Pot enthusiasts gather at California cannabis expo

[Kadie]

Pot enthusiasts gather at California cannabis expo

By SUDHIN THANAWALA, Associated Press Writer Sudhin Thanawala, Associated Press Writer – 4 mins ago

DALY CITY, Calif. – Medical marijuana users near San Francisco lit up Saturday at the opening of the two-day International Cannabis and Hemp Expo, where vendors displayed bongs, vaporizers, hash brownies and other marijuana-related products.

Organizers of the event at the Cow Palace said they insisted on having an onsite medicating area before holding the expo. Under a white-canopied courtyard, young adults in baggy jeans and baseball caps smoked alongside aging hippies.

Adrian Hernandez said marijuana use helps him deal with chronic knee pain.

"Everybody needs their medication when they need it," said Hernandez, who is in his 30s. "We'd have to step out and go hide in our cars."

In 1996, California voters approved a measure that allowed sick people to use marijuana if they have doctor referrals and an identification card.

But marijuana advocates want to take it a step further. In November, voters will consider a ballot measure on whether to legalize and tax pot in California.

more...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100417/ap_on_re_us/us_marijuana_expo

[Maat]

1. I'm going to be the first one to vote to legalize it.

This retired social worker has become progressively more and more disgusted with the drug war as time has progressed.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

2. Hell, even North Carolina is considering medical marijuana.

But it looks like it could be stopped by 3 Republicans on the House Committee on Health.

http://www.medicalmarijuanablog.com/state-laws/north-carolina-047.html

"Sponsors say the bill eventually would raise $60 million a year through taxes and licensing fees, which could come in handy in a bleak economy. Critics question how much of that revenue would be eaten up by higher law enforcement costs for preventing abuse of the system, such as what has been seen in California."