Heading into my third semester of law school, I was excited to be interning at NORML during such an important time for US cannabis policy. After spending the last several months at this wonderful organization, I feel stronger than ever in my support for its mission.

From my first day in NORML’s DC office, I was able to utilize the legal research skills I have developed in law school to identify and analyze the impact that state laws and regulations are having on cannabis consumers. Throughout this past summer and fall, as NORML has been involved with and closely followed the DEA marijuana rescheduling rulemaking that is underway, it was greatly beneficial to be able to apply what I was learning in the classroom to the agency rulemaking process in real time.

I first learned of NORML’s important work in 2016 while circulating petitions to place adult-use cannabis legalization on the statewide ballot in Michigan. We were unsuccessful that year, but we persisted. With a large coalition the following year, we were able to obtain the requisite number of voter signatures to appear on the 2018 ballot. In that election we succeeded at ending prohibition in Michigan. The famous Hash Bash festival in Ann Arbor the following April resembled more of a celebration than a protest. In 2020, following my own experience as a medical marijuana patient while undergoing cancer treatment, I continued to advocate for increased access to safe, legal cannabis.

As an aspiring attorney, I intend to remain involved with this movement and build upon what I have learned this semester. Organizations like NORML need good lawyers. Whether defending clients charged with violating senseless and oppressive cannabis laws or engaging in impact litigation to push the needle further toward legalization, attorneys play a pivotal role in the fight against the century-long war on cannabis and its consumers.