SORRY ABOUT THE DELAYS IN INFORMATION..

Several things have happened recently and haven't been able to take time to do the update..will try to do better in the future.

This will be brief but also want everyone to know that our message has been getting out loud and clear lately...Just watch the news or follow the forum. In the end, this is our primary goal anyway, education, education, education. Watch for opportunities to be part of the message and encourage others to join us

JEFFERSON JACKSON DINNER. NCCPN secured a table and enjoyed an evening with the politicians. This is all part of being recognized as a movement, and we visited with several state and National leaders. I confronted Sen Hagan about her (lack of) support for Cannabis issues. With several people standing around, when I asked about federal legislation, she stated: "We're doing all we can, it is a very complicated issue." Couldn't help but reply that this she was NOT doing all she could. I reminded her that I had asked her specifically to question Michele Leonhart during her confirmation hearings about medical cannabis and she did not ask ONE SINGLE question!

She asked "Who". "The administrator of the DEA I replied." You helped her get confirmed. We discussed our goal with several people and have been promised some help from Mass Sen Bo's staff who will work with Sen Hagan's staff. I also spoke with Sen Hagan's husband, Chip, who is a Vietnam Vet. and hope he will keep the issue alive at home.

CURRENT BILLS BEFORE THE HOUSE:

The study bill introduced by Rep Kelly Alexander has been sent to Rules Committee. Just as before, we must find ways to pressure the Republicans to see their "interests" in passing this legislation. The study bill is designed to investigate the impact that a "Medical Cannabis Act" would have. It is every-one's responsibility to find ways to help do this. Personal contact with "your legislator" is critical and we MUST be sincere and not seem "harassing" them.

If the study bill were to be "approved AND funded", that would be the most positive thing we could do. In effect, if we could make this happen, HB 84 could be "Reintroduced in the Short Session beginning in January 2014". Bills that come through a study committee are moved through a faster process since they have already been 'studied' and if the report was favorable, stand a much greater chance of passage.

COURSE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.

Liz Porter has worked for several weeks on an agenda for a one day program to teach health care professionals about the Endo-Cannabinoid System (ECS). It is unbelievable that most of these professionals have not a clue about this. The course has been enthusiastically received by and is awaiting funding. It will costs about 20 thousand dollars and Liz has prepared a grant proposal that should meke this happen. The presentation by Drs. Baiko and Porter will be recorded and presented at clinics around the state. Anyone with faster access to money is invited to join.

Thousands are checking the web site lately. Pass the word. Get your friends to join us. Other projects (under-wraps) are being pursued and we hope to have results that will tickle your innards and compel you to hit the streets to make this needed change to our inhumane treatment of Cannabis Patients. WE WIll SUCCEED! (WITH EVERYONES HELP)

OK, this morning, we have nearly 3300 people who should be reading this.

We have two/three events this weekend; one at Trade and Tryon at 10 AM and one at NoDa at 4 PM  (Bands and celebration).

We will meet and share with those checking the website often. It is a chance to speak with nccpn members and others from the website and get to know each other. Remember, we are the majority. After the meeting at 10, we will decide how to spend the event for maximum exposure and seek ideas on how to better communicate the positive news from Cannabis.

Later, we will go to the celebration at NoDa where an information booth will be set up. The bands and event will be another opportunity to educate people and show them who WE are, not who they thought we were. While this is not an nccpn event, nccpn will be represented well. Come on down and lets make waves and enjoy compatible company, friendship and music..IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND!!!

There is an event in Raleig:

The Black Flower, 517 W. Peace St, Raleigh, NC. Begins at 2PM,

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/legal4NC. Remember, it is YOU who make an event an event, I or We cannot do it; if you care about the cause, make it an event 

For those meeting in Charlotte, again, we have NO IDEA what to expect. We would like to be surprised by the incredible crowd that the overhead news helicopter is covering. Major networks should be alerted by 11 with International coverage at noon. This will be followed by convoys reported to be heading to Charlotte filled with people who are fed up with the lack of representation not only here at the state level, but also in Washington where the will of 90+ percent of the public was ignored. We expect to be joined by other groups who have been raped without representation. NCCPN has been identified as being the prime group but they are being joined by NCNORML, MPP, Legal4NC, SSDP, ASA, CCC and CONCERNED CITIZENS. Thank God we have finally awakened the public.

If you can contribute to nccpn, we are a low costs operation and most of the members fund their own efforts. Syd and Tom will have great handouts, produced and paid for by them. While truth is our product, it is not free. We hope to have an nccpn table at the NC Democratic Party Jefferson Jackson Dinner on the 27th. It costs $1,000 dollars. Non-profits CANNOT give to these functions, so if you want to make a donation, call me at 910.995.0413. We are $400 short at this time. $125 each for a seat at the table..dinner and political entertainment. We will be up front and recognized by NC Democratic Party Chair Randy Voller. Keep the hope alive..Later