Speakers at The Idaho Hope Fest Speak on the importance of Medical Marijuana

Mark Reinhardt- Boise

Attendees, gathered in support of Medical Marijuana at Idaho Hope Festival. As, organizers were gathering signatures for a petition in support of The Idaho Medical Choice Act. A bill that was introduced in The Idaho State House, by, Idaho State Representative Tom Trail. The Short ballot title reading, "An initiative providing that qualified patients using Medical Marijuana shall not be subject to Criminal Prosecution."  Jennifer Alexander, an Activist in support of The Oregon Cannibus Tax Act. Was the first speaker, to speak, at the festival. She stated of The State Marijuana Laws, "You guys dont have the benefit of Medical Marijuana Laws yet."

 Jennifer Alexander Speaking on stage in Julia Davis Park

During her talk, regarding, her views on Marijuana Legalization. She mentioned the construction of Hemp Houses in the form of a question. She continued on, speaking more on the subject of Hemp Houses. Discussing how it can built with Hemp Stalks and Lime.  In a report, by National Newspaper USA Today. It covered a company, known as, Hemp Technologies. "Dozens of hemp homes have been built in Europe in the past two decades, but they're new to the United States, says David Madera, co-founder of Hemp Technologies, a company that supplied the mixture of ground-up hemp stalks, lime and water."
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2010/09/hemp-houses-built-asheville/1

She would later talk about a Green Energy cetification process called Leed. Stating of Hemp Houses, "Hemp Houses rate Platinum."  Someone from the crowd, asked, if they can smoke it. In which, Alexander Replied, "No, you can't smoke them, which, is why even Non-Cannibus users should even support this."
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222

 Alexander state further of Marijuana Legalization, "Medical Marijuana is a wonderful first step." Further stating, "Let me assure you guys this has to be the first step, it can't be the end goal." Stating of its benefits, "Marijuana, can be phenominal for our sick and hurting people. " However, according to a Science Daily Release in 2011, "Using a highly sensitive new test, scientists in Europe are reporting "convincing evidence" that marijuana smoke damages the genetic material DNA in ways that could increase the risk of cancer." Further stating in the release, on the topic of Health and DNA Damage,"
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615095940.html



Researchers note that toxic substances in tobacco smoke can damage DNA and increase the risk of lung and other cancers. However, there has been uncertainty over whether marijuana smoke has the same effect. Scientists are especially concerned about the toxicity of acetaldehyde, present in both tobacco and marijuana. However, it has been difficult to measure DNA damage from acetaldehyde with conventional tests.
“There have been many studies on the toxicity of tobacco smoke. It is known that tobacco smoke contains 4000 chemicals of which 60 are classed as carcinogens. Cannabis in contrast has not been so well studied. It is less combustible than tobacco and is often mixed with tobacco in use. Cannabis smoke contains 400 compounds including 60 cannabinoids. However, because of its lower combustibility it contains 50% more carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including naphthalene, benzanthracene, and benzopyrene, than tobacco smoke.”The study that does support Marijuana in uses of Cancer Treatment, came from The National Cancer Institute, released, in 2000.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/marijuana

 Theresa Knox, who appeared on stage to talk about Medical Marijuana. Legalization. Was greeted on stage with an Audio Introduction about issues surrounding The War on Drugs and The 4th Amendment. Citing, retaliation for smoke outs featured on National and Local News Media Outlets.

 An example of Teresa Knox in dialogue can be found here.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=would-legalizing-pot-be-good-for-environment

Carmine, an attendee of Idaho Hopefest took the time to talk about The War on Drugs.  to talk with me about issues surrounding the Drug War. Carmine stated of The War on Drugs, "Its Counter Productive, they say their taking drugs off the street, however, their making more drug lords then ever, cause, the more tougher that stuff is to get, the more it goes on the black market. The more the price goes up, the more the drug lords stay in business."