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Legal Issues

Driven by the Drug War, the U.S. prison population is six to ten times as high as most Western European nations.

The United States is a close second only to Russia in its rate of incarceration per 100,000 people. In 2000, more than 734,000 people were arrested in this country for marijuana-related offenses alone.

Marijuana prohibition causes more problems than it solves, and ruins thousands more lives than it supposedly tries to save. The NORML Legal Department provides legal support and assistance to victims of the current marijuana laws. NORML also monitors developments in state and federal law, and files appellate and amicus curiae ("friend of the court") briefs in cases which may affect the interpretation of existing marijuana laws, or which will, hopefully, change them.

In 2001, NORML filed an amicus curiae brief in a case before the Supreme Court which involved patient support groups ("buyers' clubs") that provide medical marijuana to seriously ill patients in California. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court's decision was not favorable to the buyers' clubs, and now tens of thousands of seriously ill patients who use marijuana to relieve their pain and suffering will no longer have a safe and secure source for their medical marijuana.

In 2002, NORML filed another amicus curiae brief in support of students at an Oklahoma public high school who did not wish to be drug-tested prior to participating in extra-curricular activities such as the chess club, the marching band, and Future Farmers of America.

This section of NORML's website provides important information for the marijuana consumer: state-by-state laws on marijuana penalties; alphabetical and state listings of attorneys on NORML's Legal Committee; a detailed description of your rights, including a NORML Foundation Freedom Card you may print out and carry with you; and information on drug testing and presenting a medical necessity defense.

If you need legal assistance, or have any questions regarding the legal material on this site, please contact the NORML Foundation, at 202-483-8751.

Quick Tips for Users & Activists:

ALWAYS SAY NO TO POLICE SEARCHES!

Don't talk to police!

Remember, don't talk to police if approached on the street or if they pull you over in your car. ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU IN COURT.

Don't trust the police!

Law Enforcement Officers can make no promises about being easier on you or letting you go if you give yourself up to any illegal activity. COPS ARE TRAINED LIARS, most of them will do whatever it takes to get you busted.

Don't give yourself up

Just say no to any searches and if you are arrested
repeat over and over again "I want to see my lawyer!"
If you aren't under arrest then ask "Can I go now?"
Be respectful and make the cop's job easier by not arguing with them, running away, touching them, or giving yourself up.

Don't give yourself up even if the cops threaten you.

JUST REMAIN SILENT.

For more activist rights and legal information:

legal guide ---------- ACLU