Council could lift smoking ban for pot fest

[The Straight Story]

Council could lift smoking ban for pot fest

The smoking ban in city parks could be lifted for the second time since it passed three years ago, as city leaders are considering allowing medical marijuana patients to light up during a festival at San Lorenzo Park at the end of the month.

"It's not like a recreational marijuana event," said Councilman Mike Rotkin, who supports the temporary lifting of the city's 3-year-old ordinance that bans smoking in parks.

"It's not a smoke-in, it's not like the 4/20 thing up on campus," Rotkin said.

That April 20 event attracts thousands of people to Porter Meadow at UC Santa Cruz each spring to celebrate the so-called 4/20 cannabis culture holiday.

Instead, the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana would like the ban lifted so its 200 members can self-medicate while they enjoy the organization's annual festival. Wammfest, a medical marijuana, hemp and music festival, is scheduled for Sept. 27.

http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_10417491

[jakem]

1. well, I want to self medicate to music too!

how is this not a recreational marijuana event?

:rofl:

[Betsy Ross]

2. Many medical marijuana patients don't smoke in public.

Even with a state card, many keep it a private matter. But wouldn't it be nice if they could enjoy the outdoors, the music, and the festival and feel comfortable if they needed to smoke? Not all who carry cards are just pot heads looking for a get-out-of-jail card. Yes there are A LOT of them, but that is not a reason to deny those who really need MM.

[jakem]

3. i do not disagree- but an invite would be nice...

[High Plains]

4. Because it is put on by WAMM, a patient group.

It would be WAMM members celebrating WAMM, which is one of the most conscientious medical marijuana groups in the state.

http://www.wamm.org