cannabisnews.com: Festival Focuses on Legalizing Pot 










  Festival Focuses on Legalizing Pot 

Posted by CN Staff on August 30, 2004 at 07:19:39 PT
By Heather Woodward, The Olympian 
Source: Olympian 

Olympia -- Robert White has had to use a wheelchair since 1996, when he was shot in the back at a Tacoma convenience store where he was shopping for a chicken teriyaki dinner. He takes several powerful pain medications every day. But it's medical marijuana, he said, that staves off the side effects of his other medications and helps him maintain a healthy body weight. That's one reason White, 44, says using marijuana should be legalized. 
"Without it, I would drop weight like water out of a glass," he said. "Without medical marijuana, I couldn't live. There are a lot of sick people who deserve to be able to choose what medication they use. I was a crime victim once. Why should I be victimized again?" White was among a crowd estimated by organizers to be at least 2,000 who went to the second annual Olympia Hemp Festival on Sunday at Heritage Park. That's more than twice the attendance last year at Olympia's inaugural Hemp Festival -- an event organized by advocates of legalizing marijuana. "I think we're doing really well this year compared with last year," said Steve Phun Hadley, a core staff member of Seattle's Hemp Festival who helped out with the Olympia event. "Next year, I want to do twice as good." Organizers attributed the larger crowd to a new addition this year: A row of vendors selling items such as jewelry, candles, T-shirts and bumper stickers. One booth also sold colorful, glass-blown bongs, or water pipes, for smoking marijuana. Snipped: Complete Article: http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20040830/southsound/133090.shtmlSource: Olympian, The (WA)Author: Heather Woodward, The OlympianPublished: Monday, August 30th, 2004 Copyright: 2004, The OlympianWebsite: http://www.theolympian.com/Contact: http://www.theolympian.com/forms/lettrfrm.shtmlRelated Articles & Web Site:NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/Seattle Hempfesthttp://www.seattlehempfest.com/Hempfest-ivities http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19389.shtmlFestival Celebrates Hemp, Stirs Political Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19378.shtmlThe Drug Issue: 2004 Hempfest Highlightshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19375.shtml

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Comment #27 posted by FoM on August 31, 2004 at 10:19:13 PT
global_warming 
I haven't heard anything about MMJ in New Jersey. Most of the New Jersey papers must be snipped so I seldom do any news from them. If you find a link to an article please post it. I thought the governor problem was taking up their time. I know the current governor is against mmj. At least I think I read that.
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Comment #26 posted by global_warming on August 31, 2004 at 07:35:09 PT
Thanks
Thanks all for the info on Betty Castor, sounds like she will be an asset.Here in NJ I heard on the radio, there is a bill heading for the legislature, that will allow for MMJ. This would make NJ the 10th state..It was interesting to here some of the people who called in to our local radio station 101.5. It was clear that some of the people who were against MMJ were concerned about these people using MMJ and then going out and drive a car, the host of the talk show quickly pointed out that many of these sick people were so sick, that they were not about to be driving around.It still came down to the fact, that those who opposed MMJ had some interest either directly or indirectly in the "War On Drugs"The host also pointed out that this WOD now supports thousands of people, and these people could suddenly find themselves without a job. This could cause some kind of national economic hardship.I wish I could figure a way to re-train these drug warriors, and channel them away from the need to crucify people.gw
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 22:05:32 PT
lineman
I did a search and found this on Kerry. I know he has been a long time friend of Peter Yarrow ( Peter, Paul and Mary ). I hope this is what you wanted to know.***This is John Kerry on drugs:Page 69: "Kerry harbored a fundamental skepticism for the counterculture in general, and its enthusiasm for illicit drugs in particular."Page 267: The Doors were Kerry's favorite band, "and he would blast 'Light My Fire' and 'Love Me Two Times' while patrolling the Delta rivers. … Kerry, however, never touched drugs in Vietnam. 'I like the lyrical intensity of The Doors,' he explained. 'Morrison was a poet, in my opinion. The drug part didn't interest me.' " Page 407: After the war, Kerry decides to loosen up a little. "Occasionally during his travels around America in 1971, usually with either Julia or a fellow veteran, Kerry had smoked marijuana. … He never smoked pot while at Yale or in the Navy. But during his stint as a leader of VVAW, he occasionally indulged. 'Yeah, I smoked pot when I came home from Vietnam,' Kerry noted in a 2003 interview. 'I didn't mind getting high. I certainly enjoyed it. But I didn't like the out-of-control component. I like being alert. So I tried it a few times, but I didn't touch it after 1972.' "http://slate.msn.com/id/2096936/
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Comment #24 posted by lineman on August 30, 2004 at 21:42:45 PT
Kerry
> We've never had a president who has admitted he smoked and 
> liked it, nor have we had one who hung out with cannabis
> smokers, so to have the possibility of both in Kerry gives 
> me some hope.Is it true that Kerry smoked and liked it??? I have not heard much about Kerry and Smoking. Did he hang out with Smokers, and like it? 
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 19:36:32 PT
About Michael Moore and the RNC
GOP 2004: Michael Moore's Arrival at Convention Causes Commotion By Joe Strupp Published: August 30, 2004 NEW YORK -- The biggest at the Republican National Convention Monday night occurred after 9 pm with the entrance of anti-Bush filmmaker Michael Moore, who was attempting to reach his reserved press seat in section #340 near the side of the stage. Moore is writing a daily column this week for USA Today.Moore had received more hassling than usual over press credentials on his way upstairs to this perch and then it took 20 minutes for him to get from the hallway just outside the arena to his seat, as he was stopped by security two more times. Informed by a reporter that this was highly unusual, Moore quipped, "How well is YOUR movie doing?" When he finally reached his seat, so many reporters and cameramen gathered that reporters already seated complained that the crush was disturbing their work. Moore, dressed in his trademark red baseball cap and jeans, told E & P, "I don't why they are checking my credentials so much. I have the right credentials." He added, however, that so far this week "the police have been helpful." and "I have had not negative things said to me by any Republican."Some Republicans nearby, however, were not shy about sharing their views of Moore with reporters. A GOP consultant from Pennsylvania, David Welch, said, "He's a troublemaker. I think he's here to cause trouble." "I just want to do some work," Moore said. "This is an important historical event." Finally seated, he wrote on a notepad, not a laptop, with security guards stationed at each end of his row. He said he had already handed in his first USA Today column.Joe Strupp is senioir editor of E & P http://www.mediainfo.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000621414
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 19:30:38 PT
Is Anyone Watching The RNC?
They're having church. That's what I would call it. It is very strange to me. Is it to anyone else?
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 19:09:32 PT

I Just Turned on The RNC 
It was boring until Michael Moore's movie was mentioned! Go Michael!
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 18:33:49 PT

siege
Really good job! I never would have thought about doing that. 
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Comment #19 posted by siege on August 30, 2004 at 18:28:33 PT

  GW       Betty Castor,
. MoveOn.Org endorses Betty Castor In an e-mail to members, the MoveOn Pac endorsed Betty Castor. I've e-mailed their press office ...radio.weblogs.com/0131089/2004/08/10.html - 35k - http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2004/08/24/a4a_CASTOR_DEAN_0824.html
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 18:08:21 PT

Thanks Virgil
What happened at Rainbow Farm changed me forever. I will never forget those days. Then 9-11 happened! We have all been thru a lot since then. I don't barely read stories involving raids or busts since Tom and Rollie were killed. Tom & Rollie Memorial Page:
http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/rb.htm
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Comment #17 posted by Virgil on August 30, 2004 at 18:01:47 PT

Remembering Tom Crosslin and Rollie Rohm
Here is a chance to show the value of Cnews and the importance of not letting things go unsaid. Tomorrow will be August 31 and the three years anniversary of the events that began on a Friday that would see Tom shot dead by authorities on Labor Day Monday and Rollie shot dead by the authorities that Tuesday. The anniversary of Tom's death will come on Friday and the anniversary of Rollie's death will be on Saturday.Playboy did a lengthy article on Rainbow Farms last year and I have already called it the most important article to appear at CannabisNews last year. It will be interesting to see how the comments grow with the passing of years, especially once someone undertakes a movie. I can only say "Show me the movie."
The Playboy article on Rainbow Farms
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 17:44:17 PT

mayan 
My opinion as to why no press for minor party candidates is because of how bad these last 4 years have been for us. Since 9-11 and the invasion of Iraq we haven't been the same. Michael Moore and Bill Maher begged Nader not to run but he just didn't care what they asked of him. 
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Comment #15 posted by mayan on August 30, 2004 at 17:29:58 PT

siege...
Nader isn't the Libertarian candidate, Michael Badnarik is.
Why isn't he getting any press? At least Harry Browne received some coverage when he ran as a Libertarian. I haven't seen,heard or read anything about Badnarik in the mainstream media. He could steal votes from Bush as Nader will from Kerry. True conservatives must despise both Bush and Kerry as both are for more government,more intrusion into peoples lives,more deficit spending and more wars.LP Candidate, Michael Badnarik 4 Prez:
http://www.badnarik.org The way out is the way in...Zogby Poll Indicates Half of New Yorkers Believe U.S. Leaders Had Foreknowledge of Impending 9/11 Attacks and 
"Consciously Failed" To Act:
http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/083004_zogby_poll.shtmlZogby Poll On 9/11:
http://www.911citizenswatch.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=390&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0Ignoring Key Evidence, 9/11 Commission Disgraces Itself, 
Says NY Group Now Planning Events Exposé:
http://www.unobserver.com/index.php?pagina=layout4.php&id=1896&blz=1Paul Thompson's Complete 9/11 Timeline:
http://www.cooperativeresearch.org/project.jsp?project=911_project

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Comment #14 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 17:23:04 PT

global_warming 
I did a google search and couldn't find anything on her stand on mmj. I hope someone else can find something for you. My computer is acting bogged down a little today but I figured it was because it is overcast here.
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Comment #13 posted by Virgil on August 30, 2004 at 17:16:35 PT

Good health is a type of wealth
Money creates financial wealth, but to rob people of the best health they could have is to take away the most valuable kind of wealth that a person can have. 
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Comment #12 posted by Virgil on August 30, 2004 at 17:13:50 PT

Question?
Do you not think that GW Pharma extracts will have to be allowed in the U.S. in the next 3 years no matter who is president? It is ugly politics that has postponed the inevitable, but once approval comes it will pass through the English speaking world within a year and the Spanish speaking world will be right there also. Reports will come from all over the world and Bayer commercials won't be pushing a Viagra that will give you a heart attack or go into fast talking mode to present the dangers.
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Comment #11 posted by global_warming on August 30, 2004 at 16:59:51 PT

Help
A good friend is facing a primary election in Florida tomorrow, she is planning to vote for Betty Castor, my puter seems to be bogging down, can someone offer some information about this women, and what she is representing?Is she for MMJ or not?gw
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Comment #10 posted by global_warming on August 30, 2004 at 16:42:33 PT

Corvis
"the majority perception is that America is either OK (Republicans), or in need of a few minor or major tweaks (Democrats). Very few Americans think we need revolution."When those amendments are gone, it will be tooo late for that revolution..
gw
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Comment #9 posted by CorvallisEric on August 30, 2004 at 15:48:16 PT

Two reasons I'm voting for Kerry
I can understand and sympathize with those who have been bitten by the Drug War monster. I haven't been, directly. Perhaps if I had, I would feel very differently.1 - Nader could have gotten the attention of the Democrats without handing the election to Bush by running only in states whose outcomes are almost certain either way. If he had done so, there would be little of the contentious debate that you see everywhere, not just here. By running, or attempting to run, in swing states like mine (Oregon), he has proven that his own personal vision / ego (your choice) is more important to him than the welfare of our country. He will not get enough votes to generate respect, only enough to get Bush re-elected / re-selected (your choice).2 - It isn't just 4 more years. It's far longer than that, because the next President will very likely get to choose several Supreme Court justices and many Federal judges. Democrats will not be able to filibuster against them forever. There's every reason to believe that Bush will succeed in packing the SC with justices who value the neo-con agenda above the Constitution, especially the despised 1st, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Amendments.While I agree 100% with Nader's stand on the Drug War, I'm not so sure about either his socialist economics or his defense posture. While I may be undecided, I cannot imagine the majority of Americans supporting Nader on these. Regardless of whether you think Americans are engaging in intelligent self-interest or are just being sheep, the majority perception is that America is either OK (Republicans), or in need of a few minor or major tweaks (Democrats). Very few Americans think we need revolution.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 15:03:58 PT

global_warming 
Even if Bush came out for medical marijuana I couldn't vote for him. I hope Kerry if he wins knows how much this war is hated or the next protests will be directed at him. 
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Comment #7 posted by global_warming on August 30, 2004 at 14:53:54 PT

Imagine
If Bush came out for MMJ, then what would I do? Given Bush's zeal for war and empire building, I still would vote against this puppet (George) of corporate greed.
gw
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on August 30, 2004 at 14:19:54 PT

How I Feel About Politics
There is almost nothing I dislike more then politics. That's why I've only voted a couple times in my life. I always thought what's the use so I just never cared. If I felt there might not be any hope for at least medical marijuana being legalized by Kerry I just wouldn't vote. If Bush was leading by 10 or more percent I probably wouldn't vote and let it go to Bush. That's just how I feel about politics. I don't believe in any party at all. Bush is scary so I'll vote for Kerry like one sign said yesterday. I'm afraid of Bush. I haven't ever been afraid of a president before but I am afraid of Bush.
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Comment #5 posted by siege on August 30, 2004 at 14:16:46 PT

Nader
 Libertarian Party candidate for President Ralph Nader DOZE NOT have the votes to get on the ballot. Lost all power   and can not find the sight.      
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Comment #4 posted by BGreen on August 30, 2004 at 13:59:33 PT

OK, Most Politicians Are Scum But Not All
Successful politicians tend to be of a reptilian nature while the good ones never seem to go very far.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #3 posted by BGreen on August 30, 2004 at 13:54:43 PT

Nobody BUT Kerry Has A Chance To Beat Bush
Nader isn't even on the ballot in Missouri, my county doesn't provide the "write-in" option, and whether or not we like it there are only two statistically possible choices: Kerry or Bush.I personally think all politicians are scum, but to the relative degree of scumminess I've never known anybody as horrible as Bush.Vote for Nader or whomever but ask yourself if it's worth four more years of bush, walters and ashcroft.Kerry will be taken down just like bush if he proves to be a liar. Until then I find great comfort in the cannabis smoking entertainers who are helping him win this November, namely Jon Bon Jovi who has donated at least a million dollars worth of his time to appear at Kerry rallies.We've never had a president who has admitted he smoked and liked it, nor have we had one who hung out with cannabis smokers, so to have the possibility of both in Kerry gives me some hope.Under the bush regime there is no hope!The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #2 posted by Hope on August 30, 2004 at 13:32:52 PT

Mr. Zuckerm
I tend to agree with you. I don't trust Kerry any more than I do Bush. I'll either vote Libertarian or Willie Nelson. He's apparently running in some fashion. 
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Comment #1 posted by Richard Paul Zuckerm on August 30, 2004 at 12:49:28 PT:

SEATTLE HEMP FEST SHOULD NOT ADVOCATE JOHN KERRY!
I seriously question the propriety of advocating for voting in John Kerry as U.S. President!! Ralph Nader and Libertarian Party candidates are the only candidates whom sincerely care about the well being of the American people! Bush and Kerry only care about the international corporate interest!I marched in yesterday's Anti-Bush protest, in New York City, began 10 A.M., at 7th Avenue and 14th Street, walked en mass north past the angry policemen at Madison Square Garden, made a right turn, then walked south bound, where the protest ended with Amy Goodman speaking on the microphone, a refreshing sight indeed! www.wbai.org.
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