document.write(unescape('%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcannabis-common-sense%22%3ECannabis%20Common%20Sense%3A%20Friday%27s%2C%208-9PM%20Pacific%20Time%20%28Live%20Stream%29%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2016%20Jul%202010%2018%3A00%3A00%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cobject%20classid%3D%22clsid%3AD27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000%22%20width%3D%22435%22%20height%3D%22345%22%20id%3D%22utv408312%22%3E%3Cparam%20name%3D%22flashvars%22%20value%3D%22viewcount%3Dtrue%26amp%3Bautoplay%3Dfalse%26amp%3Bbrand%3Dembed%22%20%2F%3E%3Cparam%20name%3D%22allowfullscreen%22%20value%3D%22true%22%20%2F%3E%3Cparam%20name%3D%22allowscriptaccess%22%20value%3D%22always%22%20%2F%3E%3Cparam%20name%3D%22movie%22%20value%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ustream.tv%2Fflash%2Flive%2F1%2F494016%22%20%2F%3E%3Cembed%20flashvars%3D%22viewcount%3Dtrue%26amp%3Bautoplay%3Dfalse%26amp%3Bbrand%3Dembed%22%20width%3D%22435%22%20height%3D%22345%22%20allowfullscreen%3D%22true%22%20allowscriptaccess%3D%22always%22%20id%3D%22utv408312%22%20name%3D%22utv_n_797472%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ustream.tv%2Fflash%2Flive%2F1%2F494016%22%20type%3D%22application%2Fx-shockwave-flash%22%20%2F%3E%3C%2Fembed%3E%3C%2Fobject%3E%3Cp%3E%20Presented%20by%20The%20Hemp%20and%20Cannabis%20Foundation%20%28THCF%29%20and%20our%20affiliated%20political%20committee%20the%20Campaign%20for%20the%20Restoration%20and%20Regulation%20of%20Hemp%20%28CRRH%29.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fcannabis-common-sense-intro.JPG%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3EUStream%20-%20Cannabis%20Common%20Sense%20Friday%27s%2C%208-9PM%20Pacific%20Time%20%28Live%20Stream%29%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ENext%20Online%20Show%3A%20%23549%2009-03-10%20-%208-9PM%20Pacific%20Time%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThe%20show%20that%20tells%20truth%20about%20marijuana%20%26amp%3B%20the%20politics%20behind%20its%20prohibition.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ELive%20call%20in%20show%2C%20Friday%27s%2C%208-9PM%20Pacific%20Time%2C%20%28503-288-4448%29%20Cannabis%20Common%20Sense%20is%20intended%20to%20educate%20the%20public%20on%20the%20uses%20of%20cannabis%20in%20our%20society.%20Feel%20free%20to%20call%20the%20show.%20We%20look%20forward%20to%20helping%20you.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cdiv%20align%3D%22center%22%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cfont%20size%3D%222%22%20face%3D%22verdana%22%3EWatch%20the%20show%20on%20Ustream%21%20-%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ustream.tv%2Fchannel%2Fcannabis-common-sense%22%3Ehttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.ustream.tv%2Fchannel%2Fcannabis-common-sense%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Ffont%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3C%2Fdiv%3E%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcannabis-common-sense%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fopinion-30-best-blogs-learn-about-medical-marijuana%22%3EOpinion%3A%2030%20Best%20Blogs%20to%20Learn%20About%20Medical%20Marijuana%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Sun%2C%2029%20Aug%202010%2017%3A41%3A01%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fmcc.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22There%20is%20a%20truth%20that%20must%20be%20heard%21%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20The%20debate%20over%20medical%20marijuana%20is%20nothing%20new%2C%20but%20it%20has%20been%20picking%20up%20momentum%20lately%2C%20as%20more%20states%20move%20towards%20legalized%20control%20over%20the%20system.%20If%20you%20want%20to%20learn%20more%20about%20the%20medical%20%20ethics%2C%20benefits%20and%20uses%20of%20marijuana%2C%20as%20well%20as%20the%20research%20and%20court%20cases%20surrounding%20legalization%2C%20check%20out%20these%2030%20blogs.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ELegal%20and%20News%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EGet%20state%20news%2C%20national%20regulation%20concern%2C%20and%20other%20news%20about%20the%20legal%20and%20business%20side%20of%20medical%20marijuana.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Col%3E%20%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fblog.norml.org%2F%22%3ENORML%20Blog%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20The%20campaign%20to%20reform%20marijuana%20laws%20is%20tracked%20and%20promoted%20on%20this%20blog.%20%3Cstrong%3ERecommended%20posts%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20%26quot%3B%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fblog.norml.org%2F2010%2F07%2F14%2Fi-gots-mine-dispensary-owners-against-marijuana-legalization%2F%22%3EI%20Gots%20Mine%3A%20Dispensary%20Owners%20Against%20Marijuana%20Legalization%3C%2Fa%3E%26quot%3B%20and%20%26quot%3B%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fblog.norml.org%2F2010%2F07%2F19%2Fcalifornias-prop-19-a-word-for-word-analysis%2F%22%3ECalifornia%26%238217%3Bs%20Prop%2019%3A%20A%20Word-for-Word%20Analysis%3C%2Fa%3E.%26quot%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%20%3C%2Fol%3E%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fopinion-30-best-blogs-learn-about-medical-marijuana%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fseattle-hempfest-2010%22%3EWashington%3A%20THCF%20Supports%20Seattle%20Hempfest%202010%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Wed%2C%2004%20Aug%202010%2000%3A11%3A47%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cembed%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Flads.myspace.com%2Fphotoshow%2Fslideshow.swf%22%20type%3D%22application%2Fx-shockwave-flash%22%20quality%3D%22high%22%20scale%3D%22noscale%22%20wmode%3D%22transparent%22%20flashvars%3D%22userID%3D260679723%26amp%3BbgColor%3D0%26amp%3BbgColor2%3D0%26amp%3BtransitionSpeed%3D7%26amp%3BtransitionStyle%3Da%26amp%3BshowCaptions%3D1%26amp%3BalbumID%3D1574149%22%20width%3D%22500%22%20height%3D%22230%22%20name%3D%22slider%22%20align%3D%22middle%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fembed%3E%3Cbr%20%2F%3E%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhempfest.org%22%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22%2Fimages%2Fseattle-hempfest2010.jpg%22%20%2F%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EBy%20Michael%20Bachara%2C%20Hemp%20News%20Staff%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fhempfest-thcf.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22Washington%3A%20Seattle%20Hempfest%202010%20-%20Montage%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20The%20Hemp%20and%20Cannabis%20Foundation%20%28THCF%29%20is%20proud%20to%20be%20the%20main%20sponsor%20of%20the%20Seattle%20Hempfest%20because%20our%20mission%20is%20to%20educate%20the%20general%20community%20about%20the%20benefits%20of%20the%20cannabis%20plant%20to%20our%20society.%20Hempfest%202010%20will%20be%20held%20on%20August%2021st%20and%2022nd%2C%20and%20takes%20place%20every%20year%20at%20Myrtle%20Edwards%20Park%20expanding%20in%20recent%20years%20to%20include%20the%20adjacent%20parks.%20Hempfest%20offers%20five%20stages%20of%20entertainment%2C%20a%20Hemposium%20question%20and%20answer%20forum%2C%20and%20hundreds%20of%20vendor%20booths%2C%20sure%20to%20please%20a%20myriad%20of%20musical%2C%20informational%2C%20and%20entrepreneurial%20tastes.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThe%20time%20to%20act%20in%20support%20of%20hemp%20is%20now%2C%20so%20please%20reach%20out%20and%20create%20awareness%20in%20your%20community.%20The%20Berlin%20Wall%20fell%20quickly%2C%20and%20together%20we%20can%20end%20this%20unjust%20war%20on%20the%20cannabis%20plant%20in%20the%20same%20manner%2C%20but%20we%20need%20to%20unite%20in%20solidarity.%20Vivian%20McPeak%2C%20the%20event%27s%20director%20declares%2C%20%22No%20political%20or%20human%20rights%20movement%20in%20America%20has%20made%20it%20this%20far%20without%20eventually%20winning.%20It%27s%20just%20a%20matter%20of%20time.%22%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fseattle-hempfest-2010%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fwhy-support-oregon-cannabis-tax-act%22%3EOregon%3A%20Why%20Should%20I%20Support%20the%20Oregon%20Cannabis%20Tax%20Act%20%28OCTA%29%3F%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2030%20Apr%202010%2017%3A28%3A07%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3E%3FNone%20are%20more%20hopelessly%20enslaved%20than%20those%20who%20falsely%20believe%20they%20are%20free.%3F%20Johann%20Wolfgang%20Van%20Goethe%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EBy%20Jennifer%20Alexander%2C%20Oregon%20NORML%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Focta.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22Oregon%3A%20Why%20Should%20I%20Support%20the%20Oregon%20Cannabis%20Tax%20Act%20%28OCTA%29%3F%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20Many%20Oregonians%20are%20proud%20to%20be%20citizens%20of%20one%20of%20the%20first%20states%20to%20have%20allowed%20the%20use%20of%20medical%20marijuana.%20%20For%20many%20years%2C%20the%20federal%20government%20has%20led%20us%20to%20believe%20that%20marijuana%20had%20%3Fno%20medical%20value%3F%20by%20retaining%20it%20in%20Schedule%20I%20and%20by%20continuing%20to%20plague%20us%20with%20propaganda%20that%20insists%20that%20marijuana%20is%20%3Fdangerous.%3F%20%20%20As%20of%20April%201%2C%202010%2C%20there%20are%20over%2032%2C000%20medical%20marijuana%20patients%20currently%20holding%20cards%20in%20Oregon%20that%20disprove%20the%20notion%20that%20marijuana%20has%20%3Fno%20medical%20value.%3F%5Bi%5D%20Marijuana%20remains%20among%20the%20safest%20drugs%20known%20to%20mankind.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EProven%20Medical%20Value%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%20%20%20%20In%20recent%20years%2C%20our%20society%20is%20rediscovering%20the%20value%20of%20marijuana%20for%20a%20wide%20range%20of%20disorders%2C%20including%20AIDS%2C%20cancer%2C%20muscle%20spasms%2C%20chronic%20pain%20and%20many%20others.%20%20The%20ongoing%20research%20is%20astounding%20and%20could%20demonstrate%20tremendous%20breakthroughs%20in%20our%20health%20and%20overall%20well-being.%20%20Research%20continues%20to%20demonstrate%20that%20marijuana%20is%20not%20as%20dangerous%20as%20once%20believed%2C%20and%20far%20more%20beneficial%20than%20most%20ever%20thought%20it%20could%20be.%20%20However%2C%20this%20research%20is%20still%20very%20limited%20due%20to%20the%20status%20of%20cannabis%20as%20a%20Schedule%20I%20drug.%20%20%20This%20needs%20to%20change%3B%20sound%20clinical%20studies%20need%20to%20be%20done%20to%20determine%20more%20about%20the%20potential%20benefits%20and%20possible%20risks%20of%20using%20cannabis.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fwhy-support-oregon-cannabis-tax-act%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Foregon-pro-pot-events-converge-corvallis%22%3EOregon%3A%20Pro-Pot%20Events%20Converge%20on%20Corvallis%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2030%20Apr%202010%2017%3A22%3A58%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3EBy%20Bennett%20Hall%2C%20Gazette-Times%20reporter%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fcorvallis.gif%22%20alt%3D%22Oregon%3A%20Pro-Pot%20Events%20Converge%20on%20Corvallis%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20A%20pair%20of%20pro-marijuana%20events%20are%20coming%20to%20Corvallis%20as%20advocates%20push%20to%20get%20a%20measure%20aimed%20at%20legalizing%20the%20drug%20on%20the%20November%20ballot.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ELocal%20pot%20promoters%20are%20planning%20a%20Corvallis%20Marijuana%20March%20on%20Saturday%20to%20coincide%20with%20marches%20in%20other%20cities%20organized%20by%20Cures%20Not%20Wars%2C%20a%20New%20York-based%20group%20that%20opposes%20the%20war%20on%20drugs.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ESponsored%20by%20the%20Corvallis%20Cannabis%20Movement%20and%20Students%20for%20a%20Sensible%20Drug%20Policy%2C%20the%20local%20event%20will%20begin%20at%202%20p.m.%20with%20a%20rally%20at%20the%20Benton%20County%20Courthouse.%20The%20march%20will%20start%20at%204%3A20%20p.m.%2C%20winding%20around%20the%20courthouse%2C%20the%20police%20station%20and%20City%20Hall%20before%20turning%20west%20on%20Monroe%20Avenue%20to%20Oregon%20State%20University%20and%20then%20heading%20back%20to%20Central%20Park.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EIn%20a%20news%20release%20announcing%20the%20event%2C%20the%20organizers%20said%20they%3Fll%20be%20looking%20for%20petition%20circulators%20to%20gather%20signatures%20for%20the%20Oregon%20Cannabis%20Tax%20Act.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThe%20measure%2C%20which%20is%20being%20promoted%20by%20the%20National%20Organization%20for%20the%20Reform%20of%20Marijuana%20Laws%2C%20would%20make%20it%20legal%20for%20adults%20to%20grow%20and%20use%20marijuana%20in%20Oregon.%20It%20would%20also%20regulate%20pot%20sales%2C%20with%20part%20of%20the%20proceeds%20going%20to%20promote%20industrial%20hemp%20use.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThe%20petitioners%20hope%20to%20collect%20125%2C000%20signatures%20by%20July%202%2C%20the%20deadline%20to%20place%20the%20ballot%20measure%20before%20voters%20in%20the%20November%20general%20election.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Foregon-pro-pot-events-converge-corvallis%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fcongressional-research-service-medical-marijuana-report%22%3EUnited%20States%3A%20Congressional%20Research%20Service%3Fs%20Medical%20Marijuana%20Report%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2030%20Apr%202010%2016%3A49%3A20%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3EBy%20Allen%20St.%20Pierre%2C%20NORML%20Executive%20Director%20%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fcongressional-research.png%22%20alt%3D%22There%20is%20a%20truth%20that%20must%20be%20heard%21%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20The%20Congressional%20Research%20Service%20%28CRS%29%2C%20part%20of%20the%20Library%20of%20Congress%2C%20has%20a%20mandate%20to%20research%20and%20publish%20non-partisan%2C%20up-to-date%20and%20relevant%20information%20for%20members%20of%20Congress%20and%20their%20staff%20to%20help%20them%20craft%20legislation.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThe%20most%20recent%20CRS%20white%20paper%20on%20medical%20cannabis%20in%20the%20United%20States%20is%2C%20in%20fishing%20parlance%2C%20a%20%3Fkeeper%3F.%20Released%20for%20public%20consumption%20on%20April%202%2C%202010%2C%20it%20is%20a%20well%20researched%2C%20scholarly%20and%20important%20document%20for%20reformers%20to%20download%20and%20keep%20close%20at%20hand%20as%20a%20very%20well%20presented%20primer%20on%20the%20history%20and%20current%20domestic%20legal%20status%20of%20medical%20cannabis.%20Of%20particular%20help%20are%20the%20many%20numerous%20citations%20and%20footnotes%20for%20greater%20reference%20and%20depth%20of%20understanding.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EVery%20often%2C%20and%20rightly%20so%2C%20taxpayers%3Fnotably%20cannabis%20consumers%3Fare%20frustrated%20at%20how%20state%20and%20federal%20governments%20spend%20tax%20dollars%20arresting%2C%20prosecuting%2C%20incarcerating%3B%20interdicting%2C%20eradicating%20and%20propagandizing%20in%20support%20of%20cannabis%20prohibition.%20But%2C%20this%20most%20recent%20CRS%20report%20%28like%20many%20previous%20reports%20from%20them%20on%20cannabis%20and%20drug%20policy%29%20is%20an%20invaluable%20report%20to%20add%20to%20one%3Fs%20%3Freform%20library%3F%20that%20you%20and%20I%20can%20feel%20good%20paying%20for.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fcongressional-research-service-medical-marijuana-report%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Funited-states-debating-marijuana-legalization%22%3EUnited%20States%3A%20Debating%20Marijuana%20Legalization%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2030%20Apr%202010%2016%3A42%3A53%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cembed%20src%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fcnettv.cnet.com%2Fav%2Fvideo%2Fcbsnews%2Fatlantis2%2Fplayer-dest.swf%27%20FlashVars%3D%27linkUrl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fvideo%2Fwatch%2F%3Fid%3D6391267n%26amp%3BreleaseURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fcnettv.cnet.com%2Fav%2Fvideo%2Fcbsnews%2Fatlantis2%2Fplayer-dest.swf%26amp%3BvideoId%3D50086201%26amp%3Bpartner%3Dnews%26amp%3Bvert%3DNews%26amp%3Bsi%3D254%26amp%3BautoPlayVid%3Dfalse%26amp%3Bname%3DcbsPlayer%26amp%3BallowScriptAccess%3Dalways%26amp%3Bwmode%3Dtransparent%26amp%3Bembedded%3Dy%26amp%3Bscale%3Dnoscale%26amp%3Brv%3Dn%26amp%3Bsalign%3Dtl%27%20allowFullScreen%3D%27true%27%20width%3D%27425%27%20height%3D%27324%27%20type%3D%27application%2Fx-shockwave-flash%27%20pluginspage%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macromedia.com%2Fgo%2Fgetflashplayer%27%3E%3C%2Fembed%3E%3Cbr%2F%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%27%3EWatch%20CBS%20News%20Videos%20Online%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fbr%2F%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EDr.%20Jennifer%20Ashton%20addresses%20California%27s%20proposed%20Marijuana%20legalization%20with%20experts%20from%20both%20sides%20of%20the%20contentious%20issue.%3Cbr%20%2F%3E%20%3Cbr%20%2F%3E%3Cbr%20%2F%3E%20Source%3A%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fvideo%2Fwatch%2F%3Fid%3D6391267n%22%20title%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fvideo%2Fwatch%2F%3Fid%3D6391267n%22%3Ehttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fvideo%2Fwatch%2F%3Fid%3D6391267n%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Foregon-cannabis-legalization-gathering-signatures%22%3E%20Oregon%3A%20Cannabis%20Legalization%20Effort%20Now%20Gathering%20Signatures%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Sun%2C%2011%20Apr%202010%2017%3A45%3A08%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3EBy%20Steve%20Elliott%2C%20Toke%20of%20the%20Town%2FHemp%20News%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Flegalizing-marijuana.jpeg%22%20alt%3D%22%20Oregon%3A%20Cannabis%20Legalization%20Effort%20Now%20Gathering%20Signatures%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20Oregon%27s%20marijuana%20legalization%20initiative%2C%20the%20Oregon%20Cannabis%20Tax%20Act%20%28OCTA%29%2C%20is%20kicking%20off%20its%20signature-gathering%20phase%20at%20the%20OR%20NORML%20meeting%20in%20Portland%20this%20Saturday%2C%20April%2010.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EPetitions%20have%20just%20been%20approved%20for%20circulation%20by%20the%20Oregon%20Secretary%20of%20State%27s%20Office%2C%20and%20OCTA%20said%20it%20expects%20more%20than%20300%20attendees%20to%20be%20among%20the%20first%20to%20sign%20the%20petition%20for%20this%20historic%20ballot%20measure.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EOCTA%20will%20generate%20revenue%20by%20taxing%20commercial%20cannabis%20sales%2C%20which%20will%20be%20permitted%20to%20adults%2021%20and%20older.%20More%20than%20%24140%20million%20a%20year%20would%20be%20generated%20by%20OCTA%20for%20the%20state%27s%20General%20Fund%2C%20according%20to%20projections%2C%20paying%20for%20education%2C%20roads%2C%20health%20care%2C%20and%20other%20public%20projects.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%22OCTA%20will%20transform%20Oregon%2C%22%20said%20co-chief%20petitioner%20Madeleine%20Martinez%2C%20executive%20director%20of%20OR%20NORML.%20%22Supporting%20OCTA%20is%20a%20no-brainer.%22%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EAccording%20to%20OCTA%27s%20other%20co-chief%20petitioner%2C%20Paul%20Stanford%20of%20The%20Hemp%20and%20Cannabis%20Foundation%20%28THCF%29%2C%20the%20potential%20of%20industrial%20hemp%20for%20Oregon%27s%20economy%20is%20limitless%2C%20as%20it%20will%20turn%20the%20state%20into%20a%20national%20leader%20in%20ecological%20innovation%20and%20sustainable%20jobs.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%22The%20entire%20hemp%20plant%20is%20useful%2C%20from%20its%20seeds%20which%20create%20a%20food%20source%20to%20its%20oil%20which%20can%20be%20made%20into%20bio-diesel%20to%20its%20stalks%20which%20can%20be%20woven%20into%20fabrics%20or%20turned%20into%20paper%2C%22%20Stanford%20said.%20%22Hemp%20is%20the%20future%2C%20not%20just%20for%20Oregon%2C%20but%20for%20a%20sustainable%20planet.%22%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Foregon-cannabis-legalization-gathering-signatures%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Foregon-legal-pot-november-ballot%22%3EOregon%3A%20Legal%20Pot%20Could%20Be%20on%20November%20Ballot%20%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Sun%2C%2011%20Apr%202010%2017%3A35%3A23%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3EBy%20David%20Krough%20and%20AP%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fkgw.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22There%20is%20a%20truth%20that%20must%20be%20heard%21%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20PORTLAND%2C%20Ore.%20--%20Marijuana%20advocates%20are%20gearing%20up%20to%20legalize%20the%20drug%20for%20recreational%20use%20in%20Oregon%20with%20a%20new%20measure%20poised%20to%20go%20on%20the%20November%20ballot.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EAccording%20to%20their%20website%2C%20the%20Oregon%20Cannabis%20Tax%20Act%20would%20%22legalize%20the%20sale%2C%20possession%20and%20personal%20private%20cultivation%20of%20marijuana.%22%20It%20would%20also%20set%20aside%20two%20percent%20of%20profits%20from%20cannabis%20sales%20for%20commissions%20that%20promote%20industrial%20hemp%20biodiesel%2C%20fiber%2C%20protein%20and%20oil.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EGrowers%20and%20sellers%20would%20need%20a%20state%20license%20and%20could%20only%20sell%20in%20cannabis-only%20stores.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EOregon%20became%20the%20second%20state%20to%20pass%20a%20marijuana%20law%20in%201998%2C%20following%20California.%20There%20are%20nearly%2024%2C000%20patients%20with%20medical%20marijuana%20cards%20in%20Oregon.%20Only%20state%20residents%20can%20obtain%20the%20card%20after%20registering%20as%20a%20patient%20in%20the%20Oregon%20Medical%20Marijuana%20Program%20with%20a%20qualifying%20debilitating%20medical%20condition%20diagnosed%20by%20a%20doctor.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EOrganizers%20will%20start%20collecting%20signatures%20Saturday.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EKyndall%20Mason%20with%20the%20DemocracyResources.com%20organization%20was%20working%20with%20the%20National%20Organization%20for%20Reform%20of%20Mairjuana%20Laws%20%28NORML%29%20and%20Oregon%20groups%20to%20gather%20signatures%20starting%20Saturday.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%22Oregon%20has%20a%20long%20history%20of%20laws%20that%20conflict%20with%20federal%20law%2C%20that%20includes%20the%20Death%20with%20Dignity%20Act%2C%22%20Mason%20said.%20%22The%20feds%20have%20%28recently%29%20given%20states%20more%20autonomy%2C%20specifically%20regarding%20medical%20marijuana%20laws%2C%22%20she%20said.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Foregon-legal-pot-november-ballot%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fwashington-marijuana-november-ballot%22%3EWashington%3A%20Marijuana%20Legalization%20Initiative%20Aims%20for%20November%20Ballot%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Sat%2C%2003%20Apr%202010%2000%3A10%3A20%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3Efrom%20Drug%20War%20Chronicle%2C%20Issue%20%23626%2C%204%2F2%2F10%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fsensible-washington.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22Washington%3A%20Marijuana%20Legalization%20Initiative%20Aims%20for%20November%20Ballot%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20There%20is%20a%20chance%2C%20albeit%20an%20outside%20one%2C%20that%20the%20entire%20West%20Coast%20could%20go%20green%20in%20November.%20Last%20week%20we%20noted%20that%20the%20California%20tax%20and%20regulate%20initiative%20had%20made%20the%20ballot%2C%20and%20reported%20on%20the%20Oregon%20Cannabis%20Tax%20Act%20initiative%27s%20ongoing%20effort%20to%20make%20the%20ballot.%20This%20week%2C%20we%20turn%20our%20attention%20to%20Washington%20state%2C%20where%20yet%20another%20marijuana%20legalization%20initiative%20campaign%20is%20underway.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ESponsored%20by%20Seattle%20Hempfest%20head%20Vivian%20McPeak%2C%20marijuana%20defense%20attorneys%20Douglass%20Hiatt%20and%20Jeffrey%20Steinborn%2C%20and%20journalist-turned-activist%20Philip%20Dawdy%20and%20organized%20under%20the%20rubric%20of%20Sensible%20Washington%2C%20initiative%20I-1068%20would%20legalize%20marijuana%20by%20removing%20marijuana%20offenses%20from%20the%20state%27s%20controlled%20substances%20act.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EAs%20the%20official%20ballot%20summary%20puts%20it%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%20%20%20%20%22This%20measure%20would%20remove%20state%20civil%20and%20criminal%20penalties%20for%20persons%20eighteen%20years%20or%20older%20who%20cultivate%2C%20possess%2C%20transport%2C%20sell%2C%20or%20use%20marijuana.%20Marijuana%20would%20no%20longer%20be%20defined%20as%20a%20%27controlled%20substance.%27%20Civil%20and%20criminal%20penalties%20relating%20to%20drug%20paraphernalia%20and%20provisions%20authorizing%20seizure%20or%20forfeiture%20of%20property%20would%20not%20apply%20to%20marijuana-related%20offenses%20committed%20by%20persons%20eighteen%20years%20or%20older.%20The%20measure%20would%20retain%20current%20restrictions%20and%20penalties%20applicable%20to%20persons%20under%20eighteen.%22%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fwashington-marijuana-november-ballot%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fwisconsin-medical-cannabis-rallies%22%3EWisconsin%3A%20Scores%20of%20Medical%20Cannabis%20Rallies%20Boost%20Wisconsin%27s%20Jacki%20Rickert%20MMJ%20Act%20%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2002%20Apr%202010%2018%3A39%3A21%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3EBy%20Gary%20Storck%2C%20Madison%20NORML%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fwal-protest.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22There%20is%20a%20truth%20that%20must%20be%20heard%21%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20MADISON%3A%20Wisconsin%3Fs%20medical%20cannabis%20movement%20has%20matured%20into%20a%20fully%20state%20wide%20effort.%20There%20were%20scores%20of%20rallies%20Saturday%20at%20Wisconsin%20Wal-Mart%3Fs%20supporting%20AB554%20and%20protesting%20the%20chain%3Fs%20firing%20of%20a%20Michigan%20medical%20marijuana%20patient%20with%20cancer.%20People%20spoke%20up%2C%20stepped%20up%2C%20organized%20their%20first%20medical%20cannabis%20events%20ever.%20Saturday%2C%20March%2027%2C%202010%20truly%20represents%20the%20high-water%20mark%20of%20this%20movement%20so%20far%2C%20and%20shows%20that%20Wisconsin%20advocates%20have%20statewide%20reach%20and%20influence.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EEau%20Claire%2C%20La%20Crosse%2C%20Berlin%2C%20Green%20Bay%2C%20Onalaska%2C%20Stevens%20Point%2FPlover%2C%20Oshkosh%2C%20Appleton%2C%20Fond%20du%20Lac%2C%20Madison%2C%20three%20Milwaukee%20Wal-Marts%2C%20Waukesha%2C%20Hartford%2C%20Kenosha%2C%20Racine%20and%20West%20Bend%20were%20among%20locations%20reporting%20rallies.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThe%20events%20received%20media%20coverage%20both%20before%20and%20after%20in%20print%2C%20online%20and%20television.%20The%20Madison%20rally%20at%20the%20East%20Side%20Wal-Mart%20on%20Nakoosa%20Trail%20that%20I%20was%20at%20was%20covered%20by%20both%20WKOW%20%28Ch.%2027%29%20as%20well%20as%20WMTV%20%28Ch.%2015%29.%20Footage%20from%20Madison%20aired%20on%20Fox%206%20in%20Milwaukee.%20WEAU%20in%20Eau%20Claire%20covered%20the%20rally%20there.%20And%20there%20was%20other%20tv%20coverage%20across%20the%20state%20including%20Fox%2011%20Green%20Bay.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fwisconsin-medical-cannabis-rallies%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fnorml-national-conference-portland-oregon%22%3EOregon%3A%20NORML%3Fs%2039th%20National%20Annual%20Conference%20Convenes%20In%20Portland%2C%20Oregon%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2026%20Mar%202010%2016%3A31%3A39%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3EBy%20Allen%20St.%20Pierre%2C%20NORML%20Executive%20Director%20%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fgovernor_hotel.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22There%20is%20a%20truth%20that%20must%20be%20heard%21%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20Dear%20NORML%20Supporters%2C%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EAt%20the%20busiest%20and%20most%20productive%20time%20in%20the%20cannabis%20law%20reform%20movement%3Fs%20history%2C%20there%20has%20never%20been%20a%20better%20time%20to%20attend%20a%20national%20NORML%20conference%21%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThe%2039th%20annual%20national%20NORML%20conference%20will%20be%20held%20September%209-11%2C%202010%20at%20the%20historic%20landmark%20Governor%20Hotel%20in%20downtown%20Portland%2C%20Oregon.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThis%20year%3Fs%20annual%20conference%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20a%20quick%20sell-out%20because%20there%20are%20a%20limited%20number%20of%20rooms%20at%20the%20host%20hotel%20and%20conference%20registrations%20available%20than%20previous%20national%20conferences%20in%20San%20Francisco%2C%20Berkeley%20and%20Los%20Angeles.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThe%20conference%20registration%2C%20list%20of%20speakers%20and%20agenda%20will%20not%20be%20released%20for%20a%20few%20weeks%2C%20but%20if%20you%20really%20want%20to%20attend%20this%20year%3Fs%20conference%20in%20Portland%20I%20suggest%20doing%20the%20two%20following%20items%20ASAP%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%20%20%20%20%2A%20Save%20the%20dates%20on%20your%20calendar%3Cbr%20%2F%3E%20%20%20%20%20%2A%20Reserve%20your%20room%28s%29%20at%20the%20beautiful%20and%20centrally%20located%20Governor%20Hotel%20%28all%20rooms%20have%20balconies%20or%20windows%2C%20and%20allow%20medical%20marijuana%20smoking%29%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ENORML%20has%20negotiated%20excellent%20room%20rates%20at%20this%20historic%20registry%20hotel%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%20%20%20%20%2A%20Superior%20Room%20%28%24147%2Fnight%29%3Cbr%20%2F%3E%20%20%20%20%20%2A%20Deluxe%20Double%20or%20King%20Size%20bed%20%28%24157%2Fnight%29%3Cbr%20%2F%3E%20%20%20%20%20%2A%20Junior%20Parlor%20Suite%20%28%24166%2Fnight%29%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EReserve%20your%20room%20right%20now%20for%20NORML%202010%20in%20Portland%20by%20calling%20503-802-5802%2C%20and%20please%20indicate%20%3FNORML%202010%20Annual%20Conference%3F%20to%20receive%20the%20discount.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fnorml-national-conference-portland-oregon%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fwisconsin-medical-cannabis-operation-floodgates%22%3EWisconsin%3A%20Medical%20Cannabis%20Activists%20Swarm%20Capitol%20for%20ongoing%20%22Operation%20Floodgates%22%20%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2012%20Mar%202010%2020%3A59%3A02%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3EBy%20Gary%20Storck%2C%20Madison%20NORML%20Examiner%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fmary-powers-01.gif%22%20alt%3D%22Wisconsin%3A%20Medical%20Cannabis%20Activists%20Swarm%20Capitol%20for%20ongoing%20%22Operation%20Floodgates%22%20%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20State%20medical%20cannabis%20activists%20have%20established%20a%20daily%20presence%20at%20the%20Wisconsin%20State%20Capitol%20in%20Madison%20to%20push%20for%20passage%20of%20the%20Jacki%20Rickert%20Medical%20Marijuana%20Act%20as%20the%202009-2010%20legislative%20session%20winds%20down.%20There%20is%20a%20real%20sense%20of%20urgency%20and%20interest%20in%20the%20bill%20that%20extends%20from%20rural%20townships%20and%20villages%20across%20the%20state%20to%20the%20largest%20cities%20to%20people%20watching%20from%20around%20the%20country.%20A%20vast%20coalition%20of%20people%20across%20the%20state%20are%20getting%20involved%2C%20enlisting%20others%20and%20doing%20whatever%20they%20can%20to%20get%20the%20JRMMA%20passed%3A%20%22This%20Bill%2C%20This%20Time%21%22%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%22Operation%20Floodgates%22%20is%20an%20organized%20campaign%20aimed%20to%20highlight%20the%20urgency%20of%20the%20issue%2C%20to%20make%20people%20aware%20a%20bill%20is%20being%20considered%20and%20to%20allow%20constituents%20to%20act%20now%20and%20help%20legislators%20find%20the%20compassion%20and%20logic%20to%20allow%20the%20use%20of%20medical%20marijuana.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EThe%20daily%20presence%20on%20Wisconsin%27s%20Capitol%20Hill%20will%20soon%20be%20enhanced%20with%20the%20planned%20opening%20of%20a%20Wisconsin%20NORML%20%20office%20close%20to%20the%20Capitol.%20This%20will%20also%20create%20a%20place%20for%20supporters%20to%20help%20out%2C%20pick%20up%20literature%2C%20learn%20strategies%20and%20skills%2C%20etc.%20%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fwisconsin-medical-cannabis-operation-floodgates%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fcbs-reverses-decision-marijuana-ad%22%3ENew%20York%3A%20CBS%20Reverses%20Decision%2C%20Agrees%20to%20Run%20Pro-Marijuana%20Ad%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2005%20Mar%202010%2020%3A08%3A11%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cobject%20width%3D%22425%22%20height%3D%22344%22%3E%3Cparam%20name%3D%22movie%22%20value%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2FHeH5HrG7IfM%26hl%3Den_US%26fs%3D1%26%22%20%2F%3E%3Cparam%20name%3D%22allowFullScreen%22%20value%3D%22true%22%20%2F%3E%3Cparam%20name%3D%22allowscriptaccess%22%20value%3D%22always%22%20%2F%3E%3Cembed%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2FHeH5HrG7IfM%26hl%3Den_US%26fs%3D1%26%22%20type%3D%22application%2Fx-shockwave-flash%22%20allowscriptaccess%3D%22always%22%20allowfullscreen%3D%22true%22%20width%3D%22425%22%20height%3D%22344%22%3E%3C%2Fembed%3E%3C%2Fobject%3E%3Cp%3E%20By%20Te-Ping%20Chen%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Ftime-square.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22New%20York%3A%20CBS%20Reverses%20Decision%2C%20Agrees%20to%20Run%20Pro-Marijuana%20Ad%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20Was%20it%20Margaret%20Mead%20who%20said%2C%20%22Never%20underestimate%20the%20power%20of%208%2C809%20readers%20who%20care%20about%20criminal%20justice%3F%22%20Okay%2C%20maybe%20not%20quite%20that.%20But%20I%27m%20excited%20to%20announce%20that%20one%20story%20we%27ve%20closely%20tracked%20%20here%20at%20Change.org%20--%20CBS%27s%20refusal%20to%20accept%20a%20pro-marijuana%20legalization%20ad%20--%20resulted%20in%20a%20victory%20this%20afternoon.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ELast%20month%2C%20NORML%20reported%20that%20CBS%20had%20denied%20the%20group%27s%20request%20to%20place%20an%20ad%20in%20Times%20Square%20that%20touted%20the%20potential%20billions%20in%20taxes%20that%20would%20result%20from%20legalizing%20marijuana.%20Remember%2C%20this%20is%20a%20network%20that%20boasts%20marijuana-infused%20advertisements%20for%20their%20Showtime%20Network%20show%2C%20Weeds.%20It%27s%20also%20the%20network%20that%20was%20perfectly%20willing%20to%20air%20a%20controversial%20anti-abortion%20ad%20aimed%20at%20peak%20viewership%20during%20the%20Super%20Bowl.%20But%20still%2C%20somehow%20CBS%20decided%20that%20NORML%27s%20message%20%28%3FLegalize%20Marijuana%20%3F%20Billions%20in%20Taxes%3F%29%20would%20ruffle%20the%20network%27s%20too-delicate%20sensibilities.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EIn%20a%20Feb.%203%20rejection%20email%2C%20NORML%20was%20told%2C%20%22If%20CBS%20changes%20their%20morals%20we%20will%20let%20you%20know.%22%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fcbs-reverses-decision-marijuana-ad%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fnorml-board-member-better-alternative-marijuana-prohibition%22%3EUnited%20States%3A%20NORML%20Board%20Member%3A%20I%3Fve%20Seen%20A%20Better%20Alternative%20To%20Marijuana%20Prohibition%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EPublished%3A%3C%2Fb%3E%20Fri%2C%2008%20Jan%202010%2018%3A48%3A04%20%2B0000%3Cbr%3E%3Cp%3ETHE%20FUTURE%20IS%20OURS%20FOR%20THE%20MAKING%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ENORML%3Fs%20Cannabis%20Caf%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3EBy%20George%20Rohrbacher%2C%20NORML%20board%20of%20directors%2C%20medical%20marijuana%20patient%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemp.org%2Fimages%2Fornorml-cafe.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22There%20is%20a%20truth%20that%20must%20be%20heard%21%22%20align%3D%22right%22%20%2F%3E%20The%20first%20time%20I%20met%20Madeline%20Martinez%2C%20the%20executive%20director%20of%20Oregon%20NORML%2C%20she%20told%20me%20about%20her%20dream%3Fa%20meeting%20place%20for%20medical%20marijuana%20patients%2C%20some%20space%20to%20hold%20classes%2C%20a%20very%20different%20vision%20of%20healthcare.%20I%20took%20a%20drive%20to%20Portland%20last%20week%20to%20see%20this%20dream%20come%20true%3B%20to%20Oregon%20NORML%3Fs%20World%20Famous-Cannabis%20Caf%2C%20a%20trip%20to%20a%20Future%20of%20our%20own%20making.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3ESet%20in%20an%20older%20blue-collar%20neighborhood%20in%20North%20East%20Portland%2C%20NORML%3Fs%20Cannabis%20Caf%2C%20occupies%20a%20building%20that%20was%20reputed%20to%20be%20a%20%3Fspeakeasy%3F%20during%20Prohibition%2C%20alcohol%20Prohibition%2C%20that%20is.%20It%20includes%20a%20meeting%2Fconcert%20space%20upstairs%20for%20about%20200%2B%20people%2C%20in%20addition%20to%20the%20Caf%20downstairs.%20Oregon%20NORML%20signed%20a%20lease%20this%20fall%20with%20the%20onsite%20restaurant%20operator%20and%20took%20over%20the%20business%20in%20November.%20NORML%20volunteers%20have%20been%20working%20there%20non-stop%20ever%20since%2C%20turning%20the%20building%20into%20the%20Cannabis%20Caf.%20Its%20opening%20last%20month%20became%20a%20world-wide%20press%20event%3Fapparently%20a%20lot%20more%20people%20than%20Madeline%20thought%20the%20NORML%3Fs%20Cannabis%20Caf%20was%20an%20idea%20whose%20time%20had%20come.%3C%2Fp%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fhemp.org%2Fnews%2Fcontent%2Fnorml-board-member-better-alternative-marijuana-prohibition%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Eread%20more%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E'));document.write('<br><a href="http://www.rss2java.com" target=_blank>Powered by RSS2JAVA</a>')