FORUM AIMS TO PROVIDE POT PERSPECTIVE

Nanaimo's Hempology 101 Club wants to offer some perspective on the
controversial debate over the use and legalization of marijuana during
an upcoming Cannabis Convention.

The Vancouver Island University club, an activist group working within
the legal system to change the laws regarding cannabis use, is hosting
its first Cannabis Convention Sunday (March 28).

The focus is education and organizers emphasize the convention isn't a
smoking event.

The main theme is the medical use of marijuana and how it's being
distributed in Canada. People will also receive information about the
cannabis movement and why marijuana is banned in Canada.

This is the first time the convention is being held outside of
Victoria, where it's been for the last 11 years.

"It's exciting for us to branch out to Nanaimo. It's a real exciting
direction for us," said Ted Smith, president of the International
Hempology 101 Society and a speaker at the convention.

Other speakers include Chris Bennett, David Bratzer, Michelle Rainey,
Mik Mann and Dr. Paul Hornby.

Bennett has written several books exploring the use of marijuana, including
Green Gold the Tree of Life: Marijuana in Magic & Religion.

Bratzer is a member of the Victoria Police and member of Law
Enforcement Against Prohibition. He'll speak about legalizing all drugs.

"Bratzer takes the conversation to a higher level," said
Smith.

Rainey suffers from Crohn's disease and is undergoing treatment for
cancer. She'll speak about medical marijuana and how it helps her cope
with her ailments.

Mann ran for the Marijuana Party in Port Alberni and will talk about
the politics of the movement, while Hornby, a member of Green Cross in
Vancouver, will speak about the chemical structure of cannabis.

The Cannabis Convention is free and takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at
the VIU campus, 900 Fifth St., Bldg. 200, Rm. 203.

For more information, please call 1-250-381-4220, e-mail
viu.hempo@gmail.com or go to www.hempology.ca.