cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Policy Reform is Emphasis at Hempfest Marijuana Policy Reform is Emphasis at Hempfest Posted by CN Staff on August 17, 2006 at 10:26:24 PT Editorial Source: Seattle Times Seattle -- Learn while celebrating at Seattle Hempfest, a "protestival" for industrial hemp and marijuana law reform at Myrtle Edwards Park this weekend. Part political rally, with speakers and information advocating the decriminalization of marijuana for adults, legal access to medical marijuana and legal domestic hemp production; and part festival, with music, arts and crafts, vendors and food, the annual event expects more than 100,000 attendees over its two-day run. Information by leading experts on marijuana policy reform throughout the event includes former Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper, of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, speaking Sunday afternoon. Popular Air America personality Randi Rhodes is the special guest emcee at the Mainstage 2-4 p.m. both days. Rock, jazz, blues and electronic music on five stages perform throughout both days of the event.Many vendors feature hemp items and the Hemposium area and stage features exhibits, displays and discussions on the many uses of industrial hemp in addition to the festival's main focus to change America's pot laws.Hempfest attendees are reminded that all local, state and federal laws in are in full effect at the event and Seattle parks are designated as "Drug Free Zones," with increased penalties for selling and buying controlled substances. Hempfest and NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) are the sponsors.Hours:10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. No dogs except medical-service dogs allowed.Admission:Free, donations requested.Location:Myrtle Edwards Park, 3130 Alaskan Way W., Seattle.Getting there:Myrtle Edwards Park is on the Seattle waterfront, just north of Pier 70 at Alaskan Way and Broad Street. From I-5 southbound or northbound, take the Mercer Street exit to Seattle Center, heading west on Broad Street to Alaskan Way. More information:206-781-5723 or http://www.hempfest.org/Source: Seattle Times (WA)Published: Thursday, August 17, 2006Copyright: 2006 The Seattle Times CompanyContact: opinion seatimes.comWebsite: http://www.seattletimes.com/NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #3 posted by ekim on August 18, 2006 at 18:31:16 PT Former Seattle, WA, Chief of Police, Norm Stamper Aug 20 06 2006 Seattle Hempfest N/A Norm Stamper Seattle Washington USA Former Seattle, WA, Chief of Police, Norm Stamper, will speak at this year's Seattle Hempfest. Norm will be discussing marijuana laws, their enforcement problems and how these laws affect the everyday citizen and taxpayer. Norm's speaking times are at 2:00 and 3:40 at the Main Stage, 4:55 McWilliams Stage, and 5:45 Seeley Stage. As the date gets closer, visit http://www.hempfest.org/ for more information. Sep 12 06 The Rise of Paramilitary Police Raids in America 12:00 PM Norm Stamper Washington District of Columbia USA The Cato Institute will hold a policy forum featuring author Radley Balko, Policy Analyst, and Norm Stamper, Seattle Police Chief (Ret.) and author of Breaking Rank: A Top Cop's Exposé of the Dark Side of Policing. Radley and Norm will present "Overkill: The Rise of Paramilitary Police Raids in America". Location: The Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. http://www.leap.cc/events [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by SoberStoner on August 17, 2006 at 20:34:00 PT I'll be there, anyone else? Hey all,Just wanted to see if anyone here was going to be at hempfest. I'll definitely be there, and hopefully my back will let me go to both days:)I can't wait, I had a great time last year and hopefully this year will be even better. I only wish I could find a list of who was speaking when. I can find the band schedules, but I want to go more for the talks, since a LOT of well known advocates will be there. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Wayne on August 17, 2006 at 18:16:00 PT DPA article A really nice article about LEAP today on Drug Policy Alliance's website...http://citypaper.net/articles/2006-08-17/phillyblunt.shtml [ Post Comment ] Post Comment