If one organization of ISU students had its say, marijuana would be legalized.

The group, the Ames chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), advocates changing state and federal laws to legalize industrial hemp and medicinal marijuana.

And despite taking a stance on an issue that some people might consider controversial, Becky Terrill, president of NORML, said the Ames/ISU community has been pretty receptive to the existence of the NORML chapter, which was formed last semester.

“We haven’t seen any opposition from the community,” said Terrill, sophomore in genetics. “We will entertain any opposing view points.”

Travis Johnson, vice president of the local chapter of NORML, said he was initially against the ideals held by NORML, but now he thinks there are overwhelming benefits to changing laws involving marijuana.

“I was against it because I had preconceived notions,” said Johnson, junior in materials engineering. “If people disagree with it, then show me the facts to prove me wrong, and I can admit it if I am.”

Terrill said the main goal of NORML is to get the public to differentiate between the psychoactive properties of some forms of marijuana and the benefits that can be reaped from non-psychoactive strains of the weed.

“We want to educate the public,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize that hemp can be used as a medicine.”

Terrill said hemp, commonly referred to as “ditch weed,” will not cause intoxication because it has no THC. She said she sees no reason why hemp isn’t legal.

“You can consume hemp and eat hemp, but you will not have a high,” she said.

Johnson said the federal government actually encouraged Americans to use hemp during World War II.

“The government had farmers grow hemp during World War II to make rope,” he said. “It’s a good natural resource. We want to educate people because there is a lot of bias against hemp.”

Terrill also pointed out that hemp can produce four times as much paper per acre than trees, is environmentally friendly because no pesticides or herbicides are used in growing hemp, makes jewelry and can be used as oil for the skin.

With the presidential campaign in full swing, the members of NORML are currently concentrating on pushing candidates to take stances on the legalization of marijuana.

“I hope we can make a difference,” Johnson said. “I see a lot of opportunity with elections coming up. I want to change the laws because it makes sense to me.”

Johnson said he asked Democratic nominees Vice President Al Gore and former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley about their opinions on using industrial hemp and legalizing marijuana for medicinal reasons when they visited Iowa during caucus season.

“Bill Bradley agreed with the laws as they are now,” he said. “Gore felt medicinal marijuana should be legal.”

Since Hawaii has legalized industrial hemp, Johnson said he hopes the rest of the nation will soon follow suit.

Terrill said the Ames chapter of NORML has about 20 members and meets biweekly at 8 p.m. at Dharma Records, 2514 Lincoln Way. The next meeting is Feb. 9.