NORML LOUISIANA HOSTS MEDICAL CANNABIS RALLY

NORML Louisiana will have its second Medical Cannabis Rally in Monroe
on Saturday. The rally will be at Tsunami on Olive Street.

NORML is the acronym for the National Organization for the
Reformation of Marijuana Laws.

There will be guest speakers and live music. The event is for those
age 18 and above and there is a $5 cover that will be donated to the cause.

The event will be from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Four bands will be at the event ready to entertain. Electric Sermon,
Hunter and the 3D Glasses, The Navigator and Sixty Cycle will all be
at the rally playing some coveted local tunes.

"All the bands are really excited to help and support the cause and
we thank them," said Donnie Griffith, the treasurer for NORML Louisiana.

Guest speakers include Brett Malone, executive director of The
Philadelphia Center in Shreveport, the HIV and AIDS Resource Center.
Also, J.F. "Osh" Oschwald will be speaking on behalf of the
legalization of medicinal marijuana. Oschwald is a long-time advocate
and activist of the medical cannabis movement. Robert Delaney, the
executive director of NORML Louisiana and Compassionate Louisiana
will also be speaking.

"They [the speakers] will be talking about their beliefs and
experience," said Griffith.

This event is to help raise money to support NORML Louisiana and its
efforts at legalizing medicinal marijuana in this state.

"This is on everyone's own dime. All the bands and speakers are doing
this for free," said Griffith.

Also at the event, there will be T-shirts, bracelets and buttons, all
of which will help to raise money for the cause.

"T-shirts are free with a $20 donation," said Griffith.

The main purpose of this rally is to promote awareness of the
beneficial effects of medicinal marijuana.

"I read a poll that said 80 percent of people support the
legalization of medical marijuana, but I think without awareness that
we aren't going to actually get them out there to vote. That's what
we're doing. We're promoting awareness through this rally," said
Chris Lyons, president of NORML Louisiana Monroe Subchapter.

"People should come to the event to show compassion to sick people.
If you come to this event, you are supporting someone who can't get
out of their bed, but we can," said Griffith.

"I think people need to come to the event to find out why it's
important," said Lyons. So, why is the legalization of medicinal
marijuana important?

"With advanced cancers, many people waste away because that cannot
eat. They end up dying from starvation. No oral medication,
regardless, is effective at treating their nausea and vomiting.
Smoking medicinal marijuana through a vaporizer, however, can help
ease their symptoms," said Lyons.

The legalization of medicinal marijuana seems an important issue in
these trying times. Any help or support is readily accepted.

"If anyone wants to help out in any way, get on Facebook. Add
Compassionate Louisiana Monroe Subchapter and send a message. Or
visit normllouisian.org," said Lyons.

"Remember, we aren't breaking the law by exercising our rights," said Griffith.

"Also, everything at this rally is going to be legal. No illegal
activities should take place at the rally, in the parking lot, or
anywhere reasonably close to it because that's simply not what this
is about," said Lyons.

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TO GO

What: NORML Louisiana Medical Cannabis Rally

When: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday

Where: Tsunami

Cost: $5

Info: www.norml.org