By Luke Sumpter

As a hub of cannabis activism and a driving force for social justice, NORML has had a profound impact on cannabis policy changes and education over the last few decades.Discover the history of NORML, how they have influenced marijuana law reform, and their current cannabis campaigning initiatives.

Understanding NORML: An Overview

To understand NORML’s significance, we must first understand the nature of the advocacy group, whose acronym stands for National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. As a social welfare organisation, NORML set out with the intention of diving into the public policy debate surrounding cannabis, with the goal of catalysing positive change and countering rampant anti-marijuana propaganda that affected the plant’s legal status in many countries for decades. The group has spearheaded initiatives to decriminalise cannabis offences across various states, continues to campaign for responsible use, and hasn’t stopped advocating for evidence-based policy reform.

Continue reading to discover the history, structure, and key achievements of NORML and their effect on cannabis policy across the world.

Norml an overwiew

Mission and Vision of NORML

Peeling back the layers of NORML’s mission reveals an effective and delicate approach to advocacy. As opposed to the somewhat aggressive and sensationalist strategy of other activist groups, NORML lays their work on a foundation of scientific evidence and rationality. By championing the rights of the individual, referencing contemporary research, and highlighting education, the group has harnessed a rational approach to bring awareness to the inaccuracies of anti-cannabis propaganda and influence policy reform.

Not only has NORML managed to sway legislation in some instances, but they continue to help adult users develop a responsible relationship with cannabis. Overall, NORML aims to prompt policy to catch up with the available science, enabling adult citizens to use cannabis in a reasonable manner without the threat of prosecution.

The History of NORML

Despite the impact NORML has made on cannabis policy reform so far, the advocacy group sprang from surprisingly humble beginnings. The history of NORML spans back to Washington D.C. in the year 1970. Here, friends Larry Schott and Keith Stroup met while working together for the National Commission on Product Safety. Stroup worked as a lawyer within this organisation, and Schott was the Chief Investigator for the Commission.

As their relationship grew, Schott cultivated a deeper curiosity and appreciation of cannabis with his counterpart, and the two set about kick-starting NORML after seeing friends subject to unfair cannabis prosecutions. Things started out slowly, but an unlikely $5,000 donation from The Playboy Foundation enabled the pair to set up an office in 1971.

After lobbying the Nixon administration to decriminalise marijuana in the United States, NORML merged with advocacy group Amorphia in 1974, which became the California chapter of the organisation. As the Nixon era came to a close and five states passed decriminalisation bills in 1975, NORML started gaining traction, especially off the back of its annual conference that platformed legislators and activists alike.

During the 1980s, NORML hit a difficult patch. The “Just Say No” movement, internal disagreements, and financial troubles put the organisation to the test. Despite this, the group went on to petition the US government to remove cannabis from the Schedule 1 classification during this decade, improved the plant’s public image, and started receiving significant donations. Throughout the late 1990s, NORML became stable and received increasing public support as California gave the green light for medical marijuana in 1996.

During the 2006 midterm election, NORML managed to push multiple fruitful initiatives that declared marijuana offences low-priority for the police. In 2009, the group managed to gain 100,000 signatures to petition Obama to appoint a drug czar who views drug use as a health problem instead of just a legal offence. After Kellogg Company ditched their contract with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps after images emerged of him hitting a bong, NORML led a boycott against the brand. In 2010, NORML put on a 15-second animation touting the economic and financial benefits of cannabis on the CBS Times Square Superscreen in April.

NORML’s Big Achievements

Alongside their public-facing activism, NORML has successfully teamed up with hundreds of lawyers and developed numerous local chapters with the aim of influencing cannabis policy on both the local and national levels in different countries. Check out their biggest achievements, so far, below:

Achivements Norml
  • Decriminalisation lobbying: NORML has helped to reduce prosecutions for marijuana offences in several states within the US. In 1971, the group successfully lobbied to decriminalise minor cannabis offences in 11 states, as well as significantly reducing penalties in others.
  • Largest marijuana legalization organisation: NORML currently stands proudly as both the largest and oldest marijuana legalization organisation in the United States. They have faced tough challenges and cases of animosity throughout their journey, but have overcome these obstacles to make real-world changes in cannabis policy.
  • Legal assistance: Through the NORML Foundation, the advocacy group has teamed up with hundreds of lawyers to provide legal assistance to individuals who have fallen victim to current cannabis laws.
  • Public education: The NORML Foundation has also set out to counter the rampant anti-cannabis propaganda of previous decades. By consulting the available evidence and research, the foundation has provided a clearer, evidence-based image of cannabis and cannabis use to countless people.
  • Media outreach: NORML has established contacts in the mainstream media and has secured a platform on several major news channels. Their presence on the airwaves has created more of a balanced dialogue around cannabis use, safety, and policy.

NORML’s Impact on Marijuana Law Reform

Concerned chiefly with cannabis activism and social justice, NORML’s advocacy extends far beyond legislative chambers and courtrooms. However, through direct lobbying and education, the group has managed to reshape the legal landscape by prompting lawmakers to rethink their approach to cannabis regulation.

The group has also mustered its supporters to act en masse to help drive legislative changes. The NORML Take Action Centre[1] provides pre-written letters that individuals can send to both federal and state politicians for these purposes. Currently, federal campaigns include prompting politicians to expand marijuana pardons and clemency and to stop federal housing discrimination against lawful cannabis users. State campaigns include reducing marijuana possession penalties in Hawaii, legalizing personal cannabis possession and cultivation in Kentucky, and improving access to CBD products in Iowa.

NORML and Responsible Use

The enormous level of respect that NORML has earned in the cannabis campaigning and lobbying space comes in part because of their balanced stance on cannabis use. While advocating for legal adult use across several countries, the group also champions responsible use and harm reduction. The group’s published Principles of Responsible Use[2] include:

  • Adults only: Responsible use limits the consumption of cannabis to adults only and recognises the harm cannabis can cause to young people.
  • No driving: Responsible users do not operate motor vehicles or heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis. While viewed by experts as safer than alcohol in these settings, cannabis can still cause impairment that can endanger others.
  • Set and setting: The concept of set and setting seeks to optimise the cannabis experience and limit use to ideal psychological and social circumstances.
  • Resist abuse: Excess cannabis use can impair health. This principle seeks to remind cannabis users to consume the herb in a way that does not stunt health, personal development, or achievement.
  • Respect the rights of others: This principle stresses the importance of respecting the wishes of others, and adhering to smoking protocols in both public and private places.
Norml structure

The Structure of NORML

Behind NORML’s formidable presence lies a well-defined organisational structure that serves as the key to its continued success. Discover the key branches of NORML below:

  • The NORML Foundation: As a sister organisation to NORML, The NORML Foundation[3] aims to educate the public on cannabis and marijuana policy while helping victims affected by current legislation. Founded as a nonprofit in 1997, the foundation works hard to sponsor public awareness campaigns and marijuana research.
  • NORML Legal Seminars: These social events are excellent networking opportunities for NORML members, while also offering Continued Legal Education credits to practising lawyers.
  • NORML Conferences: NORML holds an annual conference featuring policy updates, informative talks, and awards that celebrate notable activists, celebrities, and community organisers.

NORML’s Global Influence

The advocacy work of NORML has extended well past the borders of the United States. Now, chapters exist in a long list of countries that are working towards legislative change. Explore some of the key chapters below.

  • Canada

NORML Canada has become a trusted voice in the county’s cannabis community. The group takes a firm stance and believes nobody should be prosecuted for cannabis at any time and for any reason, and that all previous charges should be expunged. They’re also pushing to expand recreational cultivation to all provinces.

  • Europe

NORML chapters also function as nonprofit organisations in a host of European countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Norway. Here, they are working to establish similar changes that United States chapters have achieved.

The Future of NORML’s Advocacy

Now you’re aware of just how much of an impact NORML has had on cannabis policy reform in the United States and beyond. The organisation has helped to push for decriminalisation in the past and continues to lobby the government at both the state and federal levels for increased freedom around cannabis use. On top of this, they continue to educate the public, using an evidence-based approach. Outside of the US, NORML has established chapters in many countries to drive legislative change across the world.

External Resources:
  1. //Take Action Centre - https://norml.org/act/
  2. Principles of Responsible Cannabis Use - NORML https://norml.org
  3. The NORML Foundation https://norml.org
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: