Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Members of the National Organization for Marijuana Reform Laws gathered shortly before noon May 1 at Beach Park, before setting out on a march down Truxtun Avenue on route to the Liberty Bell in front of the courthouse, to promote the legalization of cannabis.
Initiated by Curesnotwars.org, Saturday held the 2010 Worldwide Marijuana March with 300 cities signing up on six continents, Bakersfield being one of them.
With the smell of marijuana smoke in the air, activists and participants wielded signs with slogans "Genesis 1:29 God gave man all seed-bearing plants," and "Yes we Cannabis," as they walked along the street. Passing cars honked their horns in agreement and some signaled the thumbs down at the activists.
Participants cheered at the honking support and expressed their feelings and concerns about the prohibition of marijuana openly.
Robert Burke a human services major, said on the illegality of the plant, "They put too many people away in jail for it, that's not right. People could be using that money in other places. We're firing teachers, sending teachers packing but we're putting more prisoners away. It costs $46,000, average, to put a prisoner away for a year. That's a teachers salary and there are a lot of people that are in prison now just for weed."
Daniel Kassa, a Bakersfield College student who was marching, said, "We came out here today to show some support for the medical use of marijuana, and I feel that the police overreact, overcharge with fines, and it's not right because marijuana is good for you. It is scientifically proven that it doesn't have any bad side effects, except cottonmouth and getting sleepy, but besides that, it helps you, it releases your mind."
Blaine Randolph, a user of medical marijuana since the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996, said on his presence at the march that, "[I am here] to beseech the public, to reserve judgment on marijuana, to instead entertain the notion that pot is nature's medicine. "
Participants suffering from different ailments and illnesses talked about how the plant helps with them better cope with their conditions.
Jeff Clark, President of the Upper Kern County NORML, led the march, instructing people from a bull horn, and advising them to remain respectful, wait for people at crosswalks, and to stay on the sidewalk and off of people's lawns.
Upon arrival at the Liberty Bell, Clark with others from NORML began to speak from the platform on the legalization of marijuana.
"We should stand up for our rights. We have a bill up for vote in 2010, in November and it legalizes an ounce for everyone over 21," said Clark.
"We want to increase the use of hemp; we want to stop fossil fuel mining, we want to stand up for cannabis but we got to vote on bills to legalize hemp for clothing and for textile products. We need to get rid of the oil, vinyl, plastic bullshit that is polluting and killing our planet."
The bill, which will be up for vote in November, allows anyone over the age of 21 to grow and possess marijuana. The penalties for smoking with someone who is not of legal age can include jail time.
Participants cleared the square around 2:30 p.m. and walked back to Beach Park, still receiving honks of approval and support as they marched.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: therip.com
Author: Mateo Melero
Copyright: 2010 Renegade Rip
Contact: Renegade Rip
Website: Smokers, activists march for pot rights - News
• Thanks to MedicalNeed for submitting this article
Initiated by Curesnotwars.org, Saturday held the 2010 Worldwide Marijuana March with 300 cities signing up on six continents, Bakersfield being one of them.
With the smell of marijuana smoke in the air, activists and participants wielded signs with slogans "Genesis 1:29 God gave man all seed-bearing plants," and "Yes we Cannabis," as they walked along the street. Passing cars honked their horns in agreement and some signaled the thumbs down at the activists.
Participants cheered at the honking support and expressed their feelings and concerns about the prohibition of marijuana openly.
Robert Burke a human services major, said on the illegality of the plant, "They put too many people away in jail for it, that's not right. People could be using that money in other places. We're firing teachers, sending teachers packing but we're putting more prisoners away. It costs $46,000, average, to put a prisoner away for a year. That's a teachers salary and there are a lot of people that are in prison now just for weed."
Daniel Kassa, a Bakersfield College student who was marching, said, "We came out here today to show some support for the medical use of marijuana, and I feel that the police overreact, overcharge with fines, and it's not right because marijuana is good for you. It is scientifically proven that it doesn't have any bad side effects, except cottonmouth and getting sleepy, but besides that, it helps you, it releases your mind."
Blaine Randolph, a user of medical marijuana since the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996, said on his presence at the march that, "[I am here] to beseech the public, to reserve judgment on marijuana, to instead entertain the notion that pot is nature's medicine. "
Participants suffering from different ailments and illnesses talked about how the plant helps with them better cope with their conditions.
Jeff Clark, President of the Upper Kern County NORML, led the march, instructing people from a bull horn, and advising them to remain respectful, wait for people at crosswalks, and to stay on the sidewalk and off of people's lawns.
Upon arrival at the Liberty Bell, Clark with others from NORML began to speak from the platform on the legalization of marijuana.
"We should stand up for our rights. We have a bill up for vote in 2010, in November and it legalizes an ounce for everyone over 21," said Clark.
"We want to increase the use of hemp; we want to stop fossil fuel mining, we want to stand up for cannabis but we got to vote on bills to legalize hemp for clothing and for textile products. We need to get rid of the oil, vinyl, plastic bullshit that is polluting and killing our planet."
The bill, which will be up for vote in November, allows anyone over the age of 21 to grow and possess marijuana. The penalties for smoking with someone who is not of legal age can include jail time.
Participants cleared the square around 2:30 p.m. and walked back to Beach Park, still receiving honks of approval and support as they marched.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: therip.com
Author: Mateo Melero
Copyright: 2010 Renegade Rip
Contact: Renegade Rip
Website: Smokers, activists march for pot rights - News
• Thanks to MedicalNeed for submitting this article
