Reflecting on My Legal Internship With NORML

As a rising second-year law student with a passion for public interest law and lobbying, interning with NORML was a natural fit for me. I was motivated by a desire to understand the intricacies of legal reform and to be part of a movement that is advocating for change. My time with NORML taught me invaluable lessons about self-structure, the complexity of legislative processes, and the critical roles of education and  advocacy.

Working in a hybrid position presented unique challenges and opportunities. Traditionally, I thrive in structured environments, but this experience pushed me to create my own routines and accountability measures. While working remotely for the bulk of the summer, I learned the art of self-advocacy and goal setting. Despite the limitations of remote work, the hybrid setting offered a valuable lesson in professionalism, reinforcing the importance of being both adaptable and proactive. When I had the chance to work out of NORML’s D.C. headquarters in July, I was able to experience firsthand the complex world of Capitol Hill lobbying, learning how to work as part of a team with the shared goal of reforming discriminatory, outdated, or otherwise obsolete laws.

NORML’s legal internship exceeded my expectations in terms of the depth of knowledge I gained about cannabis and the legal hurdles that reformers face. Building coalitions across political spectrums is essential for reform. Education and advocacy remain vital components of this movement, as misinformation and stigma continue to cloud public and political perceptions about cannabis. Engaging in public awareness campaigns is crucial for shaping how the public views cannabis, and is a key component for influencing legislative change. For future NORML interns, my advice is to embrace the learning curve (it’s steep!), remain open-minded and flexible, take initiative, self-advocate, and seize every opportunity you can to engage with the multifaceted world of legal reform.