Pgh NORML Meeting Next Thursday!

Oh, what a difference a month can make

Where should I even start? Last month I contacted the new Pittsburgh NORML, which is located downtown. After describing my project to Patrick Nightingale, the NORML director, we decided on a bunch of different projects to help NORML get off the ground. The first action I took was to interview him, which I will soon edit and post on their website. I will also help in the building of their website as well as helping to find a meeting place for members each month. I've contacted the Beehive in southside, so hopefully that will work out. Also, I started to create the flyer to recruit members. I'm also planning to work with NORML in setting up a table somewhere to pass out information and get people involved. We also need to start raising money so we can help the other chapters in their efforts to get medical marijuana in Pittsburgh. I'm feeling really good, and theres much work to be done, but I'll keep you posted.

Maybe they will legalize marijuana?

Tommorow, many leaders from across the globe are meeting here, in Pittsburgh, to talk about how to fix the world economy. Maybe someone should tell them if they legalized marijuana, a new industry for cannabis textiles, plastics, medications and fuel would greatly help many of the problems that plague America and the world. Also, the G20 leaders will discuss solutions for pollution and global warming. If hemp replaced tree paper and plastic from petroluem couldn't this contribute to the solution? Ah, what am I saying, its ridiculous to think so outside the box... but is it really?

A Stroke of Luck?

I've been working two jobs this break, so I haven't had much time to work on my grad project (or anything else). I did pay off my library card and rented a new book called "Just Say Know: Buzzed". It has a huge chapter on everything about cannabis, from its scientifical compents, to its history and legality. I've also tried getting in contact with the local Pittsburgh chapter of NORML, which has just been recently founded and is still in beggining stages. This is gonna help my project tremendously because NORML is THE place to go to learn about and support alternative cannabis policies. I'm hoping I can volunteer for this chapter and possibly interview some of the staff. Maybe even they will help me with my action project. That's it for now.
Peace,
Julia

An interview with the big cheese

So today Billy and I interviewed our head administrator, Dr. Werthhiemer. The reason we did a duel interview is because Billy's project is about teenage abuse of marijuana while mine is examining cannabis policies. It was scheduled for yesterday, but I was taking care of my grandma and had to reschedule. The interview was great though, and I learned many interesting things about my topic and Dr. Werthhiemer. He is very knowledgable and has a Master's degree in alcohol and drug abuse counseling. He has alot of experience with the topic because as an educator, he knows how it affects students differently and how it becomes a problem for some. I respect his opinions and feel like I gained alot of info and opinions I can add to my project.

Wacky Mondays!

It's only 11 in the morning, but already its been a busy day. This is my last full week of school, and then I am a senior! My project is going well, and recently my bestest buddy Mike has shown me a movie called Super High Me. I know, the title is ridiculous, but it is about a comedian who abstains from marijuana for 30 days, then smokes non stop for 30 days. It included many interesting facts and showed stories of what is going on in California with medical marijuana. It was nice to finally see visually what was going on rather than reading about it, so I will have many notes about current events involving my topic. I'll probably start taking notes on it this weekend, but for now, I still have to finish reading my book before its due at the library. Also, I was thinking of going to Market Square to set up a table with pamphlets, letters to our representatives people can sign showing their support and a survey. I'll keep you posted, and thanks to everyone for following my blog!
Peace
Julia

I've struck gold!... kinda

Today I finished working on my interview questions for the Western PA NORML director and my school administrator Dr. Wertheimer. I also went to the Carnegie Library on Tuesday where I found some really good books on the history and controversy of cannabis policies. My friend let my rent out the book Marijuana: Opposing Viewpoints. Already I'm starting to love this book. It presents the controversy in such an informitive and unbiased way, I'll probably gain the majority of my information from here. I still have more research and interview questions to create for three more interviewees, but I made a lot of progress this week I hope to continue. Check ya later!
Peace,
Julia