Oregon NORML

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By Michael Bachara, Hemp News Correspondent/Oregon NORML
Photo by LK, Hemp News Correspondent/Oregon NORML

Over two hundred cities world wide join Portland for the Global Cannabis March on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Proponents will assemble in Pioneer Courthouse Square to march at "High Noon" through downtown Portland (Map Below), accompanied by a police escort.

Scott Gordon, Hemp Director for Oregon NORML reports, "We are looking for at least 3,000 people to show up and flex their rights. Anything less than that is unacceptable."

"Polls show that fifty percent of Americans agree that it is time to end cannabis prohibition. We need your support; come and be a part of the Global Cannabis March," is the call to action from Madeline Martinez, Executive Director of Oregon NORML.

Speakers for the rally immediately following the march include Martinez, Paul Loney and Anna Diaz who are members of the board of Oregon NORML along with attorney Leland Berger and Scott Gordon from NORML Rocks.

By Anna Diaz, Hemp News Correspondent
Photo by LK, Hemp News/Oregon NORML
Photo by Russ Belville, NORML

The Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards (OMCA) celebrates its tenth anniversary this December 10th at the World Famous Cannabis Cafe in Portland. Registered medical marijuana growers submit their strains to a panel of medical marijuana patients for sampling in the privacy of their homes. Judging results are tabulated with prizes given at the awards banquet.

"I am thrilled to host the Awards right here at the Cafe again this year. All our entries will be tested by event co-sponsors, Green Leaf Lab," Madeline Martinez, owner of the World Famous Cannabis Cafe reports. "The OMCA was the first awards ceremony in the medical marijuana community; incorporating testing of all the entries will make our results much more meaningful."

"Green Leaf Lab is proud to be the official testing laboratory for the Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards," affirms Rowshan Reordan, who represents the lab. All samples will be given the Green Leaf Lab Full Spectrum Cannalysis. This includes testing for potency, pesticide residue and a microscopic mold inspection. Each entrant's results will be displayed using their exclusive Strain Facts card. Information about Green Leaf Labs can be found at www.greenleaflab.org .

By Michael Bachara, Hemp News Correspondent

On September 18th, Oregon NORML entered a team for the second consecutive year into the Komen Race for the Cure. Their team name, NORML People.

NORML chapters in Virginia and Texas also participated in the race this year thanks in part to encouragement from the NORML Women's Alliance. Cheyanne Weldon, Secretary of Texas NORML reports that Texas NORML and Dallas Fort Worth NORML both had teams this year.

Stacy Thies from the Sister-to-Sister program, a new coalition between the NORML Women's Alliance and Students for Sensible Drug Policy, created educational cheering stations in both San Diego and Arizona.

"It's important for us to step out of our cannabis communities and participate in events like this. It helps remove the stereotypes that slow us down in this movement," said Diaz. "I am hopeful that even more NORML groups will join in next year."

March for your Rights: May 7th, 2011 Download & Print GCMXII Poster - PDF

By Anna Diaz, Hemp News Correspondent/Oregon NORML
Photo by LK, Hemp News Correspondent/Oregon NORML

Portland, Oregon – Over two hundred cities world wide join Portland in the twelfth annual Global Cannabis March on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Participants will gather in Pioneer Courthouse Square to march at high noon through downtown Portland, accompanied by a police escort. The World Famous Cannabis Cafe, THCF Medical Clinics, UrbAge Designs and Cures-Not-Wars join Oregon NORML as sponsors of this event.

"More and more Americans agree that it is time to end cannabis prohibition. We need your support; come and be a part of the Global Cannabis March," is the call to action from Madeline Martinez, Executive Director of Oregon NORML.

Sanchez' Blues Review has just joined the roster for the rally, which runs from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Wy'East Drummers promise to inspire as they provide the send off for the march. the march. Speakers for the rally include Paul Stanford from THCF Medical Clinics and Chief Petitioner for the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, Madeline Martinez, Executive Director of Oregon NORML and more. Watch for a special appearance from J.Mack and Big Dub during the rally.

By Anna Diaz, Hemp News Correspondent/Oregon NORML
Photo by LK, Hemp News Correspondent/Oregon NORML

Saturday, May 7, 2011 marks the twelfth annual Global Cannabis March in Portland, Oregon. This year's March and rally runs from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Participants will gather in Pioneer Courthouse Square to march at high noon through downtown Portland, accompanied by a police escort. Cures-Not-Wars join the Oregon affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (Oregon NORML) and the World Famous Cannabis Cafe as sponsors of this event.

Madeline Martinez, Executive Director for Oregon NORML reports, "We hope to increase the size of the march to over 3000 in light of the many challenges currently faced by cannabis consumers."

Wy'East Drummers promise to inspire as they provide the send off for the march. Speakers for the rally include Anthony Johnson, Oregon Green Free Clinical Services Director.

"I am honored to be asked to participate," stated Anthony, who, along with the Coalition for Patients' Rights is a recipient of the 2010 Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards Freedom Fighter of the Year Award.

"In Oregon it's NORML to care about your community."

By Michael Bachara, Hemp News Correspondent/Oregon NORML Adopt-a-Highway Coordinator

This past weekend, members of Oregon NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and CRRH (Campaign for the Restoration and Regulation of Hemp) worked together to contribute to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Adopt-a-Highway community outreach program.

The group has been tackling the 2.5 mile stretch of Oregon Highway 26 in Gresham, from the intersection at Burnside and Powell to Stone Road, for almost three years. In this time, the group of dedicated volunteers has picked up approximately one hundred bags of litter and removed it for proper disposal.

Talk of renewed unity within the cannabis legalization movement ignites a sense of family within the community

By Michael Bachara, Hemp News Correspondent/Oregon NORML Member

The 9th Annual Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards, sponsored by Oregon NORML, included a public Holiday Bazaar featuring unique items from a dozen vendors and held educational programs at the World Famous Cannabis Café located 322 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97216. The Cannabis Cafe is a private club that serves Oregon Medical Marijuana Program registrants, and is not usually open to the public.

The Pharmaceuticalization of Cannabis: Rescheduling proponents suggest cannabis doesn't meet the Controlled Substances Act's extensive criteria for placement in Schedule I. The U.S. Government clings to the stance that cannabis merit’s Schedule I status.

By Michael Bachara, Hemp News Correspondent

Sunil Aggarwal, PhD, represents a new generation of scientific-minded doctors, leaving cannabis’ negative propaganda behind and fighting for it as a valuable, medicinal plant. His credentials include the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), Health Professionals for Responsible Drug Scheduling, service on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine and he is a Seattle Hempfest Core Staff Member.

By Anna Diaz, Hemp News Correspondent

Portland, OR - Unique holiday shopping is just one reason to attend the ninth annual Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards (OMCA). The day event is free and open to the public from 10:00am to 5:00pm and features a unique green shopping bazaar and educational programs to be held at the World Famous Cannabis Cafe, 322 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97216.

The Cannabis Cafe is a private club that serves Oregon Medical Marijuana Program registrants, and is not usually open to the public. The OMCA provides a special opportunity for the curious to get a peek inside as well as the chance to shop for a wide variety of hemp and cannabis friendly products in one place. From hemp based soaps and clothing to handmade jewelry and mosaic art, the Holiday Bazaar at the OMCA is one of Portland's best kept secrets.

As long as breast cancer exists, the finish line has not been reached, but each year's Komen race brings it closer

By Michael Bachara, Hemp News

Inspiration was in the air on Sunday, September 19th at the 19th Annual Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure” in Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. It is estimated that over 40,000 people, including over 3,500 breast cancer survivors, walked, raced and ran, bringing awareness and raising millions in the name of breast cancer research.

Showing their pride as the emcee acknowledged their participation, about a dozen walkers on the streets were from the Oregon Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Their slogan was: “It’s NORML to Race for the Cure”.

“This is Oregon NORML's first year to have a team in the race. As a team, we are going to do the untimed one-mile walk.” stated, Anna Diaz of Oregon NORML.

"We are looking for at least 3,000 people to show up and flex their rights. Anything less than that is unacceptable." Scott Gordon, Oregon NORML

By Anna Diaz, Oregon NORML/Hemp News

Portland, Oregon - Saturday, May 1, 2010 marks the eleventh annual Global Cannabis March in Portland , Oregon . This year's march and rally runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Participants will gather in Pioneer Courthouse Square to march at high noon through downtown Portland, accompanied by a police escort. Cures-Not-Wars and Urbage Designs join Oregon NORML as sponsors of this event.

Scott Gordon, Vending and Hemp Director for Oregon NORML reports, "This year's performers and speakers are all from the Portland area as part of our efforts to provide a more environmentally and economically responsible event."

Winner of the "Open 4 Snoop Dogg" contest, Bad Habitat, is just one of the bands set to perform. Madeline Martinez, Executive Director of Oregon NORML and founder of the Cannabis Café and Russ Belville, national NORML Outreach Coordinator and podcast host along with Delia Lopez, congressional candidate are just a few of the speakers who will fill out the day. Vendors and nonprofit groups will provide goods and services that support the hemp and cannabis community. Voter registration and educational information will be available to the public.

“None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.” Johann Wolfgang Van Goethe

By Jennifer Alexander, Oregon NORML

Many Oregonians are proud to be citizens of one of the first states to have allowed the use of medical marijuana. For many years, the federal government has led us to believe that marijuana had “no medical value” by retaining it in Schedule I and by continuing to plague us with propaganda that insists that marijuana is “dangerous.” As of April 1, 2010, there are over 32,000 medical marijuana patients currently holding cards in Oregon that disprove the notion that marijuana has “no medical value.”[i] Marijuana remains among the safest drugs known to mankind.

Proven Medical Value

In recent years, our society is rediscovering the value of marijuana for a wide range of disorders, including AIDS, cancer, muscle spasms, chronic pain and many others. The ongoing research is astounding and could demonstrate tremendous breakthroughs in our health and overall well-being. Research continues to demonstrate that marijuana is not as dangerous as once believed, and far more beneficial than most ever thought it could be. However, this research is still very limited due to the status of cannabis as a Schedule I drug. This needs to change; sound clinical studies need to be done to determine more about the potential benefits and possible risks of using cannabis.

By Steve Elliott, Toke of the Town/Hemp News

Oregon's marijuana legalization initiative, the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act (OCTA), is kicking off its signature-gathering phase at the OR NORML meeting in Portland this Saturday, April 10.

Petitions have just been approved for circulation by the Oregon Secretary of State's Office, and OCTA said it expects more than 300 attendees to be among the first to sign the petition for this historic ballot measure.

OCTA will generate revenue by taxing commercial cannabis sales, which will be permitted to adults 21 and older. More than $140 million a year would be generated by OCTA for the state's General Fund, according to projections, paying for education, roads, health care, and other public projects.

"OCTA will transform Oregon," said co-chief petitioner Madeleine Martinez, executive director of OR NORML. "Supporting OCTA is a no-brainer."

According to OCTA's other co-chief petitioner, Paul Stanford of The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation (THCF), the potential of industrial hemp for Oregon's economy is limitless, as it will turn the state into a national leader in ecological innovation and sustainable jobs.

"The entire hemp plant is useful, from its seeds which create a food source to its oil which can be made into bio-diesel to its stalks which can be woven into fabrics or turned into paper," Stanford said. "Hemp is the future, not just for Oregon, but for a sustainable planet."

By David Krough and AP

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Marijuana advocates are gearing up to legalize the drug for recreational use in Oregon with a new measure poised to go on the November ballot.

According to their website, the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act would "legalize the sale, possession and personal private cultivation of marijuana." It would also set aside two percent of profits from cannabis sales for commissions that promote industrial hemp biodiesel, fiber, protein and oil.

Growers and sellers would need a state license and could only sell in cannabis-only stores.

Oregon became the second state to pass a marijuana law in 1998, following California. There are nearly 24,000 patients with medical marijuana cards in Oregon. Only state residents can obtain the card after registering as a patient in the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program with a qualifying debilitating medical condition diagnosed by a doctor.

Organizers will start collecting signatures Saturday.

Kyndall Mason with the DemocracyResources.com organization was working with the National Organization for Reform of Mairjuana Laws (NORML) and Oregon groups to gather signatures starting Saturday.

"Oregon has a long history of laws that conflict with federal law, that includes the Death with Dignity Act," Mason said. "The feds have (recently) given states more autonomy, specifically regarding medical marijuana laws," she said.

By Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director

Dear NORML Supporters,

At the busiest and most productive time in the cannabis law reform movement’s history, there has never been a better time to attend a national NORML conference!

The 39th annual national NORML conference will be held September 9-11, 2010 at the historic landmark Governor Hotel in downtown Portland, Oregon.

This year’s annual conference is expected to be a quick sell-out because there are a limited number of rooms at the host hotel and conference registrations available than previous national conferences in San Francisco, Berkeley and Los Angeles.

The conference registration, list of speakers and agenda will not be released for a few weeks, but if you really want to attend this year’s conference in Portland I suggest doing the two following items ASAP:

* Save the dates on your calendar
* Reserve your room(s) at the beautiful and centrally located Governor Hotel (all rooms have balconies or windows, and allow medical marijuana smoking)

NORML has negotiated excellent room rates at this historic registry hotel:

* Superior Room ($147/night)
* Deluxe Double or King Size bed ($157/night)
* Junior Parlor Suite ($166/night)

Reserve your room right now for NORML 2010 in Portland by calling 503-802-5802, and please indicate ‘NORML 2010 Annual Conference’ to receive the discount.