The Banana Peel Project

According to its mission statement, The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) works “to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.”  It’s a large and storied organization that’s been around since 1970.  Recently, Jason Druss won the $3500 Grand Prize in NORML’s pro-cannabis ad contest for his 60-second spot, “Legalization: Yes We Can.”

It’s professionally done, and overall does a good job showing a bunch of “ordinary” folks calling for legalization, calmly making their case through moving stories and informed expertise.

And then it’s over, and we’re watching a young woman giggle and smirk. Giggling? What’s the joke? What self-respecting advocate, whether of marijuana legalization or affirmative action or abortion laws, actually laughs at the end of their spot? So close, guys, but are you kidding me?

Also, on a similar note, check out Isaac Campos’ op-ed from last week talking about his work on the incredibly important international dimensions of the debate over marijuana law reform.

Giggle, giggle.