Who Was Mikel Weisser?
Phoenix, AZ: On May 13, 2020, Arizona’s cannabis community lost one of its strongest, happiest warriors for legalization, and now Heaven has gained another angel. Mikel Weisser, the State Director of Arizona NORML, will be remembered by numerous Arizonans whose lives he touched, but especially by his loving family and wife Beth, who served alongside him for many years as Arizona NORML’s Treasurer. We stand with Beth today as she mourns her husband’s untimely death from an apparent heart attack.
Mikel Weisser burst into this world in 1959, about one decade before the war on drugs was declared. He spent much of his adult life fighting to right that wrong, motivated by a righteous understanding that people who commit victimless crimes like smoking marijuana should not be imprisoned, and that sick people should certainly not be thrown into jail for consuming medicine.
Mikel played an instrumental role in legalizing medical marijuana in Arizona and in securing countless other policy reforms. He was a serious person but did not take himself too seriously. He could be counted on for both belly-laughs and serious legislative analysis. He is a grassroots legend and championed the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, the initiative to legalize cannabis for adult-use in Arizona. Mikel held extensive board positions and ultimately steered Arizona NORML through contentious elections. Mikel’s efforts have led him to have a continued presence in the State House while lobbying for numerous bills befitting patients in Arizona.
Tom Dean, a Legal Committee Member at NORML, explains, “There is a massive and palpable void left in Mikel’s absence that is felt across the entire movement, from consumers to dispensary owners and everyone in between. There will never be another like Mikel Weisser.” As a testament to Mikel’s influence and character, well-wishers have flooded a GoFundMe that was created for his family (and available at https://www.gofundme.com/f/there-will-now-be-legal-marijuana-in-heaven).
On May 22, 2020 at 4 pm, Mikel’s friends and admirers will come together (apart) for a virtual remembrance of Mikel’s life. To watch the event, come back to this page and view the video at 4 pm Arizona time.
As an advocate for equal rights in marijuana by all who follow, his selflessness was a breath of fresh air which led to massive respect from marijuana patients and legislators alike. Mikel Weisser was the glue that held Arizona’s cannabis community together, and he was a happy warrior fighting for a worthy cause. Arizona NORML will redouble its efforts to honor his memory, and will not rest until the Smart & Safe Arizona Act becomes law this November.
About NORML: NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high-quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable.