N.O.R.M.L. CANADA's History

A Brief History of the National Organization for the Repeal of Marijuana Laws in Canada
(NORML originated in the United States in 1970.)

The first chapter in Canada was formed soon after the infamous "gastown" riot (later referred to as"grasstown") in downtown Vancouver which occurred during a pro-legalization rally in late 1971.The current president of N.O.R.M.L. Canada, Umberto Iorfida (pronounced "i-ra-fee-dah") saysthat there were reports of "NORML" leaflets being handed out in the crowd just prior to the riot,despite the fact that there was no NORML organization operating in Canada at that time. Thename "NORML" had really caught on in popular culture, and was becoming an almost genericterm for "marijuana legalization". The international press had not ignored this popular move tomake marijuana as acceptable in society as beer or cigarettes ; and the verb "normalize", and theacronym-noun "NORML" were grasped by the masses as the appropriate label. A few monthslater in 1972, persons in Vancouver contacted U.S. NORML headquarters in Washington, D.C,and proceeded to open a chapter of the U.S. organization.

This scenario continued for a few years until it became apparent that new chapters in Canada werenot feasible. New chapters in Canada were satellites of the Vancouver "headquarters", whichmade new Canadian chapters a sort of "sub-chapter" to the U.S. headquarters. This meant thatwell over half of all membership fee's collected from new chapters was going to Washington, D.C.leaving practically no funds. The other problem was that U. S. headquarters had no lobbyingpresence whatsoever in Ottawa, nor was it considered appropriate for a U.S. charteredorganization to lobby Canadian lawmakers from Washington.

Most of the founders of the Vancouver chapter felt it would be much more effective to start a"home" organization, chartered in Canada. It was also felt that the name "NORML", due towidespread name recognition, should be retained , if possible.

Talks between NORML in the U.S. and the Canadians operating the B.C. chapter, resulted in thedecision by the Canadians to start an independent organization, which would have permission touse the name "National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws", and the acronym"NORML" as well. In 1976, the original Vancouver chapter became chartered under the authorityof the province of British Columbia. Then in 1978, NORML Canada was chartered at the Crown(federal) level. A "letter of consent" allowing the new NORML Canada to use the name wassigned by Keith Stroup and Larry Schott, Directors of NORML (U S) on August 31, 1978 . Thisagreement is still in effect.

.By the early 80's, President Reagan had initiated the "war on drugs". Studies were released inAmerica claiming that marijuana damaged the brain and reproductive system. A severe economicrecession was taking place as well after many years of "high roller" speculation, inflation, andgrowth. The conservatives in power were blaming the "excesses" of illegal drug consumption forAmerica's supposed economic and "moral" decline. Marijuana legalization was no longer"politically correct". Rather than reasoned discussion guiding policy, a general "taboo" wasimplemented. Nancy Reagan's "just say no" campaign, along with certain questionable "studies",had the desired effect. The prohibitionist attitude began to dominate the media in Canada as well.NORML Canada had become an inactive shell by 1984. In 1986, parliament began debating thebills which were to become section 462.2, which later became law in 1988. 462.2 was the final"nail in the coffin" of marijuana law reform for quite a few years. I t was now illegal in Canada, forall practical purposes, to even discuss changing marijuana policy.

In 1986, the current president of NORML Canada, Umberto Iorfida, with the help of formerassistant national director, Terry Parker, began researching the possibility of starting a localchapter near Toronto. He discovered that the organization was no longer functioning at all,although the charter was still valid.

Many of the founders of NORML Canada now occupy positions in government and in privatepractice, in the legal profession, and other related fields, at the highest levels of competence andrespect. The Canadian Bar Association, in fact, is well staffed with some of the founders ofNORML Canada.

NORML would like to call upon any capable persons who believe they can be of assistance to thegoals of NORML, to offer to serve on the Board of Advisors. You will be joining prominentleaders.

To pick up the history at this point, go to the the article which is attached.