NORML plans semester agenda

NORML members want the entire community to know why smoking marijuana should be legal, and they plan to do so this semester through concerts, speeches and films.

Members of the Penn State chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws hashed out these and other plans for the semester at a meeting Thursday night.

- NORML member Matt Rummel (junior-philosophy)

"We'd like to get people to come out and learn about marijuana laws who normally wouldn't be interested in the issue," Norman said.

NORML will sponsor similar benefit concerts once a month and will have an informational table at the HUB every other week, Norman said. One of NORML's main goals this semester is to distribute as much information as possible about the marijuana legalization movement, he said.

Another goal is to have a guest speaker or show a film at each weekly meeting and to have more discussion-oriented meetings. On Thursday, about 15 members discussed selective enforcement of marijuana laws and limits to personal freedom.

Members cited Julian Heicklen as an example of added attention the marijuana movement has received at the University in recent months. Heicklen, professor emeritus of chemistry, smoked a "joint" at the University Gates three times in the past month and said he will continue until he is arrested.

NORML member Matt Rummel (junior-philosophy) said Heicklen is one reason why it is an exciting time to be involved with the marijuana movement.

"It seems like there's a lot going on, on this campus and around the country, regarding marijuana," Rummel said. "There might be a change coming up and we could be a part of that."

Norman said he thinks local exposure to marijuana issues has contributed to a more understanding perspective in Centre County.

Members at the meeting also discussed upcoming plans for John Morgan and Lynn Zimmer, authors of Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts, to speak at the University. The event is tentatively planned for April 7, Norman said.