic , Hungary, Israel, Norway and Jamaica.
Past NORML executive directors include:
Keith Stroup (1970-1979, 1995-2004)[2]
Jon Gettman (1986-1989)[3]
Richard Cowan (1992-1995)[4]
Allen St. Pierre (2005-present)
NORML has a lot of famous board members such as:
Tom Focade
Hunter S. Thompson (1938-2005)
Robert Altman
Woody Harrelson
Willy Nelson
Jack Black
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