The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is one of the leading advocacy groups focused on cannabis policy reform in the United States. Founded in 1970, NORML has spent over five decades pushing for the decriminalization, legalization, and responsible use of marijuana, particularly in relation to adult use and medicinal purposes. The organization aims to provide a voice for Americans who support legalizing cannabis and offers a platform for grassroots activism, engaging communities across the country in the pursuit of sensible cannabis laws.
NORML’s primary purpose is to reform cannabis laws that criminalize possession and use, particularly when these laws are outdated and harmful to individuals and communities. Historically, cannabis prohibition has led to excessive arrests, particularly among minority communities, leading to disparities in the criminal justice system. NORML works to change these policies through lobbying efforts, public education, and legal advocacy, helping pave the way for states to adopt more progressive stances on cannabis.
One of NORML’s key goals is the national decriminalization of cannabis, which involves removing criminal penalties for possession and personal use. The organization also advocates for the full legalization of cannabis for adult use, supporting regulatory frameworks that treat marijuana similarly to alcohol and tobacco. In addition, NORML promotes the expansion of medical marijuana programs that provide patients with legal access to cannabis for therapeutic purposes, believing that patients should have the right to use cannabis as a natural and less harmful alternative to pharmaceuticals.
Cannabis policy reform, according to NORML, should be grounded in science and focused on public health and safety. The organization emphasizes the need for clear guidelines around safe consumption, responsible advertising, and the prevention of underage use. They also highlight the importance of expunging criminal records for non-violent cannabis-related offenses, allowing individuals affected by prohibition to rebuild their lives without the burden of a criminal record. By addressing these issues, NORML aims to create a more just and equitable legal framework for cannabis.
In recent years, NORML has seen significant victories at the state level, as more than 40 states have now legalized cannabis in some form, either for medicinal or recreational use. However, NORML remains focused on achieving federal cannabis legalization and eliminating the conflict between state and federal laws. This includes lobbying Congress to pass federal reform bills, such as the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act), which seeks to deschedule marijuana and address the racial disparities caused by cannabis prohibition.
NORML’s efforts have transformed the national conversation around cannabis, shifting it from a criminal justice issue to one of personal freedom, health, and economic opportunity. By continuing to educate the public, support research, and engage lawmakers, NORML remains at the forefront of the movement to create fair and balanced cannabis policies in the United States.
Learn More: From State to State: The Legal Hurdles of Cannabis Reciprocity