The Weed Blog Interview With Marijuana Activist Dan Gervais
Normally I try to save interviews for Sundays, but this cause was just too important to pass up. This guy is going to do something that, from what I can tell, has never been done before. With no further delay, here is a Q & A:
Q: What is your name?
A: Dan Gervais
Q: Where are you from?
A: Plainfield, CT
Q: What are you trying to do?
A: I will be walking from Boston to L.A. starting on 4/20. I will be using hemp products for food, clothing and supplies. Promoting the use of these eco-friendly alternatives across the country.
Q: What made you want to do this?
A: I just realized that it’s time to speak out. I don’t agree with my States view on marijuana, so I’m exercising my right to re-locate to more suitable place. And I’ll be making as much noise as I can while I’m leaving.
Q: How long do you think it will take?
A: This trip will take 6 1/2 months. I’m scheduled to arrive at Santa Monica Beach on November 4.
Q: How are you bringing awareness to your protest?
A: As far as I know, nobody has ever walked across the country for marijuana rights. It’s something that will grab people’s attention. Once you have that, maybe some of them will listen to what you have to say.
Q: Have you been offered assistance along your route?
A: I’ve had some people offer up their couch for the night, or a place to wash some clothes. I think that’s just an incredible thing to do for someone you don’t know. Stoners are so generous.
Q: Are you simply walking, or are you making stops at certain places for a particular reason?
A: I will be stopping in Providence on May 1, which is the day of the Worldwide Marijuana March. Other stops include Hartford, New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Des Moines, Lincoln, Denver and Las Vegas. In each of these cities, I’m planning a much shorter (about 1 mile) protest march. I’ll also be gathering signatures for a medical marijuana Public Policy Question in southern Massachusetts.
Q: Do you believe in full legalization or partial regulation (like with alcohol and tobacco)?
A: I believe in Federal de-regulation. Marijuana law should be left up to each State to decide for themselves.
Q: When do you think legalization will happen?
A: Soon. This is an issue where the opposition is literally dying off. Marijuana will be legal, the question is how heavily will it be taxed.
Q: How can people follow you on your journey?
A: Anyone who would like to join the walk, whether it be 1 mile or 100, can find the starting locations for every day of this trip at my website https://waronlies.net. I’m encouraging everyone to bring cameras and upload their pictures and videos to the Facebook page: War On Lies Walk: Boston to L.A.
Q: Is there ANYTHING readers can do to help your cause?
A: Spread the word.
