Monday, April 20, 2009

Happy 4.20 Not-So-Secret Holiday Hints at Change for Marijuana Advocates (NY Times) On Monday, somewhere in New York City, 420 people will gather for High Times magazine's annual beauty pageant, a secretly located and sold-out event that its sponsor says will "turn the Big Apple into the Baked Apple and help us usher in a new era of marijuana freedom in America." They will not be the only ones partaking: April 20 has long been an unofficial day of celebration for marijuana fans, an occasion for campus smoke-outs, concerts and cannabis festivals. But some advocates of legal marijuana say this year's "high holiday" carries extra significance as they sense increasing momentum toward acceptance of the drug, either as medicine or entertainment. 4/20: National Pot Smokers Day by Anthony Papa Whatever its true origin may be, 420 Day is now firmly implanted in the marijuana subculture. The true significance of this day, beyond the fact that it brings together people to celebrate the use of marijuana, is that it's a day to explore the meaning of the freedom - or the lack thereof - to indulge in its use. Pot legalization favored by some to stem violence - Michael Gleeson, The Hill A growing chorus of lawmakers is openly calling for the legalization of marijuana as a measure to stop the escalating violence along U.S.-Mexico border. The legislators who have endorsed legalization are Reps. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), and Ron Paul (R-Texas). However, the chances of legalization occurring soon seem slim. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs recently said that President Obama does not support the legalization of marijuana. While a change occurring on the federal level appears remote, Paul believes that the tone of the debate is shifting. As a result of the raising tide violence along the border, Paul said the public and Congress are beginning to "wake up" and take notice of the relationship between border violence and marijuana. Conservative activist: Pot needs lobbyists Jessica Corry, the executive director of the Colorado Civil Rights initiative, said 4/20 "smoke-out" events like the one planned for Farrand Field on Monday are a good way to bring attention to the issue. But she said people fighting marijuana prohibition also need to participate in the political process -- and, she said, advocates need to show lawmakers a sober, serious side as well. "They're laughing at us," she said. "The 4/20 events are fine... but let's also get people down to the Capitol in suits." Today only! Free 24-hour on-demand screening of the film "HIGH." This is a great film, and if you haven't had the chance to see it, here's a great opportunity at no cost. First-Ever Nationwide Pro-Marijuana TV Ad Campaign Is Launched in Conjunction with '4/20' 12:43:12 AM | drug policy | Related  | permalink | comment []