Well, another month in the books and another month closer to the most important election for patients ever. It seems there are some riffs within the medical marijuana community. This in-fighting has to stop and our leaders need to regain focus on what is important, Patient Rights. Unfortunately, patients are just pawns in this strategic game filled with too many kings. Personally and as a publication, I choose to support anyone that is doing their part to become involved in helping OUR cause. Whether you want to write, call, email, or visit politicians, fight for safe transfer facilities, protest at the Capitol, or outright decriminalize marijuana, I support you. So focus on what you believe in and not so much on what someone else is doing. If we can’t get along at least we can be civil.
Hash Bash was exciting and I had a great time. I stayed at the Clarion and was able to enjoy the whole weekend in Ann Arbor. I arrived late Friday but was still able to chat with some venders and listen to some live music in the hotel lobby. I arrived at the Diag early and handed out a lot of gift bags. At around 11am, I was wondering where all the people were at. By 11:30 the late arriving masses answered my question. Right on schedule, the speaking started. Everything went off without a hitch. They were even able to secure the extra half hour of sound, much to the approval of the interested crowd. After the speeches, I headed over to the Monroe Street Fair. It was crowded and there were not as many venders as I would have liked. On the positive side, I was able to hang out with Steve DeAngelo and John Sinclair at Dominics. I was humbled to be in the presence (and medicate) with two of the movement’s biggest supporters. After such a busy and exciting day, I fell asleep early that night and enjoyed a great nights rest. After a big breakfast at the hotel, I said my good byes and headed home with great memories of an important weekend.
Next on the activism trail was a trip to the State Capitol to protest the bills in the House of Representatives. Around 200 hundred people showed up to display their disapproval of these bills. Although the crowd was small, their voices were not. The crowd was filled with many new young faces and I soon realized I was looking at the future of this movement. The bills did not get signed that day. I don’t know if it was because of the rally but that doesn’t matter. I saw many representatives and congressmen watching from the side, and maybe we educated them just a little. There were also two television channels there reporting the event. Getting the truth out to the main stream public is constant challenge we must fight. Like I said, any activism is good activism.
The Vote Green Initiative Project is in full swing. We have had success lining up some great speakers for the upcoming meetings. From city council members to House Representatives, the VGIP continues to grow. We will support all politicians who fight on the side of good. This round of meetings will allow the audiences to hear for themselves what is going on at the Capitol. Meetings are being set up around the state, so there is no reason why you can’t attend at least one. We supply a lot of resources for you to become involved. It’s easy to become active, and even the busiest lifestyles can find a little time to contribute. It all starts with showing up.
This month also marked the famous pot holiday 4/20. Driving around town days before the big event, I talked to several industry business owners, and they were all preparing for a busy day. Well the people came out in force. After talking with several patients, I realized the hardest part of the day would be deciding where to go. Sorry for not making it to all the parties, but there was just not enough time in the day. All I will say is that I had a great time on 4/20 hanging out with a lot of patients and friends.
April turned out to be a busy month, and brought many people together. Now is not the time to stop. We must continue to gather at all events that promote our cause. Now is also a great time to spend some time with your House Representatives. We have had great success setting up meetings this month. I will keep you posted on the results as we invade the Capitol armed with patients and the truth. So keep your emails of success stories coming and as always stay classy.
