https://vimeo.com/18393225]
The full crowd that rocked out to local bands with names such as Agent Moosehead, Psychedelphia and The Big Dirty didn’t reek of marijuana. But they were in full support of it.
PhillyNORML, the local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, held a fundraiser Friday night at The Rotunda on Walnut Street. The event helped raise money for medical marijuana reform in Pennsylvania.
The organization is actively working to get Pennsylvania to join the 14 states that have already legalized the medical use of marijuana. In January, New Jersey became the most recent state to legalize medical use.
Chris Goldstein, the master of ceremonies for the event, is PhillyNORML’s media coordinator and sees a bright future for reform.
“Medical marijuana in Pennsylvania is more popular than every gubernatorial candidate. It is more popular than the job that the legislature has done in the last year,” Goldstein said. “If medical marijuana were a candidate, it would win in every election.”
Goldstein said the issue has gained support in the last few years and believes Pennsylvania legislators are finally taking reform seriously.
The attendees at the event also echoed the positive sentiments about medical marijuana legislature. Thomas Kline, one of the supporters, thinks New Jersey’s recent measure to allow patient use gives a better chance for Pennsylvania’s reform.
“Neighboring New Jersey has already made progress. It’s only a matter of time for Pennsylvania,” Kline said.
Most of the marijuana enthusiasts also made it clear they think that the drug is a healthier choice than over-the-counter prescriptions. Helena Milic would use marijuana to relieve her chronic pain.
“I am a personal victim of MS and I would love to have it available to me. It’s a great alternative to pharmaceuticals,” Milic said.
Robert Anderson, from Kensington, agrees with Milic.
“I personally think that when you feel under the weather and you have some, you feel better,” Anderson said. “It’s better than using synthetic chemicals.”
Anderson also alluded to the advantages he thinks legalizing marijuana would have for the government.
“It’s all under the table, nothing goes back to the government. If it were legalized, it would be run by companies. It would be a great industry.”
While the night focused on medical reform, there was no doubt that the majority of the people interviewed wanted full legalization. Attorney Keith Stroup, who founded NORML in 1970, says medical marijuana reform is only a baby step to the ultimate goal of legalizing it for all purposes.
“Obviously, let’s take care of the patients first if we can. But let’s make sure pretty quickly we switch the public debate into a broader way,” Stroup said.
PhillyNORML expected to raise $1,000 from the event.
Legalization of marijuana should be a priority
Grettings from Chile
Posicionamiento
estoy de acuerdo en que la legalizacion de la marihuana es una prioridad, mientras esta sea ilegal, siempre habrab personas que intentaran comercializarla utilizabdo la violencia como medio.