LEARN ABOUT CANNABIS

Skeptics of Decriminalizing Marijuana Are Especially Welcome at a
Symposium That Will Be Held at SLO Veterans' Hall.

Richard Donald, who belongs to a local medical cannabis cooperative,
is host of the second annual Central Coast Cannabis Symposium, which
will take place on Saturday, July 18 at the SLO Veterans' Hall. It's
an event intended not only to support patients who use the drug
legitimately under prevailing California regulations, but also to
advocate for passage of Proposition 19, the initiative to
decriminalize personal use of marijuana that will be on the November 2
ballot.

"The discrimination suffered by medical cannabis patients is very
real, and more prevalent here than in most other areas of our state,"
Donald said. "So much so that many patients in our county are
extremely hesitant to voice their views or ask for aid or information.
We wanted to provide an event where these people can meet to receive
mutual support, and get education regarding medical cannabis that
could potentially keep them out of trouble."

If Proposition 19 passes in November, it will allow adults 21 years
and older to possess, cultivate, or transport cannabis for personal
use, and enable local governments to regulate and tax its commercial
production and sale. Donald is a proponent. "For responsible adult
recreational users, I feel cannabis should be taxed to relieve our
state's massive debt," he said, "and fund local programs that may
otherwise have been cut, such as drama and music programs at the local
high schools."

Skeptics of decriminalizing marijuana are especially welcome. "I would
encourage anyone who has interest in what will happen after the
November elections to attend, especially anyone who opposes legal
reform. Many who oppose cannabis decriminalization do so because they
don't think it will benefit their local community and the way of life
they enjoy," Donald reflected. "I respect those views, but hope with a
little more information they may also see how legal reform can save
millions in court costs, lessen the burden of the state debt, provide
needed tax revenue for local public programs, and in this time of
cutbacks and economic hardship even help preserve that way of life
they enjoy."

The symposium will feature such speakers as horticulturalist Kyle
Kushman; local defense attorney llan Funke-Bilu; Jeff Studdard, a
former deputy sheriff; and Charles Lynch, the former owner of Central
Coast Compassionate Caregivers Dispensary in Morro Bay.

There will be information booths, indoor and outdoor horticulture
displays, vendors, a "medibles" and concentrate demonstration, a
holistic health panel, a THC genetics display, and representatives
from medical cannabis collectives. No consumption, distribution, or
sales of cannabis will be tolerated at the event. You must be 18 or
older to attend.

Though the symposium has serious objectives, it's designed to be fun.
Expect good food, live music, engaging discussions, and humor but
above all, attend with an open mind.

The SLO Veterans' Hall is located at 801 Grand Avenue. Doors will open
at 10 a.m. for the symposium, which concludes at 5 p.m. There will be
an after-party and barbeque from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Tickets cost $35
in advance or $45 at the door and are available at A & D Unlimited at
7425 El Camino Real in Atascadero, Up-N-Smoke at 209 North Broadway in
Orcutt, Up "in" Smoke at 911 Grand Avenue in Grover Beach and at The
Sub, located at 295 Higuera Street in SLO. For more information see
centralcoastcannabissymposium.com.