You might have questions or wonder what the deal is with that plant that everyone keeps talking about. Cannabis, marijuana, weed, reefer…watch this full, 7-part video series for a rundown on the state of marijuana in our world today. Start with Part 1 here:
The rest of the videos (all 7 parts) can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/user/YTdocs
from captimes.com:
Dear Editor: The Wisconsin and Madison affiliates of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) salute Mayor Paul Soglin and the Madison City Council for honoring the late Madison activist Ben Masel at their May 17 meeting. In addition to other pursuits, Ben was a longtime NORML activist and served as a board member and officer in our group.
Madison alders voted unanimously to adopt a memorializing resolution titled, “Honoring the life of Bennett ‘Ben’ Masel, his contribution to our community and declaring April 20th as ‘Ben Masel Day’ in the City of Madison.”
As many know, April 20 is, not coincidentally, the date on which those who respect cannabis take a day to celebrate the plant and work for its legalization. Celebrating Ben’s life and contributions will make future 4/20s even more special.
Special thanks are due to Ben’s alder, Bridget Maniaci, and District 6 Ald. Marsha Rummel for sponsoring and crafting the inspiring wording of the resolution, as well as council colleagues Mark Clear, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, Anita Weier, Mike Verveer and Lisa Subeck for cosponsoring.
But while decades of efforts inextricably linked Ben with cannabis and hemp legalization, his advocacy went beyond, including free speech, privacy and the right to assemble. The best way for all of us to honor and remember Ben’s contributions is to make every day Ben Masel Day by joining in continuing his advocacy.
Gary Storck, co-founder
Madison NORML
Rep. Ron Paul Introduces H.R. 1831, The Industrial Hemp Farming Act, on Heels of Successful Second Annual Hemp History Week
Senate Bill In Support of Industrial Hemp Farming Expected to Follow
WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the fourth time since the federal government outlawed hemp farming in the United States over 50 years ago, a federal bill was introduced on May 11, which if passed, will remove restrictions on the cultivation of industrial hemp, the non-drug oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis. The chief sponsor, Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) circulated a “Dear Colleague” letter last week seeking support for H.R. 1831, The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011. H.R. 1831 is almost identical to H.R. 1866, which was introduced in the 111th Congress in 2009.
“We are pleased to see the re-introduction of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act in Congress. Vote Hemp is currently working with a Democratic Senator who is preparing to introduce companion legislation in the Senate in support of industrial hemp farming,” says Vote Hemp President, Eric Steenstra. “It is due time for the Senate as well as President Obama and the Attorney General to prioritize the crop’s benefits to farmers and to take action like Rep. Paul and the cosponsors of H.R. 1831 have done. With the U.S. hemp industry valued at over $400 million in annual retail sales and growing, a change in federal policy to allow hemp farming would mean instant job creation, among many other economic and environmental benefits,” adds Steenstra.
U.S. companies that manufacture or sell products made with hemp include Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, a California company that manufactures the number-one-selling natural soap in the U.S. as well as best-selling hemp food manufacturers, such as French Meadow Bakery, Living Harvest, Manitoba Harvest, Nature’s Path, Nutiva and Sequel Naturals who make their products from hemp grown in Canada. Sustainable hemp seed, fiber and oil are also used by major companies such as Ford Motors, Patagonia and The Body Shop.
