NORML promotes legalization of marijuana to apprehensive audience

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, was presented to SGA by the local chapter's founders and it became official an official student organization on April 13th of this year. Chris Cahill, a senior from Memphis, Tenn., and president of the UTC chapter of NORML, said he felt inspired to start a local chapter of the national organization after writing a paper about NORML for an intro to non-profits class at UTC.

"Membership is open to all UTC students with a 2.0 GPA for $15, and you get a T-shirt," Cahill said. "You can find us on Facebook at UT Chattanooga NORML."

Cahill says he is proud of the success the organization has had since hosting a bake sale on April 19th during which 200 students and faculty members signed a paper to voice their support of NORML and its goals.

David Boyd, a Jackson, Tenn. freshman, said the issue of the legalization of marijuana creates mixed feelings amoung students.

"It's kind of a tough issue," he said.

Dr. Jennifer Beech, faculty advisor for NORML, said, "I'm proud to see members of our youth generation taking part in participatory democracy. The members of the local chapter are highly organized and very thoughtful in their approach to civic discourse."

"I'm excited to keep students informed with the most up-to- date information and articles on the legalization effort and to promote NORML's principles for responsible use: adults only, no driving, respect the rights of others, be aware of the situation, and resist abuse.," she said.

Emma Hall, a sophomore from Estill Springs, Tenn., said, "To truly become decided on the cause, I would need more information." Hall said the group should be working harder to inform students.

"NORML may be a very well-informed group but their presentation gave me the impression that they aren't very serious and don't have all the information I would be seeking if I seriously wanted to learn about medical marijuana," she said.

Hall spoke about the humor involved in NORML's advertisements, such as the flyers around campus, which begin with the question, "Want a brownie?"

"As a whole NORML is a pretty positive influence," Boyd said. "I would like to see more of a push on non-inhalation uses for recreational marijuana. I think if we could move towards that, we would be much better off."

Cahill said that students should do their homework before finalizing their opinions.

"You're paying a lot for this war on drugs that you don't even care about," he said. "Let's cut taxes and raise some revenue by opening up a new market.