NORML UK
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NORML, the oldest and largest cannabis lobby group in the world has started a British chapter.
NORML founded in 1970 in the USA, leads the fight to reform state and federal marijuana laws. It has had a certain level of success to some degree, with 17 US states now accepting some form of de-crmininalisation of cannabis or permitting medical usage.
NORML serves as an informational resource in support of reform legislation to the national media on cannabis-related stories, providing a perspective to offset the anti-cannabis propaganda from government and other lobbies.
NORML UK aims to do the same in Great Britain. Its Mission Statement published online is:
“NORML UK seeks to gain recognition for the rights of people to peacefully pursue activities relating to cannabis without unwarranted intervention by the authorities.”
NORML UK has the endorsement of internationally acclaimed author and former cannabis smuggler, Howard Marks.
Howard Marks, whose bestselling autobiography, Mr Nice, which has been translated into several languages and made into feature film, launched NORML UK at the annual Global Marijuana March in Cardiff, on May 5th 2012.
Howard Marks said: “I am delighted NORML now have a presence in the UK. Opposition to the appalling laws against cannabis is global with an increasing number of countries moving towards reform. It’s vital we are all unified and help each other and of paramount importance that the UK has a strong and credible cannabis campaigning organisation. I welcome NORML UK and wish them all the luck in the world.”
Allen St Pierre, Executive Director of NORML in the USA said: “It is with great pleasure and admiration to be joined at NORML by citizens in the United Kingdom who also oppose Cannabis Prohibition laws in favor of alternative public policies that legally control and tax the popular (and ancient) herbal drug and medicine.” With over 150 domestic chapters in the United States, NORML UK now joins other international NORML chapters in countries such as Canada, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
“Working hard together, and in our respective countries, cannabis law reform continues to gain popularity among both the general public and with elected policymakers,” said Mr St Pierre.