Today, in both the print and online versions of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, appears an article about medical marijuana in Pennsylvania written by Mackenzie Carpenter.  The article is objective, vis-a-vis Dr. Neil Capretto’s astonishingly misinforming smear that also appeared in the Post-Gazette a few weeks ago.  We at Pittsburgh NORML urge everyone to take the time to write a letter to the editor asking for more honest coverage about this topic.

Unfortunately, Ms. Carpenter mistakenly wrote that our meetings take place at Abay (an Ethiopian restaurant) instead of Ava.  She also neglected to use the terms HB 1393 and SB 1350 in the article.  Hopefully with future coverage of this subject we can get more exposure for the actual bills proposed in our state legislature, as well as more exposure for our Pgh NORML group.

Take a look at the article online by clicking on this link, or else pick up a print copy of today’s Pgh Post-Gazette.  Thanks for your support and also look for news concerning our autumn fundraiser!

Urge the Pennsylvania General Assembly to Pass Medical Marijuana Legislation!

Click here to sign the petition at Change.org and let your legislators know you support HB 1393 and SB 1350!

Click below for an article from KDKA on medical marijuana legalization in PA. Includes video…

Group Pushing For Legalized Marijuana In Pa.

Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D (Department of Psychology, University at Albany-SUNY) has written an op-ed rebuttal piece to Dr. Neil Capretto’s article in last Sunday’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  The article can be found here, and the text is below in its entirety.  Please forward this letter to everyone you know who is on the fence about the medical marijuana issue in Pennsylvania.  Thanks!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact for comment: Patrick Nightingale Patrick@pittsburghnorml.org
 
New poll shows 8 in 10 support medical marijuana in PA
 
Medical cannabis legislation is active in PA and residents continue to show strong support. New polling conducted by Franklin; Marshall College saw a full 80% respondents either ‘Strongly Favor’ (53%) and ‘Somewhat Favor’ (27%) legal medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. The F&M poll was released this week and showed an increase in support from 2006.
 
Medical marijuana is active in both the PA House (HB 1393) and Senate (SB 1350).
 
The same poll also saw a full 11% jump in support for overall marijuana legalization. The full F&M release can be found at: http://edisk.fandm.edu/FLI/keystone/pdf/keymay10_1.pdf

READ MORE @ www.pa4mmj.org
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Patrick Nightingale Patrick@pittsburghnorml.org

To all Pgh NORML supporters: Jake Wheatley, the local representative of the Health & Human Services (HHS) Committee (where HB 1393 is currently under analysis), recently tweeted that he is having a party/fundraiser at 60 Boulevard of the Allies on May 10 from 6-8pm.  All are encouraged to attend.

This is a major opportunity to confront Wheatley in person to show your support for HB 1393.  One of our members used his last fundraiser as an opportunity to express support for holding a HHS Committee hearing right here in Pittsburgh.  We urge all of you to consider doing the exact same thing this Monday night!

Ok, pardon us while we name-drop, but yes, this is Pittsburgh NORML hanging out with Tommy Chong!

So before the performance, we met up with some press who was going to interview Tommy. We handed him a Pittsburgh NORML t-shirt with the hopes of getting it into Tommy’s hands. When Tommy was introduced we were all stunned that he came walking out on the stage wearing our very own shirt! Talk about support.

Tommy Chong rocking the Pittsburgh NORML T-shirt

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review posted an article on the nights performance, and showed a photo of Tommy in our shirt also.

A great night all together. Tommy Chong gave a great performance, with some terrific stories of his childhood, his career, and obviously some great comedy!

See everyone at our next open meeting on May 13th…

State Senator Daylin Leach (D-17) will introduce medical marijuana legislation on May 4, 2010. A press conference with the Senator, medical professionals and local patients is planned for 11AM in the Harrisburg Capitol Media Room. The Senate bill will mirror HB1393, The Compassionate Use Act, which is still active in the House.

Ask your State Senator to join on as a co-sponsor.

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Breaking: Medical Marijuana bill will be introduced for the first time in the state Senate May 4th with an 11AM Press Conference in Harrisburg!

Please join Pittsburgh NORML for our next open meeting, taking place at Ava/Shadow Lounge (5972 Baum Blvd.) on Thursday, August 12 at 6:30pm. We look forward to seeing lots of new faces! This meeting is open to all of the public and media, and all are invited and encouraged to attend. This is a very exciting time for marijuana law activity in PA, we need your help. See you there!