I grew up in Cleveland where the motto is “you gotta be tough.” Largely, growing up in Cleveland forced me to understand dynamics of how race and class are exploited to maintain systems of oppression to protect the powerful. 

Growing up as a white kid in a majority black area, I clearly saw how I was treated differently by the criminal justice system than my friends, both anecdotally through lived experience. 

“I fully acknowledge that all of my successes are only possible due to the tireless work and shoe-leather of generations of activists before me.”

Coming into the drug policy space with the dynamics of a 50 year established organization (NORML) has been both thrilling and challenging. I fully acknowledge that all of my successes are only possible due to the tireless work and shoe-leather of generations of activists before me. 

“So far in my tenure at NORML, the proudest moment I have had to date was passing the MORE Act out of House, making it the first bill in US history passed to end federal marijuana criminalization.”

So far in my tenure at NORML, the proudest moment I have had to date was passing the MORE Act out of House, making it the first bill in US history passed to end federal marijuana criminalization. The most challenging aspect is the daily struggle of being under-resourced and overwhelmed while trying to serve and support a national network of activists to push Congress to acknowledge the moral, scientific, economic, and political realities around marijuana policy reform. 

“…I have absolutely no interest in working in the cannabis industry. I’m excited to contribute my skills and effort to end criminalization and then quit my job…”

Folks are always surprised to learn that I have absolutely no interest in working in the cannabis industry. I’m excited to contribute my organizing skills and effort to end criminalization -- followed by quitting my job to focus on movement policy issues such as campaign finance reform, marginal tax rates, and justice in access to quality, free education. 

About Justin Strekal:

Justin Strekal is the Political Director for NORML, where he serves as an advocate to end the federal prohibition of marijuana and to reform our nation's laws to no longer treat marijuana consumers as second class citizens. Before working on drug policy, Justin worked on tax, wage, and campaign finance policy and for electoral campaigns throughout the country at every level of government.