The Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization, setting NORML policy and approving policy initiatives. The Board, comprised of 16 individuals, elects the officers of the corporation, whose responsibilities are defined in the bylaws, and hires the Executive Director.

Currently the board includes prominent scientists, researchers, businessmen and women, writers, attorneys and producers, including television and movie producer Ann Druyan; author and commentator Barbara Ehrenreich, and NORML founder, public-interest attorney Keith Stroup.

Paul Kuhn, a long-time NORML supporter and activist from Nashville, TN, serves as chair of the Board, and Norm Kent, Esq., a publisher and criminal defense attorney based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, serves as vice-chair.