WHO MADE YOU THE AUTHORITY FIGURE ON THE WEED MOVEMENT?

Last weekend while doing some advertising on our T.W.I.N.E. Hempwear facebook fan page, I came across a post from a lady I actually had the pleasure of hearing speak recently at this years Seattle Hempfest.  I was somewhat took back by the post after reading what the article she posted was about.  In short, the blog was about boycotting the upcoming Hempcon in Colorado because of the sexualization of the event because such things will be taking place there such as a Miss Hempcon contest; an orgasm contest, and a "hot ass" contest.  Also discussed in the blog were attacks against the different vendors that will be present.  Weed themed t-shirt vendors were present at Seattle Hempfest as well but yet now it is an issue according to the blog.

I understand the view of the blog but at the same time I think it's unfair to show bias towards any event more than another.  Any publicity is good publicity in my eyes as long as violence isn't involved.  The organizers of Hempcon understand that you do have to mix in a little bit of an entertainment factor to keep people involved.  Another thing about the post that I was displeased with is that it emphasizes medical marijuana.  While medical marijuana is a starting point for the movement, the ultimate goal is to have cannabis and hemp rescheduled/legalized for everyone's usage. 

I admire Cheryl Shuman (formerly of NORML) for all the work she has done in the pot advocacy community but at the same time, for her to take part in the belittling of an event was wrong.  If you had the chance to attend Seattle Hempfest this summer, it was clear to see that some of the women there actually dressed provocatively on their own.  Groups like the 420 models were present, women with marijuana leaves painted over their breasts were present among many others.  This sexualization is no different than what was planned at Hempcon.  The Hempcon events in California have been successful events so to single them out now because of certain contests being held is a big slap in the face of the movement. 

That is the problem with the movement now... Not only do we have the bickering and power trips amongst the different non-profit organizations; we now have to contend with people within the community also sandbagging events that provide publicity for the movement.  We all need to get on the same page which is easier said than done.  The legalization movement has become as bureacratic as our government and that in my eyes is a hinderance to our cause.  Our struggles go beyond booty contest and until that issue is alleviated, of course the movement will not be taken seriously.  BOTTOM LINE: A unit that is divided, is no unit at all. 

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INSPIRATIONS BEHIND MOUNT KUSHMORE

MOUNT KUSHMORE DESIGN

We have received alot of compliments regarding our shirt design ideas so we decided to elaborate a little more on the inpsiration behind our shirt concepts.  This design was created by T.W.I.N.E. Hempwear artist Tik "Tik $" Sisokda out of San Diego, CA... Like many of our design concepts, it arose while having a smoke session and Mount Rushmore was mentioned while talking.  The pot icons pictured in the design were not finalized until later but we felt we had to use people that all marijuana smokers could related to or recognize.  We wanted these icons to the legends of legends when deciding on who to use which is why Bob Marley, Jerry Garcia, Willie Nelson and Jimi Hendrix ended up being used in the design.  We were going to use 5 people but that would have taken away from the actual parody effect of the real Mount Rushmore.

20th ANNIVERSARY OF SEATTLE HEMPFEST



Site of the annual Seattle Hempfest

This past weekend marked the 20th anniversary of Seattle Hempfest, the largest cannabis advocacy event in the country.  Held in Downtown Seattle, WA at Centennial Park along the waterfront; the event featured many vendors, music bands and keynote speakers who provided vital information for the cannabis community. 

This was my first opportunity to attend the Hempfest being a newbie to the state of Washington but I am definitely proud I was able to attend.  The unity at the event was incredible and it provided even more of a reason for cannabis to be rescheduled.  Young cannabis users from young to old blessed up with pride. 

The event which was held over 3 days was a success and no problems arose which was a surprise to me.  This is definitely event that everyone should check out if given the opportunity.  T.W.I.N.E. Hempwear looks forward to participating in next years event.  It was a beautiful thing to see the unity that cannabis brings.

Below are pictures from this great event to give you a little insight to what it is all about:




                         

                           Hempfest attendees gathered along the beach partaking in a little cannabis =D

  

The waterfront view of the Seattle Hempfest site from atop the Amgen Bridge in Downtown Seattle

Poster about various industrial usages of the hemp plant

One of the best cannabis t-shirts I saw at the event

Another water-pipe vendor at the fest. Nice glass!



One of the many waterpipe vendors on-site



Probably my favorite vendor at this years event LOL

More cool shirt designs



One of the many bead and bracelet vendors on site at this year's Hempfest

No event is a REAL event without a white guy with a cool Jew-fro LOL

One of the many bands that participated in this years festival.

Hand-drawn snapback hats.

Another one of my favorite sights at this years event. The Psychadelic Hippie Bus

MORE WATER-PIPES!!

Sally really does sell seashells by the seashore =D

Grinder cards... I had to buy one of these things as many blunts as I smoke. Plus it is no bigger than a ATM card in your wallet. AWESOME ITEM!





One of the many West Indian vendors at the festival that drew alot of spectators



Mr. Keifbox had a great selection of custom Keifboxes. Definitely admired the arts and crafts

Another great keifbox by Mr. Keifbox himself

Attendees cooled off in the foam booth which drew many spectators over the weekend.

Custom glass vase collection. Pretty nice and intricate.



Gas masks rule!