When it comes to drug usage and legalization, there’s a big difference between NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and normal. Just ask Northwestern NORML co-president James Kowalsky, a sophomore Communications major from Hollywood, Florida who hopes to completely change the way Northwestern views marijuana reform. Here’s the scoop on how he got involved and why you should too.

PLAY: So what’s the deal with Northwestern NORML?

James Kowalsky: Northwestern NORML started at the beginning of Fall Quarter. In the fall, we were focusing on fundraising. We also passed out pot info sheets every week or two; some people just threw them away, but the point is we’re getting the word out there. For winter, we’re focusing on education. Later on this quarter, we’ll be cosponsoring events and speakers with groups like ASA and FMO. The ability to do this at Northwestern is a real honor; people at NU are about to be some of the most prominent figures in their fields. In 20 years when you’re all in positions of power, don’t forget what you learned in college.

PLAY: What prompted your passion for reform and legalization policies?

JK: Well, before coming to college, I knew I wanted to get involved with something like this. I’m from Florida, where NORML is huge. I mean, University of Central Florida’s largest group on campus is NORML.

PLAY: Do you have any personal connection to the issue?

JK: My mother is a breast cancer survivor, and during my junior year of high school, she went through chemo. My dad and brother and I felt like we couldn’t be there for her enough. She told me that she wanted something to ease the pain; I offered to get her the only thing I could think of (marijuana). She refused, of course. She’s a lawyer so if she got caught, she’d be disbarred. It just made me so angry that there was nothing I could do.

PLAY: What kind of response has Northwestern NORML gotten so far?

JK: It’s hard when people don’t take your cause seriously, but at least the university hasn’t given us any problems. They’ve treated us like any other group with a social issue to deal with. Members of NORML are good students and active members of the community. Yes, some use pot. Some don’t. We just always have to remember the line, “don’t give the plant a bad name.”

PLAY: Who’s involved with Northwestern NORML?

PLAY: Everyone’s welcome. Our goal is to be a recognizable name on campus. It may never be prestigious, but we want to be a respectable organization with real purpose and a drive to create change.

PLAY: There are so many issues to get involved in. So why should NU students care about drug law reform and legalization?

JK: It’s really a simple issue: Where do you want our country’s law budget going? It’s funny that the government is working so hard to find cures and pain relievers, when they have the answer right in front of them. (The government) is saying that there aren’t medical values to marijuana, and that’s just not true. It’s been proven to reduce pain and nausea while increasing sleep and euphoria. How is this not an open-and-shut case?

PLAY: Who is Peter Vilkelis and why should students come to tonight’s event?

JK: After law school Mr. Vikelis worked as a state’s attorney. he used to be on the “bad guys” team, but he flipped sides. For students who don’t know anything about reform and legalization, this event is a great starting point. People might hear things that surprise them.

PLAY: What’s up next for you?

JK: Well, my study abroad application was due yesterday. I’d love to go to Australia because they have an interesting drug policy. In their country, marijuana is treated as medicinal, while in our country, it’s viewed as criminal. The scholarly research about their policies and recidivism rates that’s going to come out in the next 10 to 15 years is going to say a lot.

PLAY: What about after graduation?

JK: I’m not sure if I want to go the same route as (Vilkelis), but I want to stay in not-for-profit social work. I have a strong desire to help people. But for now, I just want to keep educating people, and having fun.

– Alex Ilyashov