The Minnesota State chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is in the process of trying to gain some momentum on campus. Though NORML is a national organization lobbying for the rights of cannabis consumers since 1970, the group was new to MSU in the fall. Already having undergone a leadership change, the group has had a slow start.
"We're a brand-new campus organization this year, but we hope to gain momentum as we get a feel for MSU's needs and desires," said Sarah Zenk Blossom, a member of the MSU chapter.
Blossom, a second-year Master of Fine Arts candidate in creative writing, points to just a few of the activities NORML has in the pipeline this semester as a sign it is getting involved on campus and getting others involved in the organization.
"We're planning a benefit dinner, a 4/20 concert at Professor's, an outdoor movie night and a post-finals party," Blossom said.
In addition to the special events NORML is planning, weekly meetings followed by movie nights have been established. Meetings for the group are Monday nights at 8 p.m. in the Maverick Bullpen followed by a cannabis-centric movie.
The first movie Feb. 1 was the Dave Chappelle vehicle "Half-Baked." Other movies this semester include "Surf's Up," "Dazed and Confused," "The Big Lebowski" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Blossom warns that this is not a time to show up and goof around, however.
"The success of the club is largely dependent on the proactive attitude of its members," Blossom said. "Join us at the meeting and bring your ideas, as well as a willingness to donate your time."
While the group wants to celebrate the things that make the cannabis culture fun - laughter, friends, food, relaxation - it has another goal: to break the stereotypes about marijuana users. Blossom, who maintains a 4.0 grade point average and teaches English at MSU, wants others to know that members of NORML and cannabis users at large are good students, responsible citizens and motivated employees. The other aim of NORML is to legalize the use of cannabis for responsible adults.
"We believe that marijuana use is not a crime and that cannabis should be legal and regulated, just as alcohol and tobacco are," Blossom said. She became seriously interested in activism after two friends went to prison for marijuana-related charges.
The road to legalize marijuana in Minnesota may be a long one. Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, authored the 2009 legislation bill that passed in the Minnesota Legislature but was later vetoed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Murphy was quoted on the website mndaily.com as being unsure of whether he would try to push another bill this year.
""We need a governor who will sign the bill," Murphy said.
From the way Blossom talks, though, the MSU chapter of NORML is not slowing down, but gearing up for whatever happens this year.
"I got involved because I was angry at the injustice of our nation's cannabis laws," Blossom said. "Cannabis is actually a very beautiful plant, and its industrial and medical uses are myriad."
Adam Pulchinski is a Reporter staff writer
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