cannabisnews.com: Revelry, Politics Mix at Hempfest





Revelry, Politics Mix at Hempfest
Posted by CN Staff on August 17, 2008 at 05:32:16 PT
By Bob Young, Seattle Times Staff Reporter
Source: Seattle Times 
Seattle, WA -- It wasn't all peace, love and Hacky Sack at Seattle's 17th annual Hempfest.Activists irate about a proposed state limit on medical marijuana urged crowds Saturday at the pro-pot festival to rally at an Aug. 25 Department of Health hearing in Tumwater. Their target is a new state rule that would limit the 60-day supply for medical marijuana to 24 ounces and six mature pot plants.
"Every single patient I know will not be in compliance with the 60-day rule. It's not going to work. It's driven by law enforcement, not science," said Douglas Hiatt, a lawyer who represents medical-marijuana users.Hiatt was one of several activists who blasted the proposed rule at two panel discussions that were far more sober than the music, munchies and sunny revelry that most of Hempfest's expected crowd of 75,000 enjoyed Saturday at Myrtle Edwards Park. The free two-day festival continues today.Under the state's citizen-approved medical-marijuana law, patients with certain diseases are allowed to possess a 60-day supply with a doctor's authorization. But the 1998 initiative did not specify an amount, leading to uncertainty and conflict between law enforcement and patients.The Department of Health had suggested earlier this year that patients be allowed 35 ounces and a 100-square-foot growing area. But Gov. Christine Gregoire told health officials to get more input. Last month, the department came back with a diluted proposal.Many activists' ire was aimed at Gregoire, whom they blame for the new rule. They handed out posters that read, "What's Gregoire smoking?""I think Governor Gregoire panicked a little. I think it was a bit of a political fumble," said Alison Holcomb, of the ACLU's Marijuana Education Project.A Department of Health spokesman said Gregoire did not object to amounts the department was considering. Instead, Gregoire's aides told health officials to look for more research and feedback, said Tim Church."It wasn't about the number being too high or loo low. It was about talking to more people," Church said, including law-enforcement officials.The proposed limits would be the same as Oregon's, Holcomb said. But they would not be as generous as those in British Columbia, said Canadian activist Philippe Lucas. Some patients ingest marijuana through food, which requires a larger amount than smoking it.Dale Rogers, director of the pro-pot group Compassion in Action, called for a 60-day supply of 71 ounces and 99 plants, leading the audience in one panel discussion to chant "71-99."Dennis Moyers, who was infected with HIV in 1982, said medical marijuana has helped him survive the disease. But he disagreed with those who vilified Gregoire: "I've heard disparaging comments about the governor and some legislators. I can tell you from speaking to them face to face, they are with us."Church said the Department of Health may change its proposal after the hearing later this month. "We expect a lot of people on the 25th. We will carefully consider comments on all sides," he said.Source: Seattle Times (WA)Author:   Bob Young, Seattle Times Staff ReporterPublished:  Sunday, August 17, 2008 Copyright: 2008 The Seattle Times CompanyContact: opinion seatimes.comWebsite: http://www.seattletimes.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Seattle Hempfesthttp://www.hempfest.org/Hempfest To Feature Edmonds Writer Rick Steveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24113.shtmlHempfest's Grass is Greener This Yearhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24110.shtml
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Comment #29 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 29, 2008 at 18:54:52 PT
Hope
I am truly sorry to hear about your daughter's fiance. I must have missed that part of this thread when I was away. You and your family will be in my prayers. May God bless him and keep him.
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on August 20, 2008 at 20:10:27 PT
Hope
I hope your daughter is doing ok. I'm glad your grandmother is getting better. 
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Comment #27 posted by Hope on August 20, 2008 at 20:03:21 PT
Yes, My daughter is grieving and we are
grieving with her. It's very sad.Thank you for your concern. I appreciate it. For sure. I think, when you can, letting people know you care, matters. It makes a difference. It may be a small difference in the huge scheme of things.... but it matters. Thank you.This morning Granny got up at six oclock and said she wanted to cook our breakfast, and made scrambled eggs with sauteed green onions. I'm very encouraged by that. She's been having a hard time, but her spirits seem more up today than they have since the surgery. Thank all of you who sent good thoughts out and prayers for her.
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Comment #26 posted by Hope on August 20, 2008 at 19:48:40 PT
Fight 4 Freedom
"California Crush :)"Sounds good! And sounds like your having fun... except for the sunburn part. I tell people over and over... and now I'm telling you. You can still get a tan with with a high spf sunblock on, especially if you're out in the sun for awhile... and bypass the sunburn. 
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Comment #25 posted by ekim on August 20, 2008 at 17:58:07 PT
Hope all the best to yours
from many
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on August 20, 2008 at 06:03:42 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I'm glad you are having a wonderful vacation. I understand why people in California love their state. Say a little prayer for Hope. I don't think she will mind me mentioning this. Her daughter's fiance who was only 28 died suddenly the other day. She might be away from CNews for a while. 
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Comment #23 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 19, 2008 at 23:26:50 PT
This also just made my day even better
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS WILL CONDUCT A HEARING ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2008 AT 10:00 A.M. IN BANQUET ROOM 1 LOCATED ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE LANSING CENTER, 333 EAST MICHIGAN AVENUE, LANSING, MICHIGAN.Included on the Agenda will be:• Assign ballot designations to statewide ballot proposals qualified to appear on the November 4, 2008 general election ballot.
• Determination of ballot wording for the three statewide proposals identified below:
− COALITION FOR COMPASSIONATE CARE: Legislative initiative to allow under state law the medical use of marihuana.
− STEM CELL RESEARCH: Proposed constitutional amendment to permit with certain limitations stem cell research in Michigan.
− REFORM MICHIGAN GOVERNMENT NOW: Proposed constitutional amendment to effect a wide range of governmental changes.We finally get our proposal number!http://www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/8-21-08_NOTICE_245700_7.pdf
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Comment #22 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 19, 2008 at 22:24:08 PT
Oh how I love California
I finally got a hold of the first friend I ever made out here 3 years ago. He came and picked me up today and we went to hang out at his apartment for a while. I met some really amazing people while I was over there. 7 or 8 people that were all very down to earth, kind, funny, and that I really got along with.I also met this amazing WOMAN (I picked up some purple stuff that doesn't look the prettiest, but definitely get's the job done ;)I'm hoping to try some other new strains before I leave. Only 5 days left though! So much to do with so little time.We also went to this extremely beautiful beach in Carlsbad yesterday. I was completely trainwrecked by the waves out there. They were being awful violent with me. But it was still a great day. I met a few of my sister's friends while having fun playing in the water with my little two year old niece Rhianna. I don't think I put enough sunscreen on seeming that I left the beach looking like a oddly shaped tomato:)I think I need to extend my trip another week next time I come out.I might go see the Dave Matthews Band on friday and might possibly go to a rave up in L.A. on saturday with the people I was hanging out with today.So I just wanted share with those who care an update on my wonderful visit to the Golden State.
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Comment #21 posted by runruff on August 18, 2008 at 10:42:51 PT
#9#9#9.........
.......You become naked............
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Comment #20 posted by museman on August 18, 2008 at 09:59:20 PT
 #9
Who's the terrorists? Who's the thugs? Who's the criminals?
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on August 18, 2008 at 07:50:17 PT
runruff
I am Pro Choice but I really am Pro Life.
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Comment #18 posted by runruff on August 18, 2008 at 06:00:03 PT
Republiicans
As Frank Shaeffer over at Huffpo pointed out " Republicans are not pro-life the are simply against abortion." What a great observation.
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Comment #17 posted by runruff on August 18, 2008 at 05:31:51 PT
Hope,
Why? They knew she was a kindly old lady living alone. She said she knew the local sheriff on a first name basis. Had lived there 30 years.As for the cost. We are no longer on the gold standard. This means the feds can declare any budget amount without any monitoring and print as much money as they want. The feds have a river of money. 
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Comment #16 posted by Hope on August 17, 2008 at 20:39:18 PT
Runruff Comment 9
I didn't get an e-mail about it... but I watched it from your link. Those weeds are abundant around this part of the country. They're just a big old scraggly weed that's common as dirt.It's unbelievable that they didn't even have someone take a look at the plants before they sent in the military. Besides wrong, crazy, and stupid ... it had to have been mega costly.
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on August 17, 2008 at 17:11:06 PT
Related Article From United Press International
Hempfest Draws Throngs To Seattle ParkSEATTLE, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Tens of thousands of cannabis lovers gathered on the Seattle waterfront this weekend to celebrate and promote their favorite plant.The 17th annual Hempfest in Myrtle Edwards Park was expected to draw a total of 100,000 participants promoting recreational, medical and other uses of the plant, including for biofuel, the Seattle Post Intelligencer reported Sunday. "It's kind of our main thing because this country is really missing out on how it can be used positively for everyone," said volunteer Dale Rogers.The only controversy was driven by hemp activists unhappy about a proposed Washington state limit on medical marijuana, The Seattle Times reported Sunday. Speakers urged crowds to rally at an Aug. 25 Department of Health hearing against a new state rule that would limit the 60-day supply for medical marijuana to 24 ounces and six mature pot plants."Every single patient I know will not be in compliance with the 60-day rule. It's not going to work. It's driven by law enforcement, not science," said lawyer Douglas Hiatt, who represents medical-marijuana users.Copyright: 2008 United Press Internationalhttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/08/17/Hempfest_draws_throngs_to_Seattle_park/UPI-81241219009865/
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on August 17, 2008 at 16:34:40 PT
fight_4_freedom 
Thank you. I was vague. I have been trying to use music in Windows Movie Maker with Vista it seems to make it harder to use a song off of a purchased CD. I now have been able to figure out how to convert music to MP3 so I can use it. I like to put pictures to music and put it on a DVD. 
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Comment #13 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 17, 2008 at 16:16:06 PT
Oooohhh .......that video
You had me confused for a second there :)The other videos will still be coming your way very shortly. I'll probably send them sometime during the week I get back.
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on August 17, 2008 at 16:11:17 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I just realized I didn't say what video. The Jack Johnson video we like called Home.
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Comment #11 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 17, 2008 at 16:06:42 PT
FoM - So no need 
for me to send you those DVDs then?
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on August 17, 2008 at 13:50:49 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I was able to put that video on a dvd. Because I have a big screen tv it is slightly pixelated but it still is cool to have it.
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Comment #9 posted by runruff on August 17, 2008 at 09:02:10 PT
E-mail from Jon Doe.
Did anyone else recieve this e-mail? Check out this story. It is just like mine except I had 40 of these guys and I had real cannabis. They did not have a warrant when they first searched my place. I was in So. Cal having eye surgery when they came onto my place and searched it without a warrant. This is what I'm saying, the WOD has wipped out our rights as American citizens. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLyJecPhfzk&feature=PlayList&p=4B1A00A03EE8B545&index=21 
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Comment #8 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 17, 2008 at 08:59:20 PT
I'm happy to hear the weather has been good all
summer. It's been like that in Michigan as well. Normally we have more thunderstorms and rainshowers than we did this summer. So I can't complain about that.I'm going to go watch that video again here to get me into beach mode.$10 for each CD is not bad at all.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on August 17, 2008 at 08:51:45 PT
fight_4_freedom 
We have had a beautiful summer all in all. We've had enough rain to keep everything nice and green. It made a lot of mowing though. I just ordered 3 cds from Amazon.com of Jack Johnson. I want the song Home and it took me awhile to find it. When you order over $25.00 you don't have to pay for shipping so the 3 only cost $30. http://www.myspace.com/jackjohnsonmusic
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Comment #6 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 17, 2008 at 08:35:01 PT
Thank You
I'm still waiting for them to get up at the moment. I'm still stuck in Michigan time.Since your weather is so beautiful, I guess I'll hold off on the bragging for another day! lol
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on August 17, 2008 at 08:26:24 PT
fight_4_freedom 
Enjoy your day with your family. We are having another day of beautiful California weather.
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Comment #4 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 17, 2008 at 08:23:24 PT:
Sounds good
Enjoy your day!
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on August 17, 2008 at 08:06:17 PT
fight_4_freedom 
Thank you. I'll send you an e-mail later on when I get a little extra time.
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Comment #2 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 17, 2008 at 08:02:18 PT
The Cancer Cure
Speaking of the Rick Simpson Story, I am making some copies of the DVD I own sometime this week. FoM, if you want one for yourself or one for your friend, let me know.I will gladly send you a copy or two.
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Comment #1 posted by Storm Crow on August 17, 2008 at 07:50:53 PT
Something to consider about the limits...
If you are a cancer sufferer, and you decide to make a 2 to 3 month supply of Rick Simpson's "Phoenix Oil", you need to start with an almost full 5 gallon bucket of cannabis. 6 plants and 24 ounces, ain't going' to make it! Not even half way! More than 1 out of every 3 of us will have cancer at some point in our lives. Is Washington State going to make all these people into criminals for trying to save their own lives with a non-toxic herb? 
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