I have just spent almost an hour before I hit the wrong key..oops..

If you are a relatively new member of nccpn, it would be helpful if you would click on the comment link at the end of the article and enter your initials or something so we know how many new members are returning to the site for the updates and how far to go in updating people. If you joined in the last 3 months it would be nice to see the comment number.

I spent some time with the sponsor of the Volume 11 event on 4/20 (See new event). I explained that we (I) was somewhat concerned that we would be accused of being the Trojan Horse for the Legalization movement  When I did a risk analysis of the two, it was clear, I think, to proceed, so... WE HAVE A MAJOR EVENT IN RALEIGH this month!

If we were accused of being a front..we could be discredited by some. If, on the other hand, we have been trying the "ethical way to be heard..and shut down at every opportunity"..and..given the consequences...less use of prescription drugs, the answer was clear! Go For It!

Prescription Drugs are now: "THE NUMBER ONE KILLER OF YOUNG ADULTS (AGE 21 TO 34). In my (Safety) lifetime as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Number One has ALWAYS been traffic accidents. Nothing else ever came close.   Example: Yr. 2000, (1) Traffic Fatalities- approx  43000 deaths; (2) FALLS approx. 17,000.

Volume 11, To help us in this, have graciously agreed that we can make this important distinction. As such, the primary sponsor of the event is nccpn.org. NORML will also participate but I (We) will be given 15 minutes to address everyone before the start event, around 7:45 PM, They have five bands signed for the night. We will also have up to 15 minutes at the mike for personal testimonies between bands so make plans to attend. Their web site is volume11tavern.com. The focus of the evening will be on the dire need for NC to become a state of compassion..Not only for veterans, but for all people needing this natural medicine.

Darrell and I went to Laurinburg after learning at the last minute that all three democrat candidates for Governor would be there and take questions early Saturday morning. We were able to meet with all three and I alerted them that I would be asking the question about Cannabis later. It could not have been better. Since the event was sponsored by four counties (Richmond, Scotland, Hoke and Moore) and  I was the senior democrat from Richmond County, I was given the opporetunity to address all three from the podium. I was able to explain that I was wearing the Dress Blues as a symbol of distress for the veterans being killed daily with narcotics, along with other patients from all walks of life..ministers, doctors, lawyers, nurses, Olympic Athletes, Apple CEO..you name it. I told them that the VA now recognizes Cannabis for treatment for several conditions. I also read the resolution in support from the Democratic Party, read the I then asked each: "If you are elected Governor and a bill legalizing the medicinal use of Cannabis passed the Legislature, would you sign it. Responses were:

Lt Gov Bob Dalton- Wait for more evidence

US Congressman Bob Ethridge- Would not commit at this time.

NC Rep Bill Faison- "I doubt you can get the legislature to pass it, and for those who don't know Mr. Parks, he is often seen walking the halls of the legislature and promoting this bill. If you do get it to pass in the legislature, I would not veto it" In other words, It would pass and become law! Seems like we need to make certain that everyone knows this and makes it known on their websites. If you have time, call his office and tell them you support this issue and want to help in any way you can..bumper stickers, signs, etc.

On Saturday, Darrell and I again made the trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Vietnam Vet welcome home. Although we got premium parking in the infield next to the event, I was unable to interrupt their line-up for speakers. What we were able to do is speak with many vets, pass out copies of the RCDJ articles and copies of the VA Directive. BTW, if you have a smart phone, you can google VA 2010 and it pops up..VA Directive on Medical Marijuana..

ATTABOYS TO SEVERAL PEOPLE....Our Secretary for keeping up with all t he new stuff and keeping us organized.and if you have not already seen the logo items (Courtesy of Bewell)...BUY TWO of each. NCCPN is a major benefactor when you buy any item, we get a significant contribution. All who are calling and writing the letters to editors and the like. Also want to thank the students who are doing their best to educate people. One was driven to Rockingham this morning for a paper he is doing. Derrick was obviously well educated to do this project and it was a pleasure to help.

I will be making a presentation at Richmond Community College tomorrow evening for a student project..encourage all you know to help spread the word. Also, the petition caught fire for a couple of days last week..over 100 signatures on one day. Keep the work on this one up and keep the membership drive. If your dog answers to his/her name, don't list her..anybody else, sign them up.

The last few weeks are making it more and more evident that things are moving in our direction; although we are receiving gale force blow-backs. These are indicative of the great job we are doing. Just consider, the Jerusalem Posts last week had a story about everyone wanting to "grow their own". So much so that gardens had been observed on neighborhood streets with one foot high fences to protect the plants. They asked if maybe they should "Import their Cannabis?" I say: "By all means, let us ship it to you from North Carolina". Our farmers will be glad to supply your needs...just tell the legislators that the boat is just about ready to leave the dock. If NC is to be a viable producer, it is time to get off the pot!

Later this month, Dr. Baiko, Dr. Lee Porter (and his wife Liz, who is the author of the ncmedicalcannabis.org web page linked on nccpn) and myself are scheduled to attend the seventh clinical conference on the medicinal use of Cannabis. It is being held in Tuscon, Ariz. The four of us will have many opportunities to brainstorm and have the opportunity to see the latest presentations on Cannabis. I am excited. More later on this.

Finally, in response to the dispensary raids...CALL THE WHITE HOUSE AND DEMAND THEY STOP. 202-555-1212!

"CHANGE THIS LAW, MR PRESIDENT, STOP RAIDING LEGAL DISPENSARIES". YOU KNOW BETTER.

Due to family medical situation, have been unable to report on the meeting in Statesville. In a nutshell; Awesome beyond expectations

I will make a more detailed report soon but wanted to at least let you know that we had a great meeting and follow up at the "Farm" with Andrew. That alone for those who went was worth the trip..he took his grandparents home in disrepair and has worked to restore it to what it was..he succeeded, Darrell and I even had to climb up into the hayloft, for those who remember.

Thanks to Chipper, who is working behind the scenes to organize our motley crew. Kyle also drove a long way to help and Chipper organized a raffle to split the profit. It raised $104 and to our pleasant surprise, the winner, MEGGS (another tireless worker) DONATED the winnings to nccpn.org.  Thanks so much for your work; the donation was creme on top. I will forward to Ben and try and find a way to encourage fundraising.

I was excited that Dr. Baiko drove from Virginia to support us. He gave the overview of Hawaii program. Most interesting, they do not have dispensaries so everyone must grow their own. The problem is in transportation since no roads between the islands..must go through security to fly. They say they are only interested in explosives and terrorists. Whew!

More later..he will be doing a medical column for nccpn.org web page as our new Medical Director. Can you believe..he is also a MUSICIAN with CDs describing his work.."Dr Sparkles"

Rep Kelly Alexander joined us which really excited the crowd. He shared his thoughts on our chances and was emphatic that we grow in number and participation. One of the best ways to help now is to scour the web, your neighbor, your friends and get active in your local political party if so inclined..What needs to happen is for US to attend EVERY town hall, political meet-up, church picnic and anyplace else a politican shows his face and make a point of asking his/her opinion on the Medical Cannabis Act. Do it with as many witnesses as you can muster...

One place that will be extremely important is the NC Nurses meeting. More later on date..hope to list all of these on the event tab.

More later..