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Writers, Starlets and Mexicans: The History of Hollyweed

Angelinos awoke to art student Douglas Finegood’s interpretation of the Hollywood sign on January 1, 1976, the day marijuana was decriminalized in California. Another “vandal” altered the sign in the same way on January 1, 2017 to celebrate the passage of Prop. 64, legalizing adult recreational use.

Los Angeles has had a remarkable relationship with marijuana, from Nathanael West’s The Day of the Locust and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Last Tycoon to the Pineapple Express.
-by Ellen Komp

The seminal novel of Hollywood, The Day of the Locust, was written by Nathanael West in 1937, the year that marijuana was effectively made illegal in the U.S.…

Two men are posing for a photo in a room at the US/Mexico Summit. One is wearing a light shirt, patterned tie, dark jacket, and name badge. The other man is in a dark jacket, light shirt, red tie, and light-colored pants. They are both smiling and standing side by side. CA Norml

US/Mexico Summit Looks At Legalization, Research

CalNORML Director Dale Gieringer with former Mexican President Vicente Fox at the Summit

San Cristobal, Mexico, Jul 18-20. This past weekend former Mexican President Vicente Fox hosted a symposium at Centro Fox, where delegates from the US, Mexico and Europe discussed legalizing and regulating marijuana as an alternative to Mexico’s bloody drug war. The symposium received extensive coverage from the Mexican press and over 10,000 people followed it on the Internet.

President Fox, who has been a vocal critic of recent Mexican policy, proposed legalizing and regulating marijuana in order to reduce prohibition-related violence in Mexico.…

Close-up of a person holding and using an electronic cigarette. The device emits vapor that clouds the area around their face, with a blue light glowing from the tip. Their mouth is slightly open, suggesting an inhale or exhale of the vapor, potentially highlighting concerns addressed in CA Bill Against E-Cigarettes (SB 648). CA Norml

CA Bill Against E-Cigarettes Harmful to Consumer Health: SB 648 Would Restrict Use of Medical Marijuana Vaporizers by Prop 215

Also see: Blowing smoke about e-cigarettes
By Dale H. Gieringer
Sacramento Bee
Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014

UPDATE AUGUST 14: We’re happy to report that the author has pulled SB648 over concerns about its impact on medical marijuana patients. Thanks to the many NORML members who wrote or called their representatives.

UPDATE 7/31/2013: The hearing on this bill is now scheduled for August 14.
Download a flyer on SB648 with key assembly district contact info

Cal NORML Release July 16, 2013

SACRAMENTO – The California legislature is considering a bill that would ban the use of e-cigarettes and similar smokeless vaporizers in areas where tobacco smoking is banned (SB 648 – Sen.…

A red aerial banner towed by an airplane against a clear blue sky reads, "Holder: End RX Cannabis War #Peace4Patients," as medical marijuana protesters cheer below. CA Norml

On Ground and In Sky: Protesters Implore Holder to Stop War on Medical Marijuana


BERKELEY, MAY 11th. Cal NORML and ASA protesters sent a message to A.G. Holder as he addressed UC Berkeley Hastings Law School graduates at the Hearst Greek Theater on Saturday.

“Holder: End RX Cannabis War #Peace4Patients,” read an airplane banner that circled the stadium for two hours.

Just days earlier, Holder’s DOJ had delivered a forfeiture letter aimed at closing Berkeley’s longest-established medical cannabis dispensary, the Berkeley Patients Group, in defiance of city officials who called the BPG a “model citizen.”…

PROTEST A.G. HOLDER VISIT TO BERKELEY – SAT MAY 11 @ 8:45 AM

May 10 – Join us in protesting Attorney General Eric Holder’s visit to Berkeley this Saturday, May 11th, 8:45-11am. Holder has been invited to address the commencement of Berkeley Law School at the Hearst Greek Theater.

Just days ago, Holder’s Dept. of Justice filed a forfeiture suit against the Berkeley Patients’ Group, one of the most respected dispensaries in the Bay Area.

Show A.G. Holder that he is not welcome in Berkeley, California while his Dept. of Justice runs roughshod over medical marijuana and Prop 215!…

A group of men and women stand together on the steps of a building. One woman, speaking at a podium with microphones, has Cal NORML supporters standing behind her. A sign in front reads "END FEDERAL INTERFERENCE." The backdrop includes banners from the Berkeley Patients Group Medical Cannabis Dispensary. CA Norml

Cal NORML Denounces Federal Forfeiture Suit Against East Bay’s Oldest Medical Cannabis Dispensary: BPG


HIV patient Robin Bishop speaks at a rally in support of Berkeley Patients Group.

BERKELEY CA, May 8th. Medical cannabis advocates rallied today to protest the Obama administration’s latest assault on medical marijuana: the U.S. Dept of Justice has filed a property forfeiture lawsuit against the landlord of the East Bay’s oldest operating medical cannabis dispensary, the Berkeley Patient’s Group. Founded in 1999, the BPG is one of the most respected dispensaries in the Bay Area.

For years, BPG operated without complaint under city regulations.…

A group of Californians is gathered outside on a sunny day, holding signs and banners supporting Senate Bill 289, the Zero-Tolerance DUI Bill promoting safe driving. The diverse group includes people of various ages, all smiling and posing for the photo on a grassy area. CA Norml

Californians Rally Against Zero-Tolerance DUI Bill

UPDATE April 30 – After over 3,400 letters and emails were sent from NORML supporters in opposition to this bill, it was pulled from consideration this year.


April 23 – Dale Gieringer of California NORML spoke today at a rally in Sacramento against a bill that would make any amount of marijuana or drugs in the bloodstream an automatic DUI.

“I hope everybody realizes that this bill, SB289, is basically a crime creation program,” Gieringer said. “It would take thousands and thousands of perfectly safe drivers who happen to have the technical amounts of unprescribed drugs–particularly marijuana–in their bloodstream, and consider them automatically impaired or under the influence.…

Dennis Peron, Michelle Aldrich, Michael Aldrich, Debby Goldsberry, and Gordon Brownell with their Pioneer Freedom Fighter Awards.

Conference of the Century Held in San Francisco

Dennis Peron, Michelle Aldrich, Michael Aldrich, Debby Goldsberry, and Gordon Brownell with their Pioneer Freedom Fighter Awards. Over 300 people attended California NORML’s conference marking the 100th anniversary of marijuana prohibition in California, held January 26 & 27 at Ft. Mason Conference Center in San Francisco.

The conference began with presentations on the history of cannabis prohibition and the resistance to it. The Board of Pharmacy pushed for a law in 1913 to save Californians from the “hasheesh”-using “hindoos.” Gordon Brownell, CalNORML’s original director and other members of Amorphia, a group that sponsored the original Prop. 19 in 1972, namely Michelle and Michael Aldrich, also spoke and won “Freedom Fighter” awards, as did Dennis Peron, Debby Goldsberry and Richard Lee.…

Cover of "California NORML Guide to Unfair Drug Testing" by Dale Gieringer, PhD. This new booklet features an image of Lady Justice holding scales; one side has a cup of urine, and the other side has a jar with a cannabis leaf. The background is blue, with yellow text. CA Norml

Cal NORML Protests Unfair Drug Testing Practices with New Booklet, Campaign

Update April 30, 2013 – The Senate Public Safety Committee refused to pass the Correa DUI bill, but it may be re-introduced.

March 26, 2013 – Despite growing public support for marijuana legalization, drug warriors are seeking to tighten the screws on consumers by imposing new and tougher drug testing rules that have nothing to do with safety or impairment.

In Sacramento Sen. Lou Correa is sponsoring a “zero tolerance” drug DUI bill (SB 289) that would outlaw driving by anyone with traces of marijuana or other drugs in their blood.…

CAL  SENATE TO HEAR ZERO-TOLERANCE DRUG DUI BILL – SAY NO TO SB 289

UPDATE April 30 – After over 3,400 letters and emails were sent from NORML supporters in opposition to this bill, it was pulled from consideration this year.

UPDATE April 18 – Over 2,000 letters and emails have been sent in opposition to Correa DUI Bill SB289 Please send your email today

Head radio spot to stop SB289
En espanol

Sen. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, is flanked at a Capitol news conference in February by law enforcement and community supporters of SB289.…

A man in a suit and tie stands in front of an American flag. He is smiling and has short, light brown hair. The background is a gradient of blue shades, reminiscent of discussions on rational marijuana policy led by figures like Rep. Swalwell. CA Norml

Former Prosecutor Rep. Swalwell Announces Support for Rational Federal Marijuana Policy

Kudos to Rep. Eric Swalwell, the southern East Bay’s new Congress member, for co-sponsoring the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, the States’ Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act, and other marijuana reform bills. Thanks too to our local activists and supporters who helped bring this issue to Rep. Swalwell’s attention.
– Dale Gieringer, Cal NORML

Former Prosecutor Rep. Swalwell Announces Support for Rational Federal Marijuana Policy

WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-15) co-sponsored several bills that treat marijuana in a rational way and allow more freedom at the state level.…

News Archive 2012

  • CaNORML 2012 Accomplishments and Plans for 2013
    In 2012, CalNORML fought off bad bills in Sacramento, advanced good ones, protested federal involvement, and continued to work at local levels on policy. We will kick off 2013 with a conference to mark the 100th anniversary of cannabis prohibition in California and plan for the end of that failed and unjust policy.
  • Reported Drop in CA Marijuana Arrests: Less Than Meets the Eye
    December 11 – Reported marijuana arrests dropped sharply as California’s new decriminalization law took effect in 2011, but the apparent decline is deceptive because it doesn’t count thousands of minor possession offenses that are no longer reported under the new law.
    • …
    A man in a suit and red tie speaks at a podium labeled "University of San Francisco" in a crowded room. Many people are seated behind him, attentively listening as he discusses the recent Supreme Court ruling on the dispensary case. The room has a professional, formal setting. CA Norml

    Supreme Court Hears All Sides of Dispensary Case

    February 5 – The California Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Riverside v. Inland Empire Patients Health and Wellness Center, a case determining whether or not a county may ban medical marijuana dispensaries within its borders.

    The justices, appearing at a special session at the hundredth anniversary of the UCSF law school, were equally hard on attorneys on both sides of the case.

    “The Legislature knows how to say, ‘Thou shalt not ban dispensaries,’ ” Justice Ming W. Chin told IEPHWC’s attorney J.…

    Pictures and Videos from Cannabis in California: Ending the 100 Year War Conference

    LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO FILES OF THE CONFERENCE,
    HOSTED BY KMUD RADIO

    Hear Ann Lee’s speech. Hear John Gilmore’s speech.

    Read more about the conference.


    Michael Aldrich: Cannabis Pioneer


    CalNORML Director Dale Gieringer speaks on the Origins of Cannabis Prohibition in California


    Author Mike Gray on how the country went Drug Crazy.


    Graham Boyd presents poll numbers and what they mean for California in 2016.


    Senator Mark Leno on his work for reform in Sacramento.


    Daisy Bram and her attorney Michael Levinsohn on her fight for custody of her children.

    …

    Shasta County to Vote on Outdoor Medical Marijuana Ban

    UPDATE January 29, 2014 – The Board voted in an outdoor ban, to take effect in 30 days, overriding the Planning Commission’s recommendation to allow outdoor grows on larger parcels. Read more.

    UPDATE January 16, 2013 – The Shasta Board has established a medical marijuana advisory committee, and expects to take up the issue again sometime in mid-February.

    January 15, 2013 – This morning at its Board of Supervisors meeting, Shasta county’s board will consider a resolution setting in motion a ban of outdoor cultivation of medical marijuana, as well as making violations of the ordinance a $1,000 misdemeanor fine instead of a $100 infraction.…

    ONDCP ADMITS GROWING BY MEXICAN “CARTELS” IN CALIFORNIA A MYTH

    January 3, 2013 – For years,  law enforcement officials have been blaming Mexican “cartels” for illegal marijuana growing in California’s national forests. For years, Cal NORML has told the press that there is no evidence of any organized “cartel” involvement  in domestic MJ production.  Rather, production is highly disorganized, with many teams of Mexicans – as well as non-Mexicans – working independently as hired growers for smaller scale, competitive, decentralized groups.

    Finally, the Drug Czar’s office has acknowledged that the “cartel” narrative is a myth devised by law enforcement to help secure federal funding.…

    ONDCP ADMITS GROWING BY MEXICAN “CARTELS” IN CALIFORNIA A MYTH

    January 3, 2013 – For years,  law enforcement officials have been blaming Mexican “cartels” for illegal marijuana growing in California’s national forests. For years, Cal NORML has told the press that there is no evidence of any organized “cartel” involvement  in domestic MJ production.  Rather, production is highly disorganized, with many teams of Mexicans – as well as non-Mexicans – working independently as hired growers for smaller scale, competitive, decentralized groups.

    Finally, the Drug Czar’s office has acknowledged that the “cartel” narrative is a myth devised by law enforcement to help secure federal funding.…

    New Year Marks Centennial of Marijuana Prohibition in California

    Jan 1, 2013: This New Year marks the 100th anniversary of the war on cannabis in California. In 1913, the state Board of Pharmacy led the legislature to pass a bill outlawing possession of “Indian hemp.” The law was the opening shot in a century-long prohibitionist campaign that has cost the state millions of arrests and billions of dollars in enforcement costs even while cannabis has increased in popularity and public acceptance.

    California NORML is holding a conference to mark the occasion, “Cannabis in California: Ending the 100-Year War” January 26th and 27th at the Ft.…

    Reported Drop in CA Marijuana Arrests: Less Than Meets the Eye

    California NORML Release — December 11, 2012

    Reported marijuana arrests dropped sharply as California’s new decriminalization law took effect in 2011, but the apparent decline is deceptive because it doesn’t count thousands of minor possession offenses that are no longer reported under the new law.

    Newly released data from the state Criminal Justice Statistics Center show that misdemeanor arrests for marijuana possession plummeted 86% from 54,849 in 2010 to 7,764 in 2011.

    However, these figures don’t include citations for possession of less than one ounce, which used to be counted as misdemeanors up through 2010 but are no longer counted under the new law, because they have been downgraded to infractions.…

    California Appeals Court Rules Marijuana Use Not Sufficient Reason to Make Child Dependent of Court

    December 7 – A California Appellate Court has reversed a trial court decision declaring a child to be a dependent of the court, as well as an order that the father undergo drug testing and parenting courses because of his medical marijuana use.

    In re Drake A. case# B236769, Division Three of the Second Appellate District ruled on 12/5/12 that, “Although father uses medical marijuana pursuant to a physician’s recommendation, there is nothing in the record to indicate that he has a substance abuse problem.”…