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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