US: Thousands Turn Out for 'Extravaganja'

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abc40

Saturday 12 Apr 2014

Thousands turned out to Amherst’s Town Common for “Extravaganja,” a political rally, organized by the UMass Cannabis Reform Coalition.

There were people, speakers, and musicians, all supporting the legalization of medical marijuana.

“It should be legal, it’s absolutely absurd that it’s not. The fact that people, especially minorities, get arrested all of the time, is ridiculous. The science is out there, people just have to look,” said Anthony Medina, of Springfield.

The tone of the event was a lot calmer than March’s Blarney Blowout at UMass.

Organizers say, that’s because a little planning goes a long way.

“We get permits from the police and the town, to basically hold the vent here. We work with the police and paramedics, to make sure everyone is safe, to provide a safe enviroment, considering how large scale it is,” explained Sebastian Vivas, President of the UMass Cannabis Reform Coalition.

“Extravaganja” draws people from all walks of life, from all over New England. And organizers say there are benefits to the community.

“The businesses really support us, they love the business, they love the crowd it attracts,” Vivas said.

“Also the vendors, it gives them a chance to come out. The local people who come out and do the crafts and the art, it gives them a venue to show their stuff,” Linda Lee, of Willie’s Farm in South Hadley, explained.

Doctor’s offices specializing in medical marijuana recommendations also took advantage of the opportunity to connect with people at the event.

“The turn out here today is wonderful. There’s so many people that have the interest, and the need, for the medical marijuana program that the state of Massachusetts has started, and it’s a beautiful and wonderful thing,” said Sherri Martowski, Office Manager at Community Health Clinics in Springfield.

Some folks at the event say it’s grown significantly in recent years, as use of the drug has become decriminalized, and medical use has been legalized.

“I don’t think it’s such a stigma as it was before. People are starting to recognize the medical benefits as well as recreational.”

Most people at the event say they hope for full recreational legalization.

http://www.wggb.com/2014/04/12/thousands-turn-out-for-extravaganja/

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