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US: Pot legalization advocates take to streets
Streveport Times Saturday 12 May 2012 A small gathering marched through downtown carrying signs and speaking to residents about how they believe Louisiana would benefit from the legalization of marijuana. Shreveport was one of seven cities across the state to host marches in favor of legalization. The events were coordinated through Legalize Louisiana, an organization started by Donnie Griffith, of Monroe, two years ago. "We want to take the patients off the battlefield," said Griffith, who stressed the need to allow medical marijuana for those suffering from conditions such as cancer and chronic pain. Griffith was the leader of a march in Monroe, and through his organization and the help of volunteers, he organized marches in Shreveport, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Lafayette and Alexandria. "We're not trying to step on toes or be disrespectful," said Kyle Martin, the volunteer leader of the Shreveport march. "Everyone doing this is afraid. We all have futures and careers, we're normal people." Martin said Louisiana has been rated as the least peaceful state with the highest incarceration rates in the nation for over two decades, and he thinks legalizing marijuana would help lower the crime rate. "It's virtually harmless," said Martin, who emphasized the cost of enforcing prohibition. "It would save a lot of time and a lot of money if they didn't have to deal with the silliness." Marilyn Couch, a grandmother from Texas with family in Louisiana, was one of those marching in favor of legalization. "It ought to be put on a ballot so we can vote on this issue," Couch said. Couch said many people who are taking prescription medications, especially for pain, can become addicted to the chemicals. "My niece died from a prescription overdose, and I have several friends who are worried about getting addicted to their medications, and they can't switch to cannabis because it's illegal," Couch said. Couch does not lack for motivation. She said her nephew in Colorado was arrested and charged with growing marijuana. In Colorado, it is legal to grow marijuana with the proper license, which Couch said her nephew had. "He had his license to grow 123 plants," she said. "He had 53 in his basement when they came and arrested him." Despite his license, Couch says her nephew was arrested under federal law and now faces 10 years in prison. Some of the Shreveport marchers sported signs promoting the use of marijuana for medical purposes as a replacement for prescription medications, but many understood the need for other medications. "It's not the answer to everything," said Aimee Whitehorse, who carried a poster depicting a caduceus intertwined with a marijuana leaf, and a marijuana leaf in a pill bottle. "It's better than many prescriptions that can cause addiction; it's just a better choice." Although the march in Shreveport was fairly small, Griffith said the turnout in Monroe was impressive, and other cities reported decent turnouts, as well. Griffith said Legalize Louisiana will soon become a full fledged nonprofit organization, and monies raised will go toward hiring lobbyists who will represent the will of the people to Louisiana legislators. Griffith thanked those who came out in support of legalizing cannabis. "I believe everyone who came out was brave to show their face and stand up for their rights," he said. http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20120513/NEWS01/205130318/Pot-legalization-advocates-take-streets?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
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