THE GRASS IS GREENER

Organizers Hope Rally Gains Support For Legal Marijuana In The State Of Iowa

A thick bass line pounds through the dim basement, giving off a
vibrant, confusing pulse as smoke curls around the yellowed murals
covering the walls. In the corner sits a lanky man armed with a smile
and a joint.

That man, who goes by the alias Reverend Ray Green, part-time author,
artist and activist for all things dope, could be the future of
legalized medical marijuana in Iowa.

"In 2004 I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and from then a lot
changed in my life," Green said. "I tried all the painkillers my
doctor prescribed me, but they didn't work. So that's when I turned
to marijuana to relieve my symptoms, and it worked."

That is why Green has become instrumental in the fight to legalize marijuana.

Recently, he has been helping plan a rally promoting the free use of
medicinal cannabis to coincide with the Global Marijuana March, a
worldwide activism march.

The march, which started in 1999, began with an estimated 100,000
participants. Those coordinating the event hope for more than 1
million participants this year, including those in Des Moines.

In addition to the march, the festivities in Des Moines include a
concert headlining local red-eyed soul band Johnny Reeferseed and The
High Rollers.

The concert takes place at 9:30 p.m. May 6 at The House of Bricks,
525 East Grand Ave. in Des Moines.

Several local students also support the cause, forming the ISU
chapter of The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

"With NORML we try to be on campus and advocate for the medicinal and
recreational use of marijuana," said chapter co-founder Mark Nieman,
senior in political science.

At noon, supporters will gather at the state capitol to spread their
message to lawmakers, as well as to the public.

In the past, attendance for the rally has hovered between 40 and 50 people.

"There has been great turnout and support in the past, but we are
always looking for more, which is why there is also a concert planned
to help spread the word," Green said.

Medicinal cannabis can also be used to ease pain because of glaucoma
and asthma.

The use of marijuana for medical purposes has skyrocketed in recent
years, because of laws passed in cities such as Denver and Ann Arbor, Mich.

"We want Ames to eventually be like Denver, where a person can carry
up to an ounce of marijuana with them and not be prosecuted," Nieman said.

Until then, Green said he plans to stay in Iowa, lobbying so that he
doesn't have to obtain the drug through illegal methods.