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National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the legalization and regulation of marijuana in the United States. It works to reform cannabis laws at the state and federal level, focusing on educating the public and policymakers about the potential benefits of marijuana use and the harms of prohibition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. NORML was founded in 1970 and is one of the oldest and most prominent organizations advocating for marijuana law reform in the United States.
  2. The organization's primary goals are to legalize the use of marijuana for adults, decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, and promote the medical use of cannabis.
  3. NORML has state and local chapters across the country, which work to influence legislation and policy at the state and municipal levels.
  4. The organization has been instrumental in the passage of numerous state-level marijuana legalization and decriminalization laws, as well as the legalization of medical marijuana in many states.
  5. NORML's advocacy efforts include lobbying lawmakers, filing legal challenges, and educating the public through media campaigns and educational resources.

Review Questions

  • Explain how NORML's advocacy efforts have influenced the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana in the United States.
    • NORML has been a leading voice in the push for marijuana law reform in the United States. Through its lobbying efforts, legal challenges, and public education campaigns, the organization has played a significant role in the passage of numerous state-level laws that have legalized the use of marijuana for adults and decriminalized the possession of small amounts. NORML's advocacy has helped to shift public opinion and pressure lawmakers to adopt more progressive cannabis policies, paving the way for further legalization and decriminalization efforts across the country.
  • Describe the key strategies and tactics NORML employs to achieve its goal of reforming marijuana laws.
    • NORML utilizes a multi-pronged approach to advocate for marijuana law reform. This includes lobbying lawmakers at the state and federal levels, filing legal challenges to existing laws, and engaging in public education campaigns to raise awareness about the potential benefits of cannabis and the harms of prohibition. The organization also works to build coalitions with other advocacy groups and mobilize grassroots support for its initiatives. Additionally, NORML's state and local chapters play a crucial role in influencing legislation and policy at the state and municipal levels, where much of the progress on marijuana reform has occurred in recent years.
  • Analyze the broader societal and political implications of NORML's work in the context of interest group activity and the policymaking process.
    • NORML's efforts to reform marijuana laws can be viewed as a case study in the role of interest groups in the policymaking process. As an advocacy organization, NORML seeks to influence public opinion and pressure lawmakers to adopt its preferred policies. Its lobbying, legal challenges, and public education campaigns are all aimed at shaping the political landscape and overcoming opposition to marijuana legalization and decriminalization. The success of NORML's efforts has had significant implications for the criminal justice system, public health, and the broader social and economic fabric of the United States. Its work illustrates how interest groups can play a crucial role in driving policy change, particularly on issues where there is a significant divide between public opinion and existing laws.