You may have seen members in the Student Union at one of the tables, talking and handing out literature about the benefits of legalizing marijuana. Now, UB NORML is here to stay.
UB NORML recently became one of the newest permanent clubs on campus. NORML, pronounced "normal," is an acronym for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
UB NORML is not a group of people who just want to legalize marijuana. Instead, the group wants to educate students and members of the community on probative uses of hemp and marijuana while changing the stereotype surrounding them.
Colin Knoer, the treasurer for UB NORML, is very excited about the club's new permanent status.
"It's going to allow us to finance more events and activities. Hopefully we will bring in speakers for a lecture series," Knoer said.
UB NORML is a relatively small organization within the Buffalo area, but there is also a national movement. The members of the club are part of this national movement and hope that the club will continue to grow.
After three semesters of active participation in the Student Association, UB NORML was welcomed into the SISH council this spring. Like any club hoping to gain permanent status in SA, it had a hearing in front of the Senate, where the club outlined their purpose and goals.
Andrew Conroy, SISH coordinator, was happy to have the club gain permanent status within his council.
"They're an active club and have been for a while. They are more active than some of the other clubs in my council," Conroy said.
Before becoming a permanent club, UB NORML had already been a member of the SISH council. The council, which caters to special interest, service and hobby organizations, is home to many temporary clubs. However, this year only a few clubs have been granted permanent status. Specifically, within SISH, only two other clubs had been granted permanent status, UB Improv and UB Break-dance.
Isaac Kramer, one of the SA Senators who approved UB NORML's permanent status, noted how important it is for the Senate to keep its own personal bias out of the process.
"As long as the club brings something new and meets the requirements, then I look directly at their mission. This way it avoids bias and allows SA to become more diverse," Kramer said.
With the many activities UB NORML has planned, members hope that it will continue to be active on campus.
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