NEW UNC GROUP WANTS TO LEGALIZE POT

With Bob Marley playing in the background, munchies on a side table
and a big marijuana plant on an overhead screen, Tryb Ramsay had a
hard time believing he was in a University of Northern Colorado
classroom Thursday night. But even with all the distractions, he
managed to learn something about legalizing marijuana from the
university's newest student group, a chapter of the National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML. "I knew
Boulder had a chapter, but I didn't think it would be here," said
Ramsay, an 18-year old-freshman. "I think it's good because there is a
huge scene at this school. We at least need to acknowledge that it's
here."

NORML is a nonprofit, public interest lobby that has fought to
legalize marijuana for about 30 years.

About 65 students attended the organization's first meeting, an
indication that there is a growing number of people who believe in
legalization, said Matt Hiner, a 19-year-old sophomore. The debate
about legalization has become more important to college students since
the 1998 amendment to the Higher Education Act, said Shane Atkinson,
another 19-year-old sophomore. The amendment states that students who
are convicted of drug-related offenses - including marijuana - are
denied eligibility for financial aid. UNC's NORML chapter is
circulating a petition to overturn the amendment. Hiner, an officer in
the new chapter, said he was a little apprehensive about taking an
open stand against marijuana laws.

"Then I realized that one of the main problems is that people are
afraid to come forward," he said. "People's perceptions are changing a
lot in the past couple of years. More people are open to it." The
purpose of the chapter is to raise awareness in the community to
overcome some of the misconceptions about marijuana use, Atkinson
said. Atkinson decided to start the group after watching "Grass," a
movie about the criminalization of marijuana in the 1920s and 1930s
and the ensuing war on drugs.

"We're used to hearing and seeing commercials on TV," he said. The
movie "inspired me because I couldn't believe that it happened." Once
people are educated, it's hard for them to disagree with the movement,
said Jorel Pierce, a 19-year-old sophomore and one of the chapter's
founding members.

"We don't advocate smoking we advocate legalization," Atkinson said.
"Don't be a stupid stoner. Get up. Get active. Get NORML."