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Portland, Oregon NORML Chapter Now in Effect

The National Organization for
the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) has created a Portland chapter to lobby
for the rights of cannabis consumers. The new measure was approved last
November, and make

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he National Organization for
the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) has created a Portland chapter to lobby
for the rights of cannabis consumers. The new measure was approved last
November, and makes Oregon the most recent state to legalize recreational
cannabis. NORML-Portland is headed by radio host and cannabis activist, Russ
Belville, and will promote the interests of cannabis consumers by providing
“…the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as adult alcohol and
tobacco consumers, whenever practical.”

Bellville told The Oregonian
that the group’s lobbying efforts will concentrate on maintaining the medicinal
cannabis program; launching procedures for expunging cannabis criminal
convictions that fall under the new law; combining commercial medical and
recreational production and sales into a single system so recreational users
don’t have to shop independently from medicinal cannabis patrons; expanding
personal cultivation limits to allow people to grow six plants instead of the
four allowed under Oregon’s marijuana law; releasing non-violent prisoners who
were imprisoned for cannabis related activities that fall under the new law; forming
vapor lounges and other venues for people to consume cannabis; thwarting
employers from discriminating against cannabis consumers who use the product
away from work “so long as they do not come to work in an impaired condition;” and
ensuring cannabis consumers aren’t discriminated in matters of adoption, child custody,
bearing arms, foster parenting, organ transplants and other medical treatments.

In a statement announcing the
group’s inception, Belville said, “Like booze,
marijuana alters perceptions and mood; like cigarettes, marijuana produces
smoke that can intrude on non-smokers’ right to fresh air. But marijuana brings
with it far less damage and danger to the individual consumer and the
non-consuming public, so there is no logical reason why adult marijuana
consumers should be treated with any less respect, restricted more severely,
and denied the same privileges we extend to responsible adult drinkers and
smokers.”

Portland
NORML is
the newest organization to join cannabis-related lobbying efforts as Oregon begins crafting guidelines for cannabis
production, processing and sales.

 

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