A NORML Life - The American Marijuana Revolution (2011)

A NORML LIFE chronicles the state of medical marijuana in America through interviews with patients, caregivers, activists and doctors. NORML is the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, and has been leading the effort to legalize marijuana since 1965. In the film, the filmmakers visit locations such as California , Oregon , Washington and Washington , D.C. where cannabis medicine is being regulated for patients. Many interviews were made at Seattle 's Hempfest 2010 and at recent NORML conferences.

NORML has advocated the decriminalization of cannabis for over 40 years. Its founder, current leaders and nationwide chapter representatives describe the patchwork of state and municipal laws that allow medical marijuana, while the federal government still regards cannabis as a dangerous narcotic. Voters in the US are increasingly recognizing the positive aspects of accepting and controlling medical marijuana in their communities for its medicinal benefits, as well as for its potential to generate needed tax revenue.

Interviews with doctors who treat and patients who suffer from physical and debilitating conditions explain that pharmaceutical medicines are often ineffective and produce dangerous side effects to their conditions. Most turn to cannabis in desperation only to discover pain and psychological relief, physical improvement and often a reversal of pathology. U.S. and international clinical studies contain overwhelming positive evidence that the numerous cannabanoid compounds found in marijuana have constructive properties and may be the key to the future of the plant as a medicine.

The official NORML web site