Ladies and Gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES, the race has begun!!!

Today, Rep. Kelly Alexander will introduce "an act to enact the Medical Cannabis Act". I had hoped that I could persuade Rep. Robert Brawley to join him as a co-sponsor; a very risky move for ANY legislator. While he has not so far, we spent much time yesterday going over the medical information. He was clearly impressed with the discovery that the National Cancer Institute lists the ways cannabis kills cancer and protects normal cells. He also spent much time reviewing the PPP poll showing 58% support in North Carolina. We met, by the way at 7 AM. He arrived at 5AM; dedication that most elected officials don't have.

On the way to Raleigh yesterday, I called in to the WPTF radio show. (68.0 on AM. 919.860.9783) and was able to advise people that I was headed to Raleigh to support the new bill. I was able to broadcast our meeting on the 12th and at the end of the conversation, they asked me to hold to get contact information. They plan to let me co-host a show. It will be call in and I will advise before it happens. Once you call the number above, they will put you on hold with the show playing on your phone; even if you are in Asheville. ANYONE can do this. WFNC (910.864.6400) has call in from 7-9 AM each morning to let their listeners speak out on issues they support.

Also found out on the program that Speaker Tillis was having a news conference at 11 AM. Could not have picked a better day to be in Raleigh. Did a recorded interview with WPTF reporter while waiting that should play today on the show. Although it was a press conference, I told them I reported to nccpn on events. When Tillis came into the room, we made eye contact and I sensed he would let me speak. I waited patiently and after several questions from main-line folks, the speaker recognized me. I relayed the PPP information and asked him what kind support he may give us. He replied that (after noting to others that we have met before around the state on this issue) he thought there was merit to the medical use but his concern was this would be treated like a trojan horse for legalization. He said: We are not going down the same path as Colorado and Washington. At the end, he said if I had more questions, to work with his staff. 

I met with his Director of Operation and have requested a meeting on Feb 12th with nccpn board members. Any time between 9AM and 3 PM.

The press conference comments are noted in the News and Observer, "Under the Dome" today. PLEASE, make comments today. Even if it is only to say you support this legislation.

IF YOU HAVE NOT CONTACTED YOUR LEGISLATOR..DO IT NOW. If you really are uncomfortable, call me and I will help.

Also, if you thought about this event and decided it was too much trouble to try and come to Raleigh, THINK AGAIN. This is the one opportunity to REALLY join an effort that is becoming a main street happening. Don't miss it.

Last, if you can donate, the money bomb is primarily to feed the legislators and their Legislative Assistants.

Comments on the front page are welcome..some people do not visit the forum, a place for daily updates.

COMMIT TODAY AND HELP US RIGHT THIS WRONG.

IF YOU HVE BEEN HIDING WHILE YOU TREAT YOURSELF AND HOPING Y OU DON'T GET CAUGHT, JOIN US AS WE MAKE IT LEGAL AND HONORABLE IN  NORTH CAROLINA! WE ARE NOT CRIMINALS!!!

TO: Rep Kelly Alexander, FROM: Electronic Bill Filing, sent Jan 16, 2013..Your draft of Enact Medical Cannabis Act (DRH50006-MGf-17) has been prepared and is ready to be filed in the House Principal Clerk's office. (I also have in my greasy hands, a complete copy of the proposed bill)

Also this week, all "permits" to lobby and serve lunch have been secured. We will meet on the Halifax Mall at 9AM and will meet in the legislative auditorium for an educational program at 11 AM. We have been graciously joined by the NC Nurses Association for their lobbying day also. Please dress like you are going to church. We hope to identify volunteers with orange shirts or vests who can help direct you to your legislators office.

"YOU HAVE TWO CRITICAL INPUTS" at this point.

First, call your legislators (House and Senate) and ask for a short meeting on Feb 12th 2013. Sample letters have been provided by Liz if you want to be really elegant. Also, in your request, ask them to mark their calendar for the 11:00 AM presentation in the legislative auditorium by Dr. Kevin Baiko. He will give a brief overview of his practice in Hawaii and outline how the program could work in NC. Also on the panel will be Lee Porter (NP with Substance Abuse experience), Ben Scales, author of the bill. We have invited legislators who sponsored the last bill to make any comments also.

When you call, the person answering the phone is ususally the LA (Legislative Assistant). They are "very important" contacts. They keep the legislator on point every day..remind him/her about important meetings..LIKE THE ONE ON FEB 12 AT 11 AM IN THE AUDITORIUM! Write their name down and thank them for their help.

We have over 800 people who have RSVP'd on FB. Of course, not all will show up..but, if "ALL" were to request a meeting on Feb 12th with their legislators, that alone will generate news. It will also likely cause him/her to attend the session in the Auditorium.

You will note that I asked for both Reps and Senators to be invited. This is totally new, but when I visited the Speakers office Wednesday, I was asked: "Are you going to introduce in the Senate as well?", Otherwise, it would be difficult to get a new law in one year. Bills are usually introduced into the House OR Senate, and if successful, you start in the other body. With little time, anyone who has ideas, speak up on the comments below.

The best way to confirm your meeting is email. All legislators have the same email address: First name, period, last name @ncleg.net, ie. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it If you go to the NC General Assembly webpage, their are links to all house and senate members. PLEASE DO IT NOW!

If you are really ambitious, call the Speaker (Thom Tillis) at 919.733.3451. Tell them this is an important issue to YOU.

There are several parking decks and lots. The main parking lot is convenient to the Halifax Mall. The address is 300 Salisbury Street. On that corner, you will note outdoor stairs leading up to the Mall. Hopefully, by 9 AM, you will begin to see a LARGE crowd going up the stairs. The meeting area is outside, if we have inclement weather, we will go up the stairs and move inside the LB (Legislative Building).

If you need transportation or can provide transportation, go to the forum and see about coordinating rides. More updates at least weekly. Spread the word, North Carolina is Serious this time.