“In the majority of states, these cannabis businesses have been deemed essential during this pandemic. But at the federal level, they are being cast aside by Congress,” NORML Political Director Justin Strekal said in a statement.

Although NORML and other advocacy groups asked that state-legal marijuana businesses gain access to this relief, that language did not make it into the legislation.

The inclusion of the SAFE Banking Act in the CARES 2 package is a positive development, but one that’s akin to applying a band-aid to a gaping wound," said Justin Strekal, a lobbyist and political director for NORML. "In the majority of states, these cannabis businesses have been deemed essential during this pandemic. But at the federal level, they are being cast aside by Congress. Those small cannabis businesses facing tough economic times are essentially being told by Congress to shutter their doors and fire their employees.”

“The inclusion of the SAFE Banking Act in the CARES 2 package is a positive development, but one that’s akin to applying a band-aid to a gaping wound,” said Justin Strekal, the political director of the marijuana advocacy group NORML.

“Those small cannabis businesses facing tough economic times are essentially being told by Congress to shutter their doors and fire their employees,” said Justin Strekal, political director of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

Justin Strekal, political director at the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said he continues to talk with House committees about waiving jurisdiction — as the House Small Business Committee did earlier this year — in an effort to speed a floor vote.

Justin Strekal, the political director of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), said the study shows that more work must be done to address issues of systemic racism in the War on Drugs.

In advance of that, Americans for Safe Access, the Marijuana Policy Project, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and the National Cannabis Industry Association sent their letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

Paul Armentano is the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

According to NORML, “changes in the legal status of cannabis have not been associated with any significant adverse effects on workplace safety and, overall, off-the-job marijuana use has not been statistically associated with increased occupational accidents or injuries—as per the findings of the National Academy of Sciences and others.”

"It's a big deal. We can say Virginia legalized medical cannabis," said Jenn Michelle Pedini, executive director of Virginia NORML, the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform Marijuana Laws. "No one should face criminal penalties for participating in a state sanctioned health care program."

Greg Kremenliev, Contra Costa co-chair of the marijuana advocacy group NORML, applauded Concord’s new rules. In a written public comment, he called it “ a milestone for our city.”

While COVID-19 cases peak and stay-at-home orders remain in place, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is advising cannabis consumers with access to legal weed to stock up on product in advance of April 20th, and weed lovers are figuring out new ways to celebrate the most epic day in cannabis culture.

National marijuana legalization group NORML, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, encouraged cannabis users to stay inside and not throw parties.

In Washington, D.C., Justin Strekal of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws says misinformation about what cannabis can and cannot accomplish in this crisis has resulted in a sharp spike in calls to his office.

Justin Strekal, political director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, commonly known as NORML, also thinks the lack of investment would have catastrophic consequences. "As a result of federal prohibition, this industry receives discriminatory treatment like no other sector of the economy," he said.

Richard Cowan is an ex national director of NORML, and strives to educate his generation on the benefits of CBD usage.

As a result of these jumps — and the potential for increased risk among those who smoke cannabis — marijuana nonprofit NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) has been speaking out and urging users to stay safe.

Richard Cowan is an ex national director of NORML, and strives to educate his generation on the benefits of CBD usage.

Richard Cowan is an ex national director of NORML, and strives to educate his generation on the benefits of CBD usage.