Join the Legal Committee
View Lawyer Listings | Join the Legal Committee
The NORML Legal Committee (NLC) is composed of attorneys committed to the overall goals of NORML. NLC attorneys meet each year in Key West and Aspen to discuss emerging legal issues related to defense of marijuana consumers, and to support each other in the pursuit of justice. The NLC assists NORML by informing NORML of current trends in law enforcement and important judicial decisions, providing NORML with copies of relevant briefs and other legal documents, and by making themselves available to provide expert legal assistance in important cases. These top-notch criminal defense lawyers regularly defend individuals charged with marijuana offenses, and they frequently provide pro bono assistance in important or unusual cases which may set favorable legal precedent or otherwise impact public policy. A few of the many victories NORML lawyers have won include:
- Securing the right of some patients to use marijuana medicinally, via the defense of medical necessity.
- Halting government use of dangerous herbicides (e.g., paraquat) for marijuana eradication.
- Protecting marijuana smokers from double jeopardy.
- Protecting people from unreasonable searches and seizures.
- Limiting the National Guard's participation in enforcing marijuana prohibition.
- Securing access to parks and other public spaces for rallies, protests and concerts.
- Limiting law enforcement officers' ability to conduct random and warrantless searches of passenger buses.
- Limiting helicopter overflights and infrared searches.
- Securing the return of patients' seized marijuana.
NORML maintains a computer list-serve for the NLC where members can locate a needed brief or motion, find an expert witness, brainstorm the theory of a case, or seek other legal help. The NORML Foundation maintains a legal director who can provide help to NLC members who call for assistance.
Currently, more than 350 practicing defense attorneys belong to the NLC. By defending marijuana smokers and challenging inappropriate law enforcement activities, the NLC has been a major force in the fight against marijuana prohibition.
Personal Message from Steve Dillon, Esq., NORML board chair:
As the chairman of the board of NORML, and a longtime active member of the NORML Legal Committee (NLC), I urge you to join the NLC today. We need your support and assistance as we move closer to our goal of ending marijuana prohibition.
Following a long and discouraging period during which elected officials tried to prove their fitness for office by proposing even harsher penalties for marijuana and other drug offenses, there are unmistakable signs today that the long nightmare of marijuana prohibition may finally be coming to a close. Public attitudes increasingly support outright legalization with more than half of the public nationwide now opposing the idea of sending a marijuana smoker to jail, and three out of four supporting the medical use of marijuana.
We are winning the hearts and minds of the American public, and we are beginning to translate that public support into public policy.
Why Should I Be Involved in NORML and Marijuana Law Reform?
Until we have successfully legalized the responsible use of marijuana by adults, we must continue our efforts to provide support and assistance to the victims of the current laws, and to use the courts to move public policy in our direction. We must re-dedicate ourselves to providing the best possible legal defense for those who are arrested, until we can finally end prohibition and regain a measure of personal freedom.
I would like to challenge each of you to please take at least one pro bono marijuana case each year. Many of these defendants have no resources, and lack the resources to hire competent counsel.
What Are The Benefits Of Joining The NLC?
Attorneys who join the NORML Legal Committee (NLC) receive a discount at NORML's CLE seminars, qualify to advertise in High Times magazine, receive our weekly online news releases and state and federal legislative alerts, as well as exclusive access to the NORML NLC's email list-serve.
Additionally, NLC members are listed on NORML's popular webpage, where the victims of marijuana prohibition, their friends and family can turn to find competent and compassionate attorneys, especially those who specialize in criminal and drug defense work.
Last year, over 850,000 citizens were arrested on marijuana-related charges. NORML and its NLC is committed to aiding citizens ill-affected by our country's misguided marijuana policy.
Discount Registration Fees at NORML Legal Seminars
The NORML Legal Committee sponsors two legal seminars each year: one in Aspen, CO in early June; and the other in Key West, FL in early December. These are both qualified for CLE credit by all states that require attorneys to earn continuing legal education credits, and they present a wonderful opportunity to relax and spend time with colleagues who share your views on marijuana policy. If you join the NLC, you automatically qualify for a $100 reduction in the seminar registration fees.
Also, please sign up a friend or colleague who should be a member of the NLC.
Together we can make a difference!
Stephen W. Dillon, Esq.
Chair, NORML Board of Directors
If you have questions about NLC membership, please contact NORML by phone at 202-483-5500.
Mobile Applications
Find all your weed needs on the go with the NORML iPhone and Android Applications!
