IF U'RE LOOKING FOR THE LATEST NEWS ON CANNABIS, WORLD WIDE, U CAME TO THE RIGHT SPOT

If you don't believe me, check out the forum; it almost always has later news than I have or something I should or would have liked to have known.

Our members are informed, up to date and ready to help you avoid arrest, prosecution and possible incarceration, all because you choose a different approach to managing your life, and especially your medical alternatives. Our members are composed of people tired of being treated as criminals, when in fact, most are the exact citizens required to make a democracy function! Are you tired

If you think yourself worthy of being a citizen of the United States, then I challenge you to join us as we challenge other citizens to change this inhumane treatment of our fellow citizens.

In response to several great questions on the forum: NCCPN, the North Carolina Cannabis Patients Network is a network of patients, caregivers and patient supporters  who have united as a non-profit devoted to changing North Carolina laws pertaining to Cannabis (AKA Marijuana). We are registered as a non-profit and have an EIN. I am listed as president and Ben Scales, Esq., is the Treasurer.

As a group, we have been in existence for several years, founded by Jean Marlowe and supported by many. Loosely organized, we operated through HB 1380 and HB 577.

After funding was stopped by the Marijuana Policy Project (a previously announced award of $10,000 did not materialize) operating funds evaporated. The best efforts of Jean, Becky as President and many other hard working supporters folded.

I had to wait 90 days and paid "Snap Names" to purchase the rights to the nccpn.org after it expired. With the help of Bewell, we paid (our pockets) to the domain and paid also for hosting; later updated hosting and more web space, again without a budget. Donations to nccpn have rarely been used..with a total account usually in the hundreds of dollars after the grants expired. Currently, we have around 400 available.

When HB 577 was pocketed by FORMER REPRESENTATIVE Stephen LaRoque (May he rest in PRISON), it basically, for legislative purposes, was DEAD. No official news anymore, no press releases, nothing essentially the former members could do except whine and agitate. Our only hope this past year was a long shot..causing the legislature to recognize the human suffering caused by current policy and convincing 61 legislators to override the committee co-chair (LaRoque) and bringing HB 577 to the floor. Regrettably, it did not happen.

Today is different.

Wednesday, I met with Rep Chuck McGrady (R) Henderson County. He recognizes the need, but also the great price for supporting "controversial" legislation. I was very impressed with his political skills. Basically, he would support; but not sponsor at this time, the legislation. At the same time, a nod from the speakers office would have a great effect on his decision. If you live in Henderson, or if you know anyong in Henderson County, oir if you can move to Henderson County..call him and let him know you are a constituent. He doesn't think he has any constituents interested in this legislation.

I told him I had spoken to the Speaker and he indicated some willingness to consider medical use of the plant; especially given the pan-demic of deaths from narcotic overdoses.. A friend in the speakers office has indicated that the duties of various members of the staff would receive new appointments in January and at that time, we would have a better idea of who we would be working with. Anyone with contacts in the speakers office or Republicans in general should contact me personally. Also, don't forget to update ANY legislative contact on Liz's website..ncmedicalcannabis.org

Planning is crucial. Again, in the forum, legitimate questions about who does what were asked. This is urgent since the mountain retreat was canceled. If you have read this far, I propose a planning/election meeting SOON. We have been offered a farm near Statesville or The Parks Place in Rockingham. If you have an interest in working for nccpn or if you are a chapter president or other leader..call me as we try to organize and plan the war ahead..

IF U STILL HAVEN'T JOINED, DAMMIT, DO IT NOW!!!!!!

WOW.....1,075

Spoke with our webmaster yesterday. We are still having growing pains with go daddy and the website, but they are manageable. One function that has not worked properly was membership updates. I have a new number of members for us...HOW ABOUT 1,075 as of day before yesterday. Over 100 new members in the past 30 days! This is all because of your efforts.

Now the challenge; every member that can, persuade at least one of your friends to join. If necessary, get them to your computer and do it for them. Numbers speak.

I have a luncheon with two attorneys and the State Employees Empac Chair next Tuesday in Raleigh. EMPAC is the political arm of the state employees association (50,000 plus state employees) Will also be meeting with potential sponsors of the new bill. Will update after the meeting. FWI, one of them is a poster on our site and has the pulse of the legislature at his fingertips. HE also knows several legislators.

Besides membership, PLEASE go to the new website created by Liz www.ncmedicalcannabis.org. You must take the time to update any contacts or information you have made with people in this battle. It will be the latest update on the current position of YOUR legislator. It will only work if we make it work. It is well worth the time and will reward her hard work.

I plan to use the front page to keep most news updated. The site is ON FIRE for use. We are having thousands of views each day. So if you want your comment to be distributed quickly, go to the bottom of this page and COMMENT.