Since
1991, Vivian McPeak has organized the country’s
largest cannabis policy reform event, Seattle Hempfest.
The gathering focuses on educating the public on the medicinal,
agricultural, and spiritual benefits of the plant and
on decriminalizing usage. “What people need to understand
is that this is about human rights and equality not marijuana,”
says McPeak.
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Photo by Elisa Huerta-Enochian |
Over the years, Hempfest has evolved from a homespun
holiday in the park to a sophisticated socio-political
affair drawing the support of an amazing array of law
enforcement officials, celebrity speakers, and musicians
from all walks of life. McPeak believes the event has
been essential in raising awareness of the need to change
harsh federal and state penalties tied to marijuana
possession.
“The facts show that marijuana does not pose
a risk to society that is equal to the harm that pot
prohibition causes,” he says. “The mission
of Hempfest is to keep non-violent, decent Americans
from being incarcerated and serving harsh jail sentences
for choosing to use marijuana recreationally.”
—Amy Besunder
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