Idaho ‘Hemp Offers People Everything’ Festival
I hope you can make it to the Idaho H.O.P.E. Fest on September 30th, 2012 at Ann Morrison Park in Boise, Idaho. Below is some information from the Idaho H.O.P.E. Fest website:
Greetings from the Idaho HOPE Fest. HOPE stands for Hemp Offers People Everything, because it does offer people everything. For over 50 years, farmers in the United States have been prohibited from growing hemp, one of the most renewable and resourceful fibers on the planet, because of its classification with marijuana. At the same time, the environmental consequences of tree cutting, oil drilling, and chemical pollutants have reached an epidemic that is reshaping our planet for the worst.
Why: The Cause
Cannabis, or marijuana, has been classified as a Schedule I drug like heroin, with no accepted medical value. It’s placed higher than methamphetamine, cocaine and anabolic steroids in the list of controlled substances, yet it is non-toxic and has not produced a single death in history related to overdose. Modern science has proven that cannabis does help treat and alleviate symptoms from many debilitating medical conditions and illnesses.
Who: The People
Every day innocent or otherwise law abiding citizens are arrested, imprisoned, denied rights, and discriminated against because of their consumption of marijuana. The consequence of this has led the largest overall prison population in the world right here in the United States. We believe in the repeal of criminal penalties for responsible adult marijuana use, the safe and legal access to medical marijuana for those who would benefit from it, and the re-legalization of domestic hemp production. The citizens of Idaho are taking a stand against the harmful policies of marijuana prohibition and working to change laws.
What: The Festival
Idaho HOPE Fest is the first annual event being held in Boise, ID to advocate for the end of the federal government’s war on cannabis consumers and to promote the re-legalization of industrial hemp. We will feature live entertainment, guest speakers, vendors, and educational exhibits on cannabis and the politics, culture, science, and controversy surrounding it. We have a number of goals for this year’s event:
How: The Mission
- To collect signatures for the Idaho Medical Choice Act, a citizen’s initiative seeking to legalize medical marijuana for Idaho’s seriously ill patients.
- To promote the re-legalization of industrial hemp.
- To educate the public on the growing cannabis industry, a legitimate market providing jobs and economic growth to states that have legalized its medical use.
- To push for public discussions on the legalization of marijuana.
2012 Confirmed Performers
“Radical” Russ & The Irrationals – “Radical” Russ Belvile (bass, vocals), Cuzzin Kenny Davis (drums, vocals), and Wayne Coyle (guitar, vocals) perform three-piece classic rock and rhythm & blues.
2012 Confirmed Speakers
Russ Belville – Outreach Coordinator of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws); producer of The NORML Network and host of NORML SHOW LIVE.
Karri Gallaugher – Senior News Editor of NORML SHOW LIVE; producer of Cannabis Fantastic.
Iva Cunningham – Owner & CEO of Alternative Medical Choices, Inc., Portland, Oregon — a medical clinic providing marijuana recommendations as part of overall healthcare.
