Pubdate: Thu, 14 Apr 2005
Source: Chronicle, The (NY Edu)
Contact:  http://www.hofstrachronicle.com
Author: Steve Miller
Cited: National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
http://www.norml.org/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

'IT'S NORML TO SMOKE POT'

Prohibition and drug policy in America have been in and out of the
national spotlight for the greater part of the 20th century. Beginning
primarily with the prohibition of alcohol during the 1920s, it
continues today with its attempts at marijuana.

Since its founding in 1970, The National Organization to Reform
Marijuana Laws (NORML) has provided a voice in the public policy
debate for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor
an end to the practice of arresting marijuana smokers. A new chapter
of NORML was brought to the University on Tuesday, when it became an
official campus club.

The political activist group, whose slogan "It's NORML to smoke pot,"
will provide an outlet and voice for students, teachers and faculty
who oppose marijuana prohibition. By stimulating a rational discussion
in an educational forum, they hope to educate the entire campus on the
multi-faceted issues regarding marijuana and the marijuana policy for
a more rational and cost-effective plan.

In addition, the group will provide education into the many industrial
and agricultural applications of hemp and marijuana for medical use
and alternative approaches to current criminalization practices.
Discussions of the subjects, speakers, fundraisers and trips will be
conducted at weekly meetings.

"The vast majority of marijuana smokers, like most other Americans,
are good citizens who work hard, raise families, pay taxes and
contribute in a positive way to their communities," said Jake Smith,
sophomore and president of the new University chapter. "They are
certainly not part of the crime problem in this country and it's
unfair to continue to treat them as criminals. The only way to change
this is for more of us to take an active role and get the word out."

Heather Gibbons, president of the Student Government Association (SGA)
recently commented on the group's acceptance as an official club,
suggesting it was great to bring onto campus.

"The Student Government and the University have the responsibility for
allowing all students to have their view points heard and as an
educational institute it is our job to educate students on what is
going on around them on a national level," she said. "We have had a
similar political activist group on campus in previous years, such as
the Hemp Club, that have been great and very respectable in promoting
their view points and opinions."

When thinking of a group like NORML which supports reforming marijuana
laws, one might assume its members would be promoting its use. In
fact, Brian Turow, treasurer of the University's NORML chapter, it is
quite the opposite.

"We don't encourage or promote more drug use. As a club and part of a
large organization, we are simply attempting to inform people of why
these laws should be reexamined," he said. "The negative consequences
primarily associated with marijuana, such as an arrest or jail time,
are the result of the criminal prohibition of marijuana, not the use
itself."

Jessica Wallerstein, sophomore religious studies major, believes this
is a good organization to have here at the University.

"It is a voice for responsible marijuana smokers. It informs people of
what is going on around them in terms of the new laws being enforced
and how it will affect us all," she said.

NORML hopes to have the editor of High Times Magazine come to speak at
various meetings and looks forward to taking part in Global Marijuana
Day and the National NORML conference in Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin