A Personal Message from NORML’s Founder

I’m writing to make sure you saw the post from our Deputy Director Paul Armentano last week. With just a few short weeks to go before the big marijuana legalization votes on Election Day, I first wanted to thank all of you who have already donated. Without support from people like you, NORML wouldn’t have been able to continue our fight for nationwide marijuana legalization for over four decades.

November 8th will be one of the most important days for us as a movement and that’s why I wanted to take a minute to send you a personal message asking you to stand with NORML during these crucial weeks leading up to the big votes:

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM NORML FOUNDER KEITH STROUP.

A personal message from NORML founder Keith Stroup

In order to ensure big wins on Election Day and take our fight to city councils, state legislatures, and Congress in 2017 and beyond, we need to know you are with us.

Please consider donating $ 25, $ 50, $ 100, or whatever you can afford today.

Together, we WILL legalize marijuana across this great country.

Donate to NORML

URGENT: Marijuana Legalization Needs Your Help!
by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
October 14, 2016

In just a few weeks, voters in nine states will go to the polls to vote on crucial marijuana policy reforms at a time when national polling shows that the public’s support for legalization has never been greater. I’m pleased to say that NORML is playing a key role in moving public sentiment toward marijuana sanity.

From day one, NORML’s chief mission has been to move public and political opinion sufficiently so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer criminalized and stigmatized. We do so by presenting credible, evidence-based information about marijuana and marijuana policy reform to the general public, the mainstream media, pundits, and policymakers. And nobody does it better than we do.

NORML remains the most well-known and most trusted source of cannabis-centric information in the United States. Nearly 30 percent of the entire American public is familiar with NORML and its mission, according to a 2016 YouGov poll, and the overwhelming majority of those who identify as marijuana consumers say that they possess a favorable impression of our organization.

Read more »

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

South Carolina: Lawmakers Fail To Consider Medical Marijuana Program Act

Members of the Senate Medical Affairs and House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee have failed to act on legislation, SB 672 and H. 4037, the Medical Marijuana Program Act. The 2016 legislative session has now come to a close. 

The legislation sought to allow the use of medical marijuana for debilitating medical conditions such as cancer and glaucoma, upon the written request of a provider who furnishes a medical recommendation to the department. It would have also allowed for a registered patient or caregiver to possess up to, “two one-ounce packages of marijuana in leaf form, one ounce of cannabis oil concentrate, or eight ounces of diluted cannabis oil.”

NORML would like to thank those of you who contacted your state lawmakers in support of this legislation. 

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns

Categories: Industrial Hemp Legislation | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NORML Sues Over Missing Ballot Item in Florida

chapter_spotlightThe Florida’s chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) has filed a civil lawsuit against the Broward County Commissioner of Elections, after media and news reports revealed that mail in ballots have been sent to voters omitting the state’s medical marijuana constitutional amendment.

The claim was just filed by NORML’s national vice chairman, Fort Lauderdale attorney Norm Kent, and his law partner, Russell Cormican, on behalf of Florida NORML and Karen Goldstein, NORML Florida’s chair, a West Park, Broward County voter.

The plaintiff’s are seeking a judicial declaration enjoining the Defendant’s from distributing any further ballots, and implementing an emergency plan to issue new ones which insure the inclusion of the proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot.

Norm Kent
Counsel
954 661 3361 cel

Russell Cormican
Counsel
954 803 8724

Karen Goldstein
Plaintiff
954 303 9254

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NORML’s Legislative Round Up October 21, 2016

take_actionWith Election Day less than three weeks away we’re excited to share with you the latest polling information from states with pending marijuana related ballot initiatives, as well as breaking news from another state that may be setting the stage for full legalization next year. A summary of this year’s crop of marijuana-centric ballot initiatives is available online here.

NORML is also pleased to announce that next week we will be releasing our first ever, Governors Report Card. Inspired by our Congressional Scorecard, this report will provide a letter grade for the Governors of all 50 states. Which Governors have been supportive of reforms and which ones have stood in the way of progress? We’ll give your Governor a grade so you know exactly where your Governor stands. If you aren’t yet subscribed to our Newsletter, sign up today so you can be the first to receive the Governors Scorecard in your inbox!

Now, keep reading below to get the latest in marijuana law reform!

Arizona: Half of Arizona voters intend to vote ‘yes’ in favor of Proposition 205: The Arizona Legalization and Regulation of Marijuana Act, according to an Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News poll. Forty percent of voters oppose the initiative. The Act allows adults age 21 and older to possess and to privately consume and grow limited amounts of marijuana (up to one ounce of marijuana flower, up to five grams of marijuana concentrate, and/or the harvest from up to six plants) and provides regulations for a retail cannabis marketplace.

Delaware: A September poll by the University of Delaware shows that 61 percent of residents surveyed support marijuana legalization. The survey, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International on Sept. 16-28, consisted of 900 phone interviews. Last year Delaware decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana, reclassifying the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis by those age 21 and over from a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a criminal record, to a civil violation punishable by a $ 100 fine only — no arrest, and no criminal record.

Last week, the state’s Senate majority whip said that she would propose a bill in January to legalize marijuana for adult use in the state. We’ll have an #ActionAlert out soon so you can #TakeAction in support of this legislation.

cannabis_pillsFlorida: According to an October poll by the University of North Florida, 77 percent of respondents said they’ll vote for Amendment 2, which would expand medical marijuana access in the state. Passage of the amendment would permit qualified patients to possess and obtain cannabis from state-licensed facilities. Under Florida law, 60 percent of voters must approve a constitutional amendment in order for it to become law. In November 2014, Floridians narrowly rejected a similar amendment, which received 58 percent of the vote.

Massachusetts: According to a WBUR poll released this week, support for marijuana legalization is rising. Fifty-five percent of likely voters now say they favor allowing adults to use recreational marijuana, an increase of five percentage points from a similar poll performed last month. Question 4 permits adults to possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis and to grow up to six plants for non-commercial purposes. The measure also establishes regulations overseeing the commercial production and sale of the plant.

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Federal: Congress to Consider Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act of 2015

Congresswoman Diana Degette (D-CO) has reintroduced legislation, H.R. 3629, the Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act of 2015, to amend the Controlled Substances Act in a manner that allows marijuana-related businesses and consumers in states that have legalized marijuana to be safe from federal interference. 

According to a 2015 nationwide Pew Research poll, 59 percent of Americans agreed that the government  ”should not enforce federal marijuana laws in states that allow [its] use.”  State-specific surveys from early primary states, including Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, report even greater voter sentiment in favor of this position, which is supported by majorities of both Democrats and Republicans.

Yet despite this sentiment, the federal government continues to prosecute businesses and individuals in states that regulate marijuana for medical and personal use.

It’s time for the federal government to respect voters’ sentiments and to allow states to move forward with their respective marijuana policies free from the fear of federal prosecution.

Enter your zip code below to contact your Representative and urge them to support H.R. 3629, the Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act of 2015.

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns

Categories: Industrial Hemp Legislation | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida: Lawmakers Fail To Act On Marijuana Depenalization Measure

Legislation to depenalize marijuana possession offenses was never acted on this legislative session. 

House Bill 4021 would have removed cannabis from the Florida state schedule of controlled substances and removed all state criminal and civil penalties associated with the substance.

“We have a lot of people in prison for drug charges and non-violent charges, and I think it’s the wrong way to go about controlling drugs,” the bill’s sponsor said.

Florida ranks among the highest in the nation in marijuana possession arrests. Police annually arrest some 60,000 Floridians for possessing marijuana. Those found in possession of under 20 grams face up to one-year in prison while those found with greater quantities face a felony conviction and up to five years imprisonment.

Fifty-five percent of Florida voters say that they support allowing adults “to legally possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” according to 2015 survey data published by Quinnipiac University.

Enter your zip code below to contact your Representative and urge them to support the depenalization of marijuana offenses in the future. 

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns

Categories: Industrial Hemp Legislation | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Federal: Support the SMART Enforcement Act

Washington Congresswoman Suzan DelBene is sponsoring H.R. 3746, the State Marijuana and Regulatory Tolerance (SMART) Enforcement Act to protect medical patients, recreational consumers, and licensed businesses in states that have legalized marijuana. Under this proposal, the US federal Controlled Substances Act would be inapplicable with respect to states that have legalized and regulated marijuana in a manner that addresses key federal priorities, such as preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors, violence or use of firearms in cultivation and distribution of marijuana, and drugged driving. 

Says the sponsor in a press release: “My bill will fix the conflict between state and federal law by giving the U.S. Attorney General authority to waive the Controlled Substances Act for states that are effectively regulating marijuana themselves, such as Washington. It also resolves the banking issues that currently force dispensaries to operate on an unsafe, all-cash basis. These waivers will ensure people in states that have different laws than the federal government on marijuana are protected from prosecution, provided they meet certain requirements, as more and more states work to regulate marijuana in their own borders.”

Says NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano in a joint press release, “According to a recent Pew poll, an estimated 60 percent of Americans agree that the government should not enforce federal marijuana laws in states that allow use. The SMART Enforcement Act acknowledges this voter sentiment while also ensuring states are operating in a safe and responsible manner. Public sentiment and common sense are driving necessary and long overdue changes in state-level marijuana policies; America’s longstanding federalist principles demand that we permit these changes to evolve free from federal interference.”

It is time for federal lawmakers to cease ceding control of the marijuana market to untaxed criminal enterprises and allow state governments the opportunity to pursue alternative regulatory policies that comport with voters’ sentiments.

Please enter your zip code below to contact your House member and urge them to support this pending legislation. 

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns

Categories: Industrial Hemp Legislation | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Gallup: Record High Percentage Of Americans Back Legalizing Marijuana

Legalize marijuanaSixty percent of Americans believe that “the use of marijuana should be legal,” according to nationwide polling data released today by Gallup. The percentage is the highest level of support ever reported by the polling group, and represents more than a doubling in public support over the past two decades.

The data closely follows the release of polling data compiled by the Pew Research Center showing a similar, dramatic shift in public opinion in favor of legalization.

Those ages 18 to 34 (77 percent), Independents (70 percent), and Democrats (67 percent) were most likely to endorse legalization in the Gallup poll. Support was weakest among Republicans (42 percent) and those age 55 or older (45 percent).

The poll possesses a margin of error of +/- four percentage points.

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Federal: Senator Sanders Introduces Bill To Remove Marijuana From Controlled Substances Act

Vermont Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders has introduced legislation, S 2237, to remove marijuana from the US Federal Controlled Substances Act. The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2015 would deschedule cannabis from the CSA, as is alcohol and tobacco. This legislation provides states the power to establish their own marijuana policies and banking policies free from federal interference. 

The bill reads, “This Act shall not apply to marihuana, except that it shall be unlawful only to ship or transport, in any manner or by any means whatsoever, marihuana, from one State, territory, or district of the United States… to the jurisdiction thereof, into any other State, territory, district of the United States.”

Senator Sanders called cannabis’ present schedule I state under federal law “absurd.” He added: “In my view, the time is long overdue for us to remove the federal prohibition on marijuana. … [S]tates should have the right to regulate marijuana the same way that state and local laws now govern the sale of alcohol and tobacco.” He also said that state-compliant marijuana operations “should be fully able to use the banking system without fear of federal prosecution.”

The Senator’s latest position is consistent with the view of most voters. According to a 2015 Pew poll, 60 percent of Americans agree that the government “should not enforce federal marijuana laws in states that allow use,” while recent Gallup survey data finds that 58 percent of US citizens over the age of 18 believe cannabis should be legal for adults.

Please enter your zip code below to contact your Senators and urge them to support this pending legislation.

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns

Categories: Industrial Hemp Legislation | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vermont: House Members Turn Back Marijuana Reform Efforts

Members of the Vermont House spent over six hours on Tuesday, May 3, debating various amendments to reform marijuana policy, but ultimately decided against enacting any significant changes in law.

House lawmakers voted 121 to 28 to reject Senate-approved language that sought to regulate the adult use, commercial production, and retail sale of marijuana. Although the effort was publicly supported by Gov. Peter Shumlin and Attorney General William Sorrell, House members expressed little interest in seriously considering the measure.

House members also rejected a proposed compromise measure that sought to expand the state’s existing decriminalization law to also include the personal cultivation of marijuana. Representatives voted 77 to 70 to reject the measure.

Representatives also debated whether or not to put forward the question, “Should Vermont legalize marijuana for recreational purposes?” before voters as a non-binding initiative during the upcoming August primary election. Lawmakers decided against the proposal by a vote of 97 to 51.

House lawmakers did narrowly vote (77 to 68) in favor of provisions establishing an advisory commission to make recommendations to the legislature with regard to future marijuana policy. However, members of the Senate failed to concur with this language.

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns

Categories: Industrial Hemp Legislation | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment