[420 Girl]

The smoking of marijuana has always been a controversial subject. Some think of it as a gateway drug, while others contend it's healthier than drinking alcohol.

That aside, a group of volunteers are coming together this weekend to increase awareness of the use of medical marijuana.

For more than a decade a Hempfest festival has been held in Sault Ste. Marie. But after organizers wanted to take a year off, it looked as though the festival wouldn't take place.

Long time attendee Robert Neron decided to move the festival to his own community of Moonbeam.

The music festival has been dubbed "Hempfest on Vacation" and in addition to bands on the weekend, the event spreads the message of changing misconceptions about the drug.

"Hempfest is to support people who smoke medicinal marijuana," said volunteer Doris Duguay. "We want to give our support to them and people who are licensed to sell medical marijuana.

"Some people look at it and think it's a bad thing, but if you look at it on the other hand some people need it medically to survive."

The event officially starts with a welcoming on Thursday, and those who attend have the option to camp out on site at the former Knights of Columbus hall, which was purchased by Neron, or at two other area campsites should space fill up.

Bands will perform on Friday and Saturday.

"There's not really a lot of sponsorship involved this year," said Duguay, adding that everyone involved, including the musicians, are there on a volunteer basis. "We're just kind of taking it easy and bringing it back to old school, the way it used to be done."

The event is only open to people ages 19 years and older. While it is not legal to smoke marijuana, there will be licensed sellers on site throughout the weekend.

"It's really not what people think it is," said Duguay. "We want people to see that some people really need it."

Duguay said a lot of people still think smoking pot is bad, festivals like this one are popular.

"They are quite common outside our little bubble," she said. "They are really big and can be good for the economy and give the community a real boost.

"It brings a lot of people that will maybe come back again."

Because the event is being run by volunteers this year, the group is not looking to make any profit. The cost to get in is 10 cans of food that will be given to the local food bank. Proceeds from T-shirts sales will also go in as a cash donation.

"The food bank has been closed there since the beginning of summer, because of a lack of funding and food," said Duguay. "We're trying to get it started again before school so that children can benefit from its services."

More information on the event, including a list of performing bands, can be found on the Facebook page Hempfest 2010 "Hempfest on Vacation."

On August 26,27,28,29 ,2010



NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Timmins Daily Press - Ontario, CA
Author: CHELSEY ROMAIN
Contact: Contact Us - Timmins Daily Press - Ontario, CA
Copyright: 2010 , Osprey Media Publishing Inc
Website:Hempfest lighting up in Moonbeam - Timmins Daily Press - Ontario, CA


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