The most significant and interesting of recent events from around the world
are summarized in the Milestones. The biggest
milestone for Vancouverites came on June 17, along with a great deal of
excitement and confusion, as The Province newspaper revealed that it had
seen a letter to Vancouver police from BC's senior federal drug prosecutor,
saying that they would no longer approve charges for simple possession of
drugs in Vancouver. Subsequent backpedalling and shaky denials aside, this
is a monumental step forward in ending the oppression of the cannabis
culture. We explain the strange turn of events more clearly when we ask
about Decriminalization in Vancouver? For now,
rest assured that you can inhale a little more easily than you used to.
This victory in Vancouver must be vigorously pursued in other cities and
areas of influence. One of these is the Justice System, and our publisher
Marc Emery outlines the three constitutional challenges to prohibition
underway in his article called Battlefields. All of
these challenges are in desperate need of financial support, and Marc
explains his frustration at public apathy and the immediate need for
donations and assistance.
The most recent of these challenges is being put forward by Chris Clay,
owner of the Great Canadian Hemporium, who was arrested recently for
selling cannabis seedlings at his store. A great deal of other merchandise
has been seized pending the trial, but Chris and his lawyer Alan Young are
unflinchingly attacking the constitutional basis for all of the charges
against him. Chris has written an article for us detailing his experience
and intentions, Hemp Nation Under Seige.
Social understanding and respect for cannabis is growing at an astonishing
rate, but there are still pockets of resistance. In our last issue we told
you about Back to the Garden, a hemp store in Prince George that was
threatened with criminal charges for selling information supporting
cannabis, like this magazine. Well, our investigative reporter Dan
Loehndorf has uncovered the dark force behind this persecution, and he
tells us in his article Hemp Haters In Prince
George.
During World War II, young Canadians gave their lives in liberating
Amsterdam from the Nazis. Perhaps the Dutch experience with totalitarianism
is what has given them such a respect for freedom, for the Dutch have a
worldwide reputation for tolerance and fair-mindedness. This is most
clearly demonstrated by their
drug policies,
which they have steadfastly maintained despite international pressure.
Our own Dr. Sumach recently visited Amsterdam, and he brought us back a
fascinating look at this important European port and its long connection
with the trade in intoxicants. His story is called Dr Sumach Goes Dutch.
Jamaica is another land with immediate marijuana associations. Although
cannabis use is common there, their government has chosen a different path
than the Dutch. Native Jamaican and local Vancouver cannabis advocate
Rev. Leeroy Campbell takes us back to Jamaica for a look at the hypocrisy
and oppression that has been the result of US involvement in his
country. Nevertheless, as his article so eloquently explains, in Jamaica
there is 'Nuff Ganja, No Problems for
Visitors.
When you inhale the vapours given off by burning cannabis you are partaking
in an ancient tradition that is tightly woven into the fabric of human
history. Last issue Chris Bennet showed us how cannabis and other
illuminating plants might have helped humans to develop the full level of
consciousness we enjoy today. Chris presents us with The Scythians, ancient Persian pot smokers who
rode their horses into battles that won them an empire strectching across
Eurasia. These fierce warriors helped spread the many uses of cannabis
across the ancient world.
Which came first, the seed or the clone? In this issue Dr. Clone does seeds, getting back to his roots and
showing us how to go from seed to sprout in a few easy steps. Darren Morgan
makes his first appearance in this issue, presenting us with A Grower's Primer, an overview of what you
need to know and do in order to grow yourself some happy and satisfying
cannabis plants.
Canada's not the only country in the world trying to come to grips with the
rapid developments in hemp cultivation and agriculture. Agriculture
Canada's Gordon Reichert visited a hemp expo and symposium called Bioresource Hemp 1995 in Frankfurt last March. This
massive event was the world's largest ever gathering of hemp researchers
and merchants, and featured a great many astounding advancements in hemp
breeding and processing technology.
Europe is also developing new policies in
response to changing patterns of drug use. We take a brief look at some of
the more interesting changes.
The Hempress isn't with us this issue, but her friends Prof. Lovejoy O'Neil and Chef Pierre have dropped by to share some of
their knowledge and expertise. The good Professor discusses the finer
points of smoking and purchasing etiquette, while our Chef takes some time
out of his busy schedule to provide us with the recipe for an
intoxicatingly delicious milkshake!
We encourage our readers to respond to us. We might not be able to answer
every letter receive, but we try, and you can be sure they are all
read. No-one has sent us any kind buds yet, but we're still hopeful. We
present some of the Letters we have received.
We conclude this issue with the Hemp
Directory, it alone provides clear evidence of the dramatic growth the
Canadian hemp industry has seen over the past months. We still have a long
way to go, but we have broken through the soil, the Sun is strong and the
earth is rich and deep.
Cannabis Canadians
have a right to be proud. We have accomplished more than
we expected, but perhaps less than we had dared to hope. I did not think
that I would be seeing these signs and wonders so soon.
Our efforts have begun to pay off. This does not mean that this is the time
to relax. We must not allow ourselves to become slack at this crucial
time. In
1978
many Canadians believed that the decriminalization of cannabis was at
hand. Our governments openly discussed the subject. Since then we have had
seventeen years of brutal oppression. It is time that this matter be dealt
with and put aside.
Our nation has many important challenges to face in the coming years. We
must stop directing our resources towards the persecution and imprisonment
of peaceful Canadians. These tentative steps towards the end of prohibition
are long overdue.The War on Drugs is over.
Let us now negotiate the peace.
