ACTIVISTS MARCH TO ADVOCATE LEGALIZING CANNABIS

Approximately 20 people gathered in front of Humboldt State
University's main gates Saturday morning before marching to The
Arcata Plaza to promote the legalization of cannabis.

The rally was organized by HSU's chapter of NORML, or the National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

The event was scheduled to coincide with a worldwide day of protests
as part of the 2007 Global Marijuana March.

Many of the demonstrators present felt that too much money and
resources are being wasted on enforcing marijuana laws, diverting
attention away from other issues.

"There are a lot more really important issues to deal with," said
Gabe Shames, an HSU student and legislative member of NORML.

Shames gave an example of the shutting down of a homeless shelter.

Other demonstrators advocated the use of cannabis for medicinal
purposes, and the use of hemp products as an environmentally friendly
alternative to conventional construction products and paper-making processes.

Some said cannabis could be used to feed the hungry, providing a
source of omega nutrients.

Jason Robo, president of HSU's NORML, said California currently
provides a large amount of funding to the prison industrial complex
and that the California State University system loses federal funding
when marijuana laws are enforced on campuses.

Robo said the drug war is racist, disproportionately affecting a
large number of minorities, and takes funding away from other areas,
such as education.

"It's not productive to our economy," he said.

Nathan Lou, an HSU botany major who also studies cannabis, said the
protest was a gathering of everyone who has a similar mind-set about
cannabis and the reasons it should be legalized.

Lou said it is unfortunate to see the health and well-being of the
planet being sacrificed when an environmentally friendly product like
marijuana is available, yet remains illegal.

"Not only is it right, it's necessary for evolution," he said.