Pubdate: Tue, 10 Feb 2009
Source: Beacon, The ( PA Edu)
Copyright: 2009 The Beacon
Contact:  http://www.wilkesbeacon.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3771
Author: Melanie Thomas
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

MARIJUANA DEBATE FOCUS OF GROUP VYING FOR CLUB STATUS

The debate regarding the legalization of marijuana has  always been 
heated, and now that controversy is coming  to Wilkes University.

On Wednesday, Student Government (SG) will meet to  discuss whether 
or not it will approve the Cannabis  Defense Movement, an 
organization whose intention is to  promote the fair representation 
and knowledge of the  cannabis plant and its benefits on campus.

"To put it simply, it is to inform and to oppose what  we find to be 
an unjust legislation," said Kenneth  Brown, a freshman 
individualized studies major and the  Cannabis Defense Movement's 
representative at Wilkes  University. "But in more words, we are an 
awareness  group on the other side of the story. We want the  Wilkes 
community to know the truths about the Cannabis  plant, its uses, and 
its beneficial social, medical,  economical, and recreational factors."

In order to obtain club status, all organizations need  to follow a 
procedure established by SG. According to  Jeffrey Bauman, student 
government treasurer, the first  step in the process of obtaining 
recognized club status  is to make a notice of intent around campus 
and hold an  organizational meeting. Next, an advisor 
or  professional staff needs to be selected. The third  guideline is 
to establish a club constitution. Lastly,  the club's representative 
must contact SG for the  voting process to begin.

While the Cannabis Defense Movement has already gained  campus-wide 
attention, it is still entitled to all the  advantages other clubs 
enjoy, if approved. These  advantages include participation in Club 
Day, the right  to request funds from SG, guidance and support from 
student development advisors, and the ability to use  Henry Student 
Center facilities upon the approval of  the student development office.

"There is an initial $300 one-time recognition fund  that is given to 
any club that is approved," said  Bauman.

Brown said several participants already have ideas  about what to do 
with the start-up funds.

"It is still up to decision. There are ideas, but that  will be 
something left up to club vote," said Brown.

According to Brown, the movement is looking for members  who are 
devoted, interested, creative and not afraid to  stand up for what 
they believe in.

"[The club goals are to] reverse the current  legislation on 
marijuana and its illegality," said  Brown. "We believe the current 
legislation is  unconstitutional, hurtful, and a large infringement 
of  rights."

Dr. Michael Garr, professor of sociology and  anthropology, was 
selected by organizers to serve as  faculty advisor.

"I feel any student who wants to start a club open to  all students 
should have a faculty advisor," said Garr.

If the Cannabis Defense Movement is not granted club  status on 
Wednesday, Brown warns that organizers will  be back next week.

"Victory is rarely a one shot deal," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom