Michigan’s NORML chapter awarded some of the state’s most prominent and outspoken advocates for marijuana law reform during the organization’s Quarterly Meeting held on April 1.
MINORML issues these awards annually, and some are named for activists who have passed away.
Legislator of the Year Award went to Rep. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor). Rep. Irwin has advocated on behalf on sensible policies and has authored bills on forfeiture reform and marijuana law reform. The Renee Emery Wolfe Activist Award was given to Kevin McCaffery, a Board member of the MILegalize group and a steadfast ally in legalizing cannabis.
A new award, the Gaitwood Galbraith Attorney of the Year Award, was given to criminal defense attorney Michael Komorn. In addition to numerous courtroom victories, Komorn Law uncovered a scandal with scientific reporting of cannabis evidence by the Michigan State Police Crime Lab. Also new: the John Dewitte Evans Veterans Award, given for the very first time to Dakota Serna. Serna has traveled the country advocating for veterans and the use of medical marijuana.
The difficulties of starting a chapter in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have seemingly been overcome by a group of diehards called the Marquette Work Group, and they were awarded the Gregory Scott Piasecki Work-Group/Chapter Award.
Activist and all-around great guy, Archie Kiel, was given the 420 Award. Outstanding Achievement Awards were given to MILegalize Chair Jeff Hank, Robin Puckett of Jackson NORML, and rising star Colin MacDougall.
The meeting was held at the Eagles Club in Ypsilanti on the afternoon before the Hash Bash and Monroe Street Fairs. Approx. 100 people attended the meeting, where the NORML chapter announces finances and allows anyone to address the Board with suggestions, praise or grievances. An auction held afterward featured a signed Detroit Tigers baseball, a magazine autographed by Tommy Chong, posters and clothing and artwork.
The big winner of the evening was Tom Gillies. A member of the Deaf Power Cannabis group, he won the ultimate High Times Medical Cannabis Cup prize package. Tom and a guest will be given VIP passes and a two-night stay at an area hotel during the annual Cup event in Clio on June 11 and 12. Michigan NORML provided a sign language interpreter for the meeting.
MINORML’s entire release is reproduced below.
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana LawsP.O. Box 2293 ~ Kalamazoo, MI 49003Michigan NORML would like to take this opportunity to thank all the award winners for their outstanding service to the cannabis community in 2015!
We would also like to thank everyone who contributed or made extraordinary contributions to cannabis reform who were not recognized! We could have given out a thousand awards this year because our community is very active and so many individuals have demonstrated dedication to this cause. We thank all of you’s and we hope that next year, one of our awards will have your name on it!
Legislator of the YearRep. Jeff IrwinGaitwood Galbraith Attorney of the Year AwardMichael KomornGregory Scott Piasecki Work-Group/Chapter AwardMarquette Work GroupRenee Emery Wolfe Activist AwardKevin McCafferyJohn Dewitte Evans Veterans AwardDakota Serna420 AwardArchie KielOutstanding Achievement AwardsJeff HankRobin PuckettColin MacDougall
The Michigan NORML Board of DirectorsExecutive Director Matthew AbelAssistant Executive Director Steven SharpeTreasurer Annette CrockerSecretary Rick ThompsonChapter Director Trena MossMedical Director Dr. David CrockerPromotions Director Adam L. BrookMembership Director Brad ForresterOutreach Director Josef White
