Jenn Michelle Pedini is Winning Hearts, Minds and Legislative Battles
I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and am a third-generation Disney cast member. Storytelling was at the core of my first career and to this day the skill serves me well in public policy. Being able to emotionally connect voters and lawmakers to legislative objectives is often key to winning hearts and minds.
Jenn Michelle Pedini // Photo Credit: Growler Magazine
As the development director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and the executive director of the state affiliate chapter, Virginia NORML, ensuring legal protections for responsible consumers is not only central to my work at NORML, but it is an issue I connect with personally.
“It is unconscionable that Americans are still to this day denied such treatment (cannabis) based solely upon their geographic location.”
Years ago when I battled cancer, Virginia healthcare providers did not have the option to recommend medical cannabis to their patients. Yet, medical cannabis was at that time a legal option for millions of Americans. It is unconscionable that Americans are still to this day denied such treatment based solely upon their geographic location.
I was attending the 2012 NORML Aspen Legal Seminar when I met NORML’s founder, Keith Stroup. He also lives in Virginia, and he encouraged me to get involved with Virginia NORML. Taking his advice to heart, I showed up to volunteer, and a few years later I found myself leading the state chapter. Now, I work alongside Keith in NORML’s national office where I encourage people around the world to show up through programs like the NORML Cannabis Advocacy Certificate.
“Either goal alone was a heavy lift for such a short window, but thanks to the tireless work of advocates we were able to advance both…”
This year, Virginia both decriminalized personal possession of marijuana and legalized medical cannabis during a 6-week General Assembly session. Either goal alone was a heavy lift for such a short window, but thanks to the tireless work of advocates we were able to advance both, plus an additional 16 marijuana-related bills in the 2020 General Assembly.
Q: What conversation(s) are you most looking forward to at the National Cannabis Policy Summit?
A: I’m looking forward to Popular Opinion: Cannabis Policy and the Election, because I always enjoy hearing Dr. Hudak’s succinct analyses and well-rounded perspectives.
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