HEMP FOCUS OF NEW MELBOURNE MUSEUM

MELBOURNE, Fla. -- You could make a soldier's uniform from hemp, but don't
try smoking it at the new Hemp Museum in downtown Melbourne. The Florida
Cannabis Action Network will open its Hemp Museum today, which will
coincide with the "Our Voice Street Festival" on New Haven Avenue downtown.

The museum features educational materials about hemp, including the fact
that George Washington used it to make textiles during the Revolutionary
War. It was used for Army uniforms in other wars and for industrial
purposes, according to Kevin Aplin, president of the cannabis network.

But the group's purpose goes a little further.

"We're going to raise awareness in Melbourne," said Jodi James, executive
director of the cannabis group, which promotes the legalization of
marijuana for medicinal purposes. The group also supports voter
registration and education efforts.

Melbourne police will stand guard in front of the cannabis network's new
offices and museum, at 703 E. New Haven Ave. today to ensure traffic and
crowd control. Aplin said he expects hundreds to attend.

"We have a very good rapport with the Melbourne Police Department. We're
not controversial any more," James said.

Melbourne police Cmdr. Mark Laderwarg said uniformed officers will be at
the festival to keep the peace, and non-uniformed officers will be there to
look for violations.

"We're not anticipating any problems there. We've had events like this
before," said Laderwarg. "They are welcome to have free speech. They can
talk about marijuana, they just can't smoke it. This isn't Woodstock. I
hope I'm right about not having any problems."

That wasn't always the case. The cannabis action network sued Brevard
County for permission to hold the Hemp Awareness Festival in 1996, and the
group won.

This year, they expect four bands, two disc jockeys and a professional
comedian to provide entertainment.

"We still get a lot of giggles," James said. "People aren't sure if we're
serious."

Rest assured, they are, said Aplin. The group has a library upstairs from
the museum to help people with legal research, not just about marijuana,
but most legal issues.

And as for today, "We hope to register as many people as possible to vote
and get them more educated on drug laws," Aplin said.