'The dopest dope, I eva smoked'
Nicole Giglia
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Features
Supporters of the legalization movement realize that they need to take the process one step at a time.
First on the list of goals for groups like The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Foundation, also known as NORML, is decriminalization of the current marijuana laws.
In an article for National Public Radio the executive director of NORML, Allen St.Pierre, advocates for marijuana as it is a less threatening drug.
"As compared to alcohol, pharmacologically speaking, it is a remarkably safe and nontoxic drug," said St. Pierre.
With their motto "Yes We Cannabis!" the foundation is calling for "the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts."
NORML released a public service announcement on April 20, the unofficial "stoner" holiday, in support of the relaxing of marijuana laws.
The ad, which is available for viewing on the NORML.org Web site, portrays various individuals from lawyers to doctors to teachers, who explain how they lost everything, because "laws are more dangerous than the drug itself."
NORML argues thousands of people have lost their jobs due to their involvement with marijuana even though they are responsible smokers.
"I don't think the laws are too strict," said Bavasi. "Right now the drug is illegal and if you possess it you should have to pay the consequences."
The organization also attributes the overcrowding of prisons to the unnecessary imprisonment of "non-violent offenders" and advises President Obama that marijuana can save our economy.
"Our economy isn't going to turn around over night with the legalization of marijuana," said Bavasi.
"Though it would be interesting to see what kind of effect it would have if it were legalized."
First on the list of goals for groups like The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Foundation, also known as NORML, is decriminalization of the current marijuana laws.
In an article for National Public Radio the executive director of NORML, Allen St.Pierre, advocates for marijuana as it is a less threatening drug.
"As compared to alcohol, pharmacologically speaking, it is a remarkably safe and nontoxic drug," said St. Pierre.
With their motto "Yes We Cannabis!" the foundation is calling for "the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts."
NORML released a public service announcement on April 20, the unofficial "stoner" holiday, in support of the relaxing of marijuana laws.
The ad, which is available for viewing on the NORML.org Web site, portrays various individuals from lawyers to doctors to teachers, who explain how they lost everything, because "laws are more dangerous than the drug itself."
NORML argues thousands of people have lost their jobs due to their involvement with marijuana even though they are responsible smokers.
"I don't think the laws are too strict," said Bavasi. "Right now the drug is illegal and if you possess it you should have to pay the consequences."
The organization also attributes the overcrowding of prisons to the unnecessary imprisonment of "non-violent offenders" and advises President Obama that marijuana can save our economy.
"Our economy isn't going to turn around over night with the legalization of marijuana," said Bavasi.
"Though it would be interesting to see what kind of effect it would have if it were legalized."
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