National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is a nonprofit advocacy group in the United States. NORML seeks repeal of the legislated criminal penalties and to combat public misconceptions that have contributed to the prohibition of marijuana. Based in Washington, D.C., NORML seeks to shape policy to repeal those laws and ordinances that have outlawed the possession, [Page 558]cultivation, trade, and consumption of marijuana in the United States since the early 20th century. In pursuit of these objectives, NORML advocates legalization of marijuana as well as provides assistance to those facing prosecution under existing anti-marijuana laws. Since its inception, many policy changes for which NORML has advocated have come to pass, including a growing perception that marijuana is less dangerous than many ...