cannabisnews.com: New James Madison U.Group Discusses Marijuana Law 





New James Madison U.Group Discusses Marijuana Law 
Posted by FoM on January 25, 2000 at 06:39:25 PT
By Sarah Jones, The Breeze, James Madison U.
Source: U-Wire
While the club's name might be considered an everyday word, NORML'S mission is anything but for James Madison University. NORML, which stands for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, is one of the newest additions to the list of JMU organizations. The official name of the club is NORML Citizens of JMU. 
The group was approved as a chapter on Nov. 29 by the national organization shortly after receiving recognition from JMU. The co-founders, junior Matt Moss, senior Jon Rund and senior Bryan Pollard are trying to educate JMU about the political issues surrounding cannabis. "We are out to educate people about the medicinal, industrial and recreational uses of marijuana," said Pollard, president of the JMU chapter of NORML. NORML was established as a national organization in the 1970s discussing the political issues involved with the use of marijuana and education of the public about marijuana-related issues. About 75 people turned out for the first NORML Citizens of JMU meeting held in December. The officers are hoping more people will come to the next meeting on Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. in Taylor 404. The club is counting on word of mouth to capture student and faculty attention. "We are hoping to bring people together over this one issue to try and change the political spectrum," Pollard said. "We aren't affiliated with any one political party. The meetings are not for networking. It is important that people understand that we do not condone the use of marijuana (as it is stated in the club's constitution, article II). I have no control over what people do before and after the meetings, but during them we are there to discuss the political and legal issues." In its effort to educate, NORML has a Web site, www.norml.org that contains information ranging from studies on the benefits of medicinal uses of marijuana to what to do if you are caught with the drug. Richard Lippke, the group's adviser and professor of philosophy, said that although he may not agree with all of the issues the group discusses, it is important to raise discussions in open, fair and rational ways. "I taught a course on crime and punishment last semester," Lippke said. "At one point during the class we talked about the legalization of drugs, which is probably why the students saw me as an approachable faculty member to be their adviser." One student was concerned about JMU's support for NORML. Freshman Dan Fatton said, "[NORML] carries a stigma with it. By standing up and supporting marijuana you are risking something, but if everyone did stand up for the causes of decriminalization and ultimately legalization, NORML would carry a lot more influence in the political spectrum." (C) 2000 The Breeze via U-WIRE  (U-WIRE) HARRISONBURG, Va. Published: January 24, 2000Copyright © 1995-2000 Excite Inc. NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/ NORML's State Linkshttp://www.norml.org/about/chapters.shtmlCannabis News NORML Archives:http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml
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Comment #1 posted by J Christen-Mitchell on January 25, 2000 at 06:48:28 PT:
Permant Brain Damage Results In:
"James Madison was once heard to say that smoking hemp inspired him to found a new nation on democratic principles." from The Great Book of Hemp by Rowan Robinson from "Pot and Presidents" Green Egg 1975
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