HIGH TIMES

If you see California Democratic Reps. Linda Sanchez and Sam Farr laughing
and munching away on the House floor May 5, this could be the reason:
They're both participating in the Marijuana Policy Project's 10th
anniversary gala the night before.

Farr, whose district is home to a medical marijuana co-op sanctioned under
California state law, will receive the MPP's Legislative Leadership Award.
Sanchez will present an award to television talk show host Montel Williams,
who uses medicinal grass to treat multiple sclerosis.

Farr jokes that lots of his colleagues have "razzed" him about the MPP
award, coming up to him saying things like, "Hey, Farr, I hear you're
getting HIGH honors." But the Congressman is much too invested in advancing
medical marijuana use to be reduced to such sophomoric horsing around.

"I am grateful for MPP's recognition and frankly, there's nothing humorous
about being in constant pain," Farr told HOH. "If marijuana, under
controlled circumstances, provides a medical relief no other drug can, then
it is the compassionate thing to do and I'm proud to be a part of that effort."

The Marijuana Policy Project, which believes the "greatest harm associated
with marijuana is imprisonment," will hold its gala May 4 at the Washington
Court Hotel. Regular tickets are $250 a piece; VIP tickets are $500, which
include a "special VIP reception" (wink, wink) and "preferred seating."