56% of voters in the state of Washington approved Initative 502, to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, on November 6th, 2012.
The law took effect on December 6th, 2012, 12:01a.m. Citizens and media from around the globe converged in Washington to celebrate the legal, recreational use of marijuana by adults - for the first time - and moving forward towards an end to prohibition, "the whole world is watching"
A Voice for Responsible Marijuana Smokers
Since its
founding in 1970, NORML has provided a voice in the public policy debate
for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end
to the practice of arresting marijuana smokers. A nonprofit
public-interest advocacy group, NORML represents the interests of the
tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly.
NORML supports the adoption of a legally controlled
market for marijuana, where consumers can buy marijuana for personal use
from a safe legal source.
NORML supports the removal of all penalties for the
private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults, including
cultivation for personal use, and casual nonprofit transfers of small
amounts. This policy, known as decriminalization, removes the consumer
-- the marijuana smoker -- from the criminal justice system, while
maintaining criminal penalties against those who sell or traffic large
quantities of the drug.
Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in
America (behind only alcohol and tobacco), and has been used by nearly
100 million Americans. Marijuana smoking can never be an excuse for
misconduct or other improper behavior.
Learn the 5 Principles of Responsible Use:
- Adults Only
- No Driving
- Set and Setting
- Resist Abuse
- Respect Rights of Others
NORML's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to
achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use
of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.
Adopted by the NORML Board of Directors, February 27, 1999
