Stories by Paul Armentano

Paul Armentano is the deputy director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), and is the co-author of Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink (2009, Chelsea Green). subscribe to Paul Armentano's feed

The Latest Cannabis Discoveries That the Federal Government Doesn’t Want You to Know About

Posted on: May 22, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Federal lawmakers and the White House continue to willfully ignore science in regards to the cannabis plant.

The Future of Marijuana Reform, After Huge Victories in 2012

Posted on: Feb 4, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Marijuana reform has huge momentum after legalization victories in Washington and Colorado. Here's what's coming next.

Study: Vaporized, Low-Potency Cannabis Reduces Problematic Nerve Pain

Posted on: Jan 3, 2013, Source: NORML

Amid record levels of overdose rates for prescription pain, a study that finds that marijuana reduces neuropathic pain.

Top 10 Events That Shaped Marijuana Policy in 2012

Posted on: Dec 26, 2012, Source: NORML

Looking back at the year we made history.

Is Marijuana an 'Exit Drug'? Study Suggests Some Are Taking It as a Substitute for Prescription Drugs and Alcohol

Posted on: Dec 26, 2012, Source: NORML

A surprising three quarters of medical cannabis consumers say they subbed in pot for more harmful substances.

Will Obama Go After Legal Pot in Washington and Colorado?

Posted on: Dec 19, 2012, Source: AlterNet

A near supermajority of American citizens believes the federal government ought to respect the states' new laws.

5 Burning Questions About Legalizing Pot

Posted on: Nov 26, 2012, Source: PBS

Three experts explain everything you need to know about the battle to legalize marijuana.

Why Are We Testing Newborns for Pot?

Posted on: Nov 23, 2012, Source: AlterNet

The science is alarmingly inconclusive, but the punishment for mothers is severe.

Why Election Day Marks the Beginning of the End of Marijuana Prohibition

Posted on: Nov 2, 2012, Source: AlterNet

With just days to go before Election Day, voters are poised to make history.

This Week Marks 75h Anniversary of Federal Marijuana Prohibition

Posted on: Oct 5, 2012, Source: NORML

It is a milestone that will no doubt go largely unnoticed by the mainstream media.

A Marijuana Revolution in the Making on Election Day

Posted on: Oct 2, 2012, Source: AlterNet

Strong polling numbers on ballot initiatives across the country indicate we have a full-fledged reefer rebellion against drug laws on the way.

5 Marijuana Compounds That Could Help Combat Cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinsons (If Only They Were Legal)

Posted on: Sep 14, 2012, Source: AlterNet

They don't even get you high, so why are these natural, non-toxic substances illegal? Because they're derived from cannabis.

Montana Supreme Court: Medical Weed Patients Have No Fundamental Right To Cannabis

Posted on: Sep 13, 2012, Source: NORML

Bankrupt States Listen Up -- Colorado Stands to Earn Huge Bucks If It Legalizes Weed

Posted on: Aug 22, 2012, Source: NORML

Scientific Review: “There Is Now Clear Evidence That Cannabinoids Are Useful For The Treatment Of Various Medical Conditions”

Posted on: Aug 10, 2012, Source: NORML

CA Bill Would Protect Pot Dispensaries From Forfeiture

Posted on: Aug 8, 2012, Source: NORML

Five Scientific Conclusions About Cannabis That The Mainstream Media Doesn’t Want You To Know

Posted on: Jul 29, 2012, Source: AlterNet

The government and mainstream media like to push studies touting the purported dangers of marijuana, while ignoring scientific evidence that demonstrates the opposite.

New Research Finds Marijuana Relieves Muscle Stiffness in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Posted on: Jul 24, 2012, Source: NORML

There's Been a Tectonic Shift on Marijuana Across the US, Except in Washington -- Why Can't We Pop the Beltway Bubble?

Posted on: Jul 10, 2012, Source: AlterNet

More Americans and local politicians than ever before are demanding an end to marijuana prohibition -- but for change to happen, we need federal officials to start listening.

Chicago Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession with Near-Unanimous Vote

Posted on: Jun 27, 2012, Source: NORML

Study: Medical Marijuana Legalization is Not Accompanied By Increases in Teen Cannabis Use

Posted on: Jun 20, 2012, Source: NORML

Study: Medical Pot Shops Are Not Linked to Neighborhood Crime

Posted on: Jun 12, 2012, Source: NORML

Study: Marijuana Linked to Lower Mortality Rate for Patients with Psychotic Disorders

Posted on: May 30, 2012, Source: NORML

Study: Marijuana Linked to Lower Mortality Rate for Patients with Psychotic Disorders

Posted on: May 30, 2012, Source: NORML

According to a new study, the use of cannabis is associated with lower mortality risk in patients with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.

How Many Anti-Pot Politicians Will be Ousted Before They Realize the Will of the Majority?

Posted on: May 25, 2012, Source: AlterNet

Federal politicians from both leading parties continue to presume, falsely, that marijuana law reform is insignificant to the American people.

Marijuana Decriminalization Moves Forward in New Jersey

Posted on: May 21, 2012, Source: NORML

Study: Marijuana Relieves Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on: May 15, 2012, Source: NORML

Health and Societal Costs of Marijuana vs. Alcohol and Tobacco: Prohibitionists' Concerns Answered and Refuted

Posted on: Mar 30, 2012, Source: AlterNet

A pragmatic regulatory framework allowing for the limited legal use cannabis would best mitigate the potential health risks and societal costs associated with its use.

40 Years Ago Today, Feds Denied the Truth About Pot -- Now It's Obama's Chance to Act

Posted on: Mar 20, 2012, Source: AlterNet

A congressional commission on US drug policy did something extraordinary 40 years ago: it told the truth about marijuana.

"No Medical Value?" 27 Studies Show Pot Kills Pain

Posted on: Mar 13, 2012, Source: NORML

Federal Judge Dismisses NORML Lawsuit: Obama's Crackdown on Medical Pot is Constitutional

Posted on: Mar 2, 2012, Source: NORML

A federal judge in Sacramento dismissed the NORML Legal Committee's lawsuit against the Department of Justice, Attorney General Eric Holder, and DEA Director Michele Leonhart.

Study: Medical Pot Legalization Correlated With Fewer Suicides

Posted on: Feb 21, 2012, Source: NORML

Study: Medical Marijuana Programs Don't Increase Adolescent Pot Smoking

Posted on: Feb 8, 2012, Source: NORML

Why is the Obama Administration Suddenly Fixated on Stomping out Medical Pot?

Posted on: Feb 8, 2012, Source: AlterNet

At the same time public support for marijuana legalization reached record highs, Obama shifted from one time medicinal cannabis sympathizer to White House weed-whacker.

The NYPD Commissioner Told Cops to Follow the Law -- So Why Did Illegal, Racist Pot Arrests Continue to Increase?

Posted on: Feb 2, 2012, Source: NORML

Even after the Commissioner told cops to follow the books on pot charges, small time weed arrests continued, breaking records for the past decade.

Study: Smoking Pot Won't Give You Lung Cancer, or Hurt Your Lungs at All

Posted on: Jan 12, 2012, Source: NORML

According to a new study, exposure to cannabis smoke, even over the long-term, is not associated with adverse effects on pulmonary function.

Study: Could More Medical Pot Reduce Prescription Pill Deaths?

Posted on: Jan 4, 2012, Source: NORML

1 out of 3 Arrested by Age 23? Why the War on 'Pot' is a War on Young People

Posted on: Dec 19, 2011, Source: NORML

A new study estimates that one-third of U.S. young people will be arrested or taken into custody for illegal or delinquent offenses, including pot, by the age of 23.

Tell Obama, 'End the War on Medical Marijuana Patients'

Posted on: Dec 16, 2011, Source: NORML

Most Americans Want Legal Pot -- Why Is the Government Cracking Down More Than Ever?

Posted on: Oct 19, 2011, Source: AlterNet

With support for marijuana law reform growing in every demographic, politicians should no longer consider it a political liability. Unfortunately, Obama still does.

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