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legal marijuana2016 is a monumental year for marijuana law reform. With adult use meaures being approved in four states (CA, MA, ME, NV) the era of marijuana legalization is upon us.

mj plantMarijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in America (behind only alcohol and tobacco), and has been used by nearly 100 million Americans. According to government surveys, some 25 million Americans have smoked marijuana in the past year, and more than 14 million do so regularly despite harsh laws against its use. Our public policies should reflect this reality, not deny it.
 
NORML Blog

Read the NORML Blog for the latest news in marijuana law reform »

nlc logoMarijuana prohibition causes far more problems than it solves, and results in the needless arrest of hundreds of thousands of otherwise law abiding citizens each year. The NORML Legal Committee provides legal support and assistance to victims of the current marijuana laws.
 
us map selectFor 40 years, NORML has served as a clearinghouse for marijuana-related information. Much of this information is now available online in NORML's Library.
 

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform »

Working to reform marijuana laws
  • Read more by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director

    This Sunday, Nevada will become the seventh US state to eliminate criminal penalties specific to the adult possession and personal use of cannabis.

  • Read more by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director

    With little debate, House and Senate lawmakers voted today to significantly amend Massachusetts’ voter-initiated marijuana law. NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri called lawmakers’ decision a “slap in the face” to the nearly two million Massachusetts voters who decided in favor of Question 4 on Election Day. [UPDATE: Gov. Baker signed the language into law on Friday, December 30.]

  • Read more by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director

    The passage of medical marijuana legalization is associated with reduced traffic fatalities among younger drivers, according to data published online ahead of print in the American Journal of Public Health.

  • Read more by Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director

    National NORML, Michigan NORML and dozens of other state and local chapters have released an open letter to Vice President-Elect Pence seeking clarity and common sense from the incoming administration regarding marijuana policy.

  • Read more by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director

    The group opposing Maine’s marijuana legalization initiative has withdrawn its recount effort. The measure is now expected to be enacted 30 days after Gov. Paul LePage affirms the result.

  • Read more by NORML

    With eight states and the District of Columbia legalizing marijuana for adult use and more than half of the country allowing for the medical use of marijuana, it is time we double down on our efforts and finish the job. As we've done since 1970, NORML will be on the frontline fighting for legalization nationwide. Will you stand with us? We've set a goal of having 100 supporters sign up before January 1st. Can you help us reach that goal and spread the seeds of legalization nationwide?

  • Read more by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director

    Self-reported marijuana use continues to fall among younger teens, according to federally commissioned, nationwide survey data compiled by the University of Michigan.

  • Read more by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director

    Massachusetts today became the sixth US state to enact legislation eliminating criminal penalties specific to the adult possession and personal use of cannabis. The law change ends over a century-long policy of criminal cannabis prohibition in the Bay State. Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to criminalize the use of marijuana -- a policy it first enacted in 1911.