cannabisnews.com: Chris Collins: NORML Chris Collins: NORML Posted by CN Staff on November 14, 2003 at 14:59:44 PT By Chris Collins Source: The Tiger NORML stands for The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The Clemson University chapter of this nationwide organization started last fall and was the first in South Carolina, achieving over 100 registered members. Since then, a NORML chapter has been started at the University of South Carolina and two community chapters have also started up. Contrary to popular beliefs, NORML is not a student organization full of pot heads sitting around talking about smoking. Former president and co-founder Terry Green explains, "We don't promote the use of marijuana as a drug. You're not going to walk in and hear people talking about smoking pot. That isn't what NORML is about. We are here to educate people on the decriminalization of marijuana, the legalization of medicinal marijuana and industrial hemp."This is echoed by current president and co-founder, Josh McGee. "We are an educational organization. We are here to talk about the global, political and social issues surrounding marijuana and hemp."NORML is a student organization that puts an emphasis on educating students and encouraging them to take part in many activities. Members are asked to not only take part in discussions, but to also give presentations on different aspects of marijuana and hemp and to become involved with NORML outside of college. Josh McGee highlights the benefits of such an organization, especially to freshmen. "NORML is excellent for freshmen, as being in a group of like-minded individuals can give them confidence to speak up, and provides them with a back bone for when they first arrive. It also encourages them to get involved with other student organizations and concerns, such as environmental issues."He also emphasizes that it isn't an organization just for marijuana smokers. It is not concerned with the currently illegal uses, but with reforming the laws and educating people about marijuana and hemp. They are also planning a debate for next semester, open to all students, where they hope they will be able to have a fair and objective discussion about marijuana and educate people to both sides of the argument. Meetings are regularly attended by guest speakers, from lawyers to faculty members, each giving their own ideas and approaches to marijuana.Other than simply educating members, they actively encourage people to become involved politically. McGee went in to great depth on how the Clemson chapter had become involved with trying to reform the Higher Education Act, which deals with student scholarships. Under current rules, any prospective student with any sort of drug charges is rejected of federal financial aid. NORML is looking to change this through petitioning and writing to South Carolina senators and directly to Congress.Aside from meetings, debates, forums and discussions, NORML also helps organize benefit concerts to help raise awareness. Following the success of this year's concert, which McGee was quick to point out that they had sold out, they are hoping to organize another for the spring semester in 2004. They also have screenings of documentary films intended to educate people on marijuana, such as the popular "Grass," which deals with the history on the war on marijuana, and is both highly informative and amusing. The Clemson chapter is even planning a trip to Europe next semester.NORML is an educational organization, encouraging student participation in debates and forums and to become involved in activism and other interests and concerns. If you are interested in becoming a member, the meetings are every Monday in Daniel Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and hear what NORML stands and fights for in their club. On NORML's site you can find a calendar of events, pictures and links to other helpful websites. In the reading room you will also find the Constitution of Clemson NORML and several other informative articles related to the club's cause. For more information about the club you can go to their website at: http://www.clemson.edu/~normlTake a look at the website and if you have any questions, you can also contact Josh McGee at: norml clemson.eduSource: Tiger, The (SC Edu)Author: Chris CollinsPublished: Friday, November 14, 2003 Copyright: 2003 The TigerContact: editor thetigernews.comWebsite: http://www.thetigernews.com/NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/CannabisNews NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #1 posted by Jose Melendez on November 16, 2003 at 07:59:36 PT DEA, watched. from:http://members.aol.com/deawatch/daily.htmWord on the political street tonight is George Bush's Top Secret CI in the Demon-crat Party and alleged secret drinking pal at Camp David -- who, like Bush, also cowardly joined the Air National Guard to avoid being drafted and sent to Vietnam -- has allegedly very recently gotten assistance from the Secret Service to keep either a family member or close friend of the family out of the pokey for a serious alleged drug violation. It's the hypocrisy, nepotism and corruption, STUPID. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment