Marijuana Policy Project and NORML

For decades, outdated marijuana policies have criminalized a matter of personal liberty, contributing to penalties that are ineffective, costly, and racist. 

Rick has long been inspired by Europe's pragmatic approach to recreational drugs, which measures success by harm reduction rather than incarceration. In 2012, he worked to help legalize marijuana in his home state of Washington — and every two years since then, he's dedicated his time and a substantial financial contribution to help legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana wherever it's on the ballot. 

Through their advocacy initiatives, the Marijuana Policy Project and NORML have helped reshape the national conversation about drug policy advancing pragmatic policies based on protecting civil liberties and reducing harm rather than legislating morality.

At a Glance

Marijuana Policy Project
RSF focus areas: Civil Rights & Social Justice
Partner since: 2008
Donations to date: $300,000
Visit Marijuana Policy Project

NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws)
RSF focus areas: Civil Rights & Social Justice
Partner since: 2003
Donations to date: $360,000
Visit NORML

Learn More

• My Take on Drug Policy Reform (Rick Steves' Europe)
• Marijuana Legalization Has Gone Mainstream. Rick Steves Has Helped (The New York Times, 2018)
• Mr. Steves Goes to Washington — to Talk Drug Policy (Rolling Stone, 2018)
• Pot is now used by Mom and Dad. And Grandma's rubbing it on her elbows (CNN op-ed by Rick Steves, 2021)
• Rick Steves Talks Campaigning for Cannabis, Getting High in the Dark and the Future of Travel (Forbes, 2020)
• Rick Steves on Cannabis Policy (C-SPAN's Washington Journal, 2019)
• Marijuana: It's Time for a Conversation (Video forum produced with the ACLU of Washington, 2008)
• Fresh Ideas for a Tired Crusade (The New York Times, 2008)
• Europe's Drug War (The Los Angelese Times, 2007 op-ed by Rick Steves)