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.
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