NORML HOPES TO REFORM MU'S MARIJUANA POLICIES

The group to target the campus policy against marijuana.

MU NORML is hoping to make some changes on campus this
year.

MU NORML, which is the campus chapter of the National Organization for
the Reform of Marijuana Laws, met Sept. 6 to discuss plans and
potential changes for the upcoming school year. Almost 60 students
attended.

The national organization advocates responsible recreational and
medicinal use of marijuana, and supports the growth of industrial
hemp, the fibrous non-psychoactive strain of cannabis used in canvas,
rope and cloth, according to its Web site.

"To put it very plainly, we want to end the prohibition of marijuana,"
MU NORML treasurer Paul Weber said.

This year, MU NORML plans to target the campus policy against
marijuana. According to the M-Book, MU's list of its policies and
rules, a student found with marijuana can face disciplinary action up
to and including expulsion. The smell of marijuana is considered
sufficient evidence for disciplinary procedures. The police can also
be called to search individuals and their residence hall rooms.

If arrested, a student can face criminal penalties including fines up
to $20,000 and imprisonment, the M-Book stated.

MU NORML seeks a marijuana policy that is "identical to alcohol
policy," Weber said.

Students found in possession of alcohol are asked to pour it out and
attend an alcohol responsibility course.

"With pot, you could dump it out and step on it, or flush it down the
toilet," Weber said.

MU NORML president Scott Lauher said he believes the negative effects
of alcohol are greater than the negative effects of marijuana.

"It's silly that people who are vomiting in the dorms are getting
slapped on the wrist, but the people who are just playing video games
are getting arrested," Lauher said.

The group plans to work with the Department of Residential Life and
the Missouri Students Association, and it plans to introduce a bill in
the MSA Senate. Members said they hope to hold a demonstration in the
Speakers Circle to garner support, Weber said.

Weber said he expects encouragement from the town of Columbia, which
has backed marijuana law reform in the past.

In 2004, the City Council and Columbia voters approved Proposition 1,
which allows seriously ill adults to use marijuana under the
supervision of a physician, and Proposition 2, which decriminalizes
marijuana so that those found in possession of less than 35 grams
incur only fines, community service or counseling.

Columbia is the only city in Missouri with medical and decriminalized
marijuana laws, Weber said.

MU NORML also sponsors education-based "Know Your Rights" events twice
a semester. At these meetings, students can watch the educational film
"Busted," which outlines the rights and responsibilities of the
accused and attend a question-and-answer session with an American
Civil Liberties Union attorney.

In addition, MU NORML expects to host a one-day conference featuring
marijuana-reform activists later in the semester.

MU NORML member Evan Groll said he encourages interested students to
get involved.

"An important key to NORML's success is the open environment of ideas
and resources," he said. "As an organization, we don't preach 'what to
do' or 'how this is going to be.' NORML is big on providing an open
forum for discussing ideas on ways to combat the drug war and other
related issues."

For meeting times and other information, visit the MU NORML Web site
at students.missouri.edu/~norml/index.html.