Arcata, California, USA

Links
Link: http://www.humbolt.edu/~norml

2008
Arcata: Jason Robo normlhsu(at)gmail.com 707-709-8421 http://www.humbolt.edu/~norml

2007
Link: http://www.humboldt.edu/~norml

Video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7842636387934434899

Report: http://globalmarijuanamarch.org/2007.php

http://globalmarijuanamarch.org/report.php?id=157

Approximately 20 people gathered in front of Humboldt State University’s main gates Saturday morning before marching to The Arcata Plaza to promote the legalization of cannabis.

The rally was organized by HSU’s chapter of NORML, or the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

The event was scheduled to coincide with a worldwide day of protests as part of the 2007 Global Marijuana March.

Many of the demonstrators present felt that too much money and resources are being wasted on enforcing marijuana laws, diverting attention away from other issues.

“There are a lot more really important issues to deal with,” said Gabe Shames, an HSU student and legislative member of NORML.

Shames gave an example of the shutting down of a homeless shelter.

Other demonstrators advocated the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, and the use of hemp products as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional construction products and paper-making processes.

Some said cannabis could be used to feed the hungry, providing a source of omega nutrients.

Jason Robo, president of HSU’s NORML, said California currently provides a large amount of funding to the prison industrial complex and that the California State University system loses federal funding when marijuana laws are enforced on campuses.

Robo said the drug war is racist, disproportionately affecting a large number of minorities, and takes funding away from other areas, such as education.

“It’s not productive to our economy,” he said.

Nathan Lou, an HSU botany major who also studies cannabis, said the protest was a gathering of everyone who has a similar mind-set about cannabis and the reasons it should be legalized.

Lou said it is unfortunate to see the health and well-being of the planet being sacrificed when an environmentally friendly product like marijuana is available, yet remains illegal.

“Not only is it right, it’s necessary for evolution,” he said.

By Cerena Johnson

2006
Link: http://www.humboldt.edu/~norml

Images: http://gallery.marihemp.com/arcata2006mmm

Report: http://globalmarijuanamarch.org/2006.php

http://globalmarijuanamarch.org/report.php?id=135

We assembled outside of the main entry gates of Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. One hour later, when our numbers had grown, we mobilized and marched into the town plaza where farmer's market was being held. We marched around the plaza and distributed flyers about how the war on marijuana is immoral. In the huge crowds of the farmer's market, our faction eventually broke of from one another and that was how the march ended. It was successful.