The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) celebrated endings and beginnings this week, as the storied legalization group's newly elected Board Chair, attorney Joseph A. Bondy, reflects on the significance of Black History Month to the cannabis community.
Joseph A. Bondy is a powerhouse criminal defense trial attorney and lifelong champion of justice. A native New Yorker and unwavering cannabis advocate, he has spent 30 years winning groundbreaking legal battles, securing key victories for individual rights, and expanding cannabis access for all. Often called “The Most Captivating Man in Cannabis,” Bondy now brings his unmatched expertise to the Chair of NORML, where he will continue to lead the fight for personal freedom and legal reform at the highest levels.
A Statement On Black History Month From NORML Board Chair Joseph A. Bondy
As the newly elected Chair of the NORML Board, I am deeply honored to reflect on Black History Month and what it means both to our organization and to the ongoing cannabis legalization movement. For those of us working to reform cannabis laws, it’s clear that the story of cannabis prohibition is inextricably linked with the fight for racial justice and equality. This Black History Month, we commit to advancing a framework of legalization that is not only equitable but one that works toward healing the deep wounds caused by decades of systemic racism.
For generations, millions of African Americans have fought against the destructive effects of the War on Drugs. As a lifelong New Yorker and criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen firsthand the racial disparities that continue to plague cannabis law enforcement. Black individuals are nearly four times more likely than white people to be arrested for simple possession, and the barriers to economic and social opportunity in the wake of those arrests continue to impact their lives long after the legal battles have ended.
The roots of cannabis prohibition are entrenched in racism. The 1970 Controlled Substances Act, signed by President Nixon, wasn’t just about regulating drugs—it was a deliberate tool used to target communities of color. Over the decades, the criminal justice system's disproportionate treatment of Black individuals, leading to mass incarceration, has only deepened these inequities, stripping away fundamental rights and opportunities—from access to housing and employment to the right to vote.
However, the cannabis movement has not only endured but has been led by those who continue to challenge these injustices. I’ve had the privilege of working with many incredible advocates—those dismantling outdated stigmas, entrepreneurs fighting for equity, and the voices of the incarcerated who remind us every day of the price that’s been paid.
At NORML, we’re a diverse coalition united by one vision: safe and legal cannabis access for everyone. But we also recognize that true cannabis freedom won’t exist until the communities most impacted by prohibition are made whole again. As we reflect on Black History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing the harms caused by the War on Drugs and ensuring that cannabis reform delivers real social, economic, and health benefits to those who have been disproportionately affected.
Our work doesn’t stop until justice is fully realized. We’ll continue to push forward policies that not only support the legalization of cannabis but also support those who have been most harmed by its criminalization. Cannabis reform is about more than just a plant—it’s about justice, equity, and healing.
If you're passionate about cannabis legalization, social justice, and protecting consumers' rights, we invite you to join NORML in driving meaningful change. Become a member today, and if you're able, consider making a tax-deductible donation to the NORML Foundation to help fuel our advocacy and reform efforts.
Semper Altior!
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A version of this article was previously published on the NORML website.
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Featured image: Joseph A. Bondy (C) Todd France
