NORML, or the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws, is dedicated to moving public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty. They have local groups around the country that exist to help spread their message. To find a chapter near you click here and then on your state. Their website is rich with valuable credible information.
The San Antonio NORML Chapter recently wrote a blog about Chronic Relief. Thank you Karli! I am grateful to Karli Duran, the co-founder of San Antonio NORML and defense attorney and cannabis activist Jamie Balagia, for their support of this project. Their encouragement and insight was an important factor in MyChronicRelief growing into something more than a short e-cookbook.
In fact, it was Karli who invited me to my first NORML event in May 2012 where I received an incredible education about the legalization movement. Two things about the crowd really stuck out in my mind. I was surprised by the number of yuppie-looking 20 somethings (whom I had perceived as generally apathetic about politics) who were so visibly passionate and vocal about the issue and the diversity of the crowd. It gave me inspiration to be willing to speak more freely with people about my views on cannabis.
For the last year, I have pondered the dangers of publicly advocating for the reform of cannabis laws. Finally, it has dawned on me that while cannabis is illegal under federal law, talking about it and educating people about it is not. The more we are willing to have real and substantive conversations about cannabis and its merits as a medicine, and as a safe intoxicant the more public opinion changes, the more people are willing to speak up, and then and only then laws will change.
It is especially important that we communicate directly with our elected officials. If they never hear about what is important to us, how can they represent us effectively? Texas NORML provides tips for how to communicate with your elected officials. The guidelines they provide are helpful regardless of where you live. Additionally, they have created a helpful Legislators Education Guide for you to print and share with your elected officials. Please read it yourself so that you can be an excellent spokesperson for the issue!
Visit our Resources Page to learn about other quality organizations working to legalize cannabis.
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