Pubdate: Wed, 15 Apr 2009
Source: Moscow-Pullman Daily News (ID)
Copyright: 2009 Moscow-Pullman Daily News
Contact:  http://www.dnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/276
Author: Brad Girtz
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

GREEN SCENE: HEMP FEST AIMS TO EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN

Arlene Falcon hopes Moscow's 13th annual Hemp Fest  dispels myths and 
dispenses facts about the reality of  hemp.

"Hemp is such a sustainable plant with so many great  attributes that 
get lost in the shuffle," the Hemp Fest  coordinator said.

She said she hopes Hemp Fest will teach people the  difference 
between hemp and marijuana. Both are from  the same plant, cannabis, 
but hemp does not contain  enough of the active ingredient THC to get 
a person high.

In addition to education, the event is about fun.

Hemp Fest includes arts and crafts that highlight  hemp's many uses, 
like making rope and clothing. There  will be information, speakers 
and live music. Live  bands performing include Chubbs Toga, Sugar 
Cane,  Outpost and Luau Cinder. An arts and crafts fair,  drumming 
and fire dancing are also part of the  festival.

"It's mostly just a fun day in the park with arts and  crafts and a 
chance to meet people," Falcon said.

Idaho State Rep. Tom Trail (R-Moscow), will speak about  medical 
marijuana at the event, as well as Ryan  Davison, a Boise-based 
marijuana lobbyist and several  medical marijuana patients/advocates.

Falcon said she hopes Hemp Fest will help encourage the  industrial 
production of hemp and promote greater  acceptance of medical marijuana.

"All the good attributes (of medical marijuana) get  lost in the 
'drugs are bad' thing," Falcon said.

Medical marijuana can help people with medical problems  like 
glaucoma, irritable bowel syndrome and  chemotherapy from cancer 
treatments, Falcon said.

"Pot has a high value medically," Falcon said. "That is  the part 
people really need to open their eyes to."

She said the festival is a combination of playing and  learning that 
anyone can enjoy.

"Come to our Hemp Fest and you'll be surprised," Falcon said.

if you go

WHAT : 13th Annual Hemp Fest

WHERE: East City Park, Third and Monroe streets,  Moscow

WHEN: 10 a.m. to dusk, Saturday
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom