From norml at montananorml.org Fri Aug 8 10:06:03 2008 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Fri Aug 8 10:04:28 2008 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] 10 years of Montana NORML! Message-ID: <489C6EEB.5070404@montananorml.org> Friends, Ten years ago this summer, I found myself sufficiently fed up with the injustice of arresting people for responsible marijuana use that I just had to do something. So I called NORML. http://www.norml.org They helpfully explained the process of becoming a recognized chapter of the national organization. A little more than a month later, on August 8th, 1998, Montana NORML was born. A lot has changed since, and while Montana NORML hasn't always been at the center of these changes, things are better now! Consider: 2001 - Hemp legislation passes in Montana. Pending a federal waiver and development of state rules, Montana is ready to start growing hemp. More info: http://www.montanahemp.org 2004 - Medical marijuana initiative passes in Montana. Seriously ill and suffering patients can now legally posses, grow, and use marijuana for its therapeutic benefits. More info: http://www.montananorml.org/medical/ 2006 - Missoula County passes an initiative defining adult marijuana crimes as the lowest possible priority for law enforcement. More info: http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/initiative2/aboutus.aspx And every year for more than a decade, thousands of people attend the Missoula Hempfest. More info: http://www.missoulahempfest.com Want to get involved in Hempfest? There's a volunteer meeting at the Missoula library on Aug 27th at 6PM. Contact volunteers@missoulahempfest.com for details. I continue to operate Montana NORML as an unpaid volunteer because I am still passionate about ending the grotesque injustice of arresting, prosecuting, and incarcerating people for marijuana "crimes". Thank you all for your continued support and interest. And Happy Birthday to Montana NORML! John Masterson Director, Montana NORML http://www.montananorml.org PO Box 8411 Missoula, MT 59807 (406) 542-8696