FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE HEMP

Group Aims To Dispel Misconceptions About Substance

Sustainability is a prevalent topic of discussion at the U, and the
Students for Sensible Drug Policy are promoting another method of
sustainability-hemp.

The third annual Hempfest begins Sept. 29 on the Union Patio.

"Hempfest is dedicated to promoting the sustainability and
versatility of hemp and marijuana," said Valerie Douroux, director of
SSDP at the U and a film and media arts major.

Douroux wants students at the U to know the difference between hemp
and marijuana and how they could be used to better the community and
world, she said.

"Hemp has a bad reputation," said Caylee Gabbott, a senior in
psychology and the music coordinator for Hempfest.

Hemp can be used to make fuel, fibers, rope, clothing, food, and even
insulation for houses.

Murphy is in charge of coordinating all the vendors and tables at the festival.

There will be a good mixture of vendors selling hemp products and
informational tables on the uses of hemp.

One of the vendors Murphy is most excited about is a chocolate
company that makes their chocolate with hemp seeds.

Hempfest will also have two stages playing music.

One stage will have a variety of different local musicians and the
other will feature different DJs. Every musical genre, except
country, will be represented, Douroux said.

There will also be a hemp fashion show, featuring clothing made
completely out of hemp, held on the stage.

Multiple speakers, including Utah governor candidate Andrew
McCullough and local attorney Rob Latham are set to attend the event
to discuss possible effects

of hemp of the community and country as a whole.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy is an international organization
that aims to replace current drug policy and drug wars with harm
reduction and science-based laws.

"(The current drug laws) are outdated and need to be changed," Douroux said.

SSDP is also involved in promoting the Good Samaritan policy at the
U, an initiative that would help prevent or lessen charges from being
pressed on people who call for emergency help for overdose victims.

"We want people to be able to call for help without the fear of being
prosecuted," she said.

Hempfest will be held Sept. 29, from noon to 5 p.m. on the Union
Patio and Plaza.