What is NORML-NJ?

NORML NJ is the New Jersey state chapter of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. NORML NJ is a non-profit corporation dedicated to uniting the millions of New Jersey supporters of marijuana reform.

Why Support Marijuana Reform?

In short, marijuana prohibition is based upon archaic myths and untruths, and should no longer be tolerated. Modern scientific evidence reveals what many, who have tried marijuana, already realize, that marijuana is not only safer than alcohol and tobacco, but that it possesses immense medicinal value.

Despite the fact that marijuana has proven greatly beneficial in the treatment of many illnesses and conditions, the sick and dying are denied access to what, in many cases, is the best or only medicine known.

Additionally, despite the stigma that marijuana use is a fringe activity, almost one out of every two Americans is estimated to have tried marijuana. Its use, therefore, is extremely normal. Due to its prevalence in American society, it is neither democratically appropriate nor equitable to continue to criminally punish marijuana usage when almost half of the population has engaged in its use.

In fact, if everyone who has tried marijuana was arrested, prosecuted and jailed, pursuant to our outdated marijuana laws, over 100 million Americans would be in prison. Although the rest of the world is quickly moving towards a rational decriminalization policy on marijuana, in this country, marijuana prohibition continues to needlessly and unfairly destroy the lives and careers of countless good, hard-working, productive and responsible American citizens.

More than 700,000 Americans were arrested on marijuana charges last year alone and more than 5 million Americans have been arrested for marijuana offenses in the past decade.

This is a misapplication of the criminal sanction and wastes valuable law enforcement resources which should be focused on violent crime and terrorism. Marijuana use can and should be decriminalized and regulated in the same manner as is alcohol consumption.

What can someone do to help?

Simple! Join NORML NJ and our message will grow. Becoming a member of NORML NJ is the single most important thing you can do to assist the movement. As a cohesive unit, we can ensure that our outdated marijuana laws are changed. You will get the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to unite millions of New Jersey residents who share your views. As a member, you can be as active as you desire; from simply enjoying our bi-monthly membership newsletter, to attending our social events and fundraiser's where like minded individuals gather, to lending a hand in grass roots educational efforts.

Expert Press Contact

Frederic DiMaria, Jr., Esq.
Co-Chairman
111 Grove St.
Lodi, New Jersey 07644
Office: (973) 777-6422
Fax: (973) 365-4080
Email: freddydi@aol.com

Mr. DiMaria

is a practicing attorney and an expert in the area of marijuana law. He has been quoted numerous times in the New Jersey and National media. Much of his primary legal practice involves defending those accused of criminal marijuana-related offenses. His expertise necessarily includes knowledge of marijuana's cultural and economic impact upon our modern society as well as marijuana's ubiquitous historical influence. Mr. DiMaria is also an accomplished civil trial attorney and he obtained the fourth largest medical malpractice verdict in New Jersey for 2005 as reported by the New Jersey Law Journal Annual Review.  He represents clients from many states and countries.

Mr. DiMaria received his B.A. from Fordam University in Economics and Computer Science and his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from Seton Hall University School of Law.