Minnesota NORML

Minnesota NORML (MN NORML) is a member-based, nonprofit organization. Our mission is to repeal Minnesota's marijuana prohibition laws so responsible adult use is no longer subject to penalty. MN NORML conducts monthly membership meetings and various grassroots lobbying efforts. The 2011 MN BCA Crime Book (most recent) lists 12,043 marijuana-related arrests (on the average of 35 every day!) Marijuana-related arrests comprised of 68% of all narcotic-related arrests in Minnesota. Marijuana use and abuse should be treated as public health issues and not a criminal justice issue. We don't arrest people for possessing addictive and deadly, alcohol & tobacco. We should not be arresting people for choosing a safer substance. Marijuana is the third most popular recreational substance in America (trailing alcohol & tobacco) and has been used by nearly 100 million Americans. According to government surveys, some 25 million Americans have smoked marijuana in the past year, and more than 14 million do so regularly despite harsh laws against its use. Enforcing Minnesota's marijuana prohibition laws is estimated to cost our criminal justice system approximately $150M per year. If marijuana was taken out of the black market and put in regulated (licensed stores that require an ID) and taxed, similar to alcohol & tobacco, it is estimated that more than $200M of tax revenue could be generated. It's time for a new, sensible approach to marijuana in Minnesota. Legalize it!