NORML is pleased to announce that New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson (R) will be heading a list of prominent officials addressing the NORML 2001 Conference in Washington, DC, scheduled for April 19-21, 2001. The conference, entitled “4:20, A Celebration of Personal Freedom,” will be held at the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel.
Gov. Johnson, who has been a vocal advocate for ending the drug war and legalizing marijuana, will be the luncheon speaker on Thursday, April 19. Other featured speakers include Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), the principal Congressional sponsor of a federal medical use bill; San Francisco District Attorney Terence Hallinan; and ACLU Executive Director Ira Glasser, who will deliver the keynote speech on Thursday morning.
“The fact that these prominent elected officials will be appearing at the NORML conference is another sign that the position we espouse is finally gaining some traction with the American public,” said NORML Executive Director Keith Stroup. “Our opponents can no longer control the public debate by claiming those on our side of the issue are out of the mainstream. More and more public officials are finding the courage to challenge current policies, and political leaders such as Gov. Johnson, Rep. Frank and D.A. Hallinan are showing them the way.” Stroup says the underlying premise of the conference is “we should stop arresting responsible marijuana smokers.”
Throughout the 3-day conference, panels will address topics such as the medical use of marijuana; drug laws, civil liberties and discrimination; the courts and marijuana policy; a rational harm reduction policy regarding kids and marijuana; state voter initiatives; developments in Europe and Canada; and new strategies to respond to new opportunities. NORML has scheduled this conference to coincide with “4/20,” the date that has become associated in the popular culture as a special day for marijuana smokers — sort of what “It’s Miller time” has become to beer drinkers.
“We hope to build on that tradition and encourage reform supporters to join us in Washington, DC as a way to celebrate 4/20,” Stroup added.
Social events include a High Times/NORML opening reception on Thursday evening, with a silent art auction and a special awards presentation; and a special High Times 4/20 Celebration to benefit NORML on Friday evening. The annual NORML conference is open to all who support reforming marijuana policy. It provides an exceptional opportunity to meet and network with allies from across the country and prepare for the year ahead. For additional details and online registration, visit the NORML web site at www.norml.org.
