I’m interning with NORML this summer because I want to learn more about cannabis law reform.
Although many people think that it is only a matter of time before cannabis is legalized nationwide, I have since learned that legalization is far from inevitable. The progress that has been made thus far is only possible through the work done by advocacy organizations like NORML. Instead of passively waiting for more states and eventually the federal government to legalize cannabis, I have joined NORML in their fight for sensible marijuana policies.
Before attending law school, I worked at a medical and recreational cannabis dispensary in New Jersey. I was there from the very first day of adult-use cannabis sales in the state, and I found it exciting and inspiring to see how much it meant to people to finally be able to purchase cannabis legally and openly, often for the first time. I have spoken with people who were eager to tell me that they had not consumed cannabis in decades, and that they never thought that they would be able to purchase these products legally in a store. I also spent time helping people who use cannabis to help manage the effects of cancer treatment, and people who were able to stop using prescription painkillers because they were now able to access cannabis. I met many individuals whose lives were improved by cannabis in a myriad of ways. This experience inspired me to attend law school and study cannabis law. By interning with NORML, I am able to gain a new perspective on the legal process and take part in efforts to reform cannabis policies nationwide.
Although the landscape surrounding cannabis has changed significantly in recent decades, the stigma surrounding cannabis use has not disappeared. In law school, I have found that most people tend to avoid the topic of cannabis policy, even though it remains a relevant legal issue to this day. While many, if not most, agree that the enforcement of cannabis prohibition laws has been used primarily to perpetuate systems of injustice and inequity, few people are willing to speak out in support of its repeal. I hope to return to law school this fall with the new tools that I’ve gained from my internship at NORML to help raise awareness about cannabis policy issues and encourage students to proudly and vocally show their support for cannabis law reform.
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