America's
Concerns
 

Hempfest
"Hempfest was growing at the same rate as
the increasing public awareness of the half
truths, lies, and misinformation that has been
generated by our government for over 60 years."

 

185,000 people rallied in August 2003 in Seattle, Washington. Music seems to be a big factor in what makes for really big crowds. Same as for the large crowds of thousands drawn by music at the May 2003 MMM events in May in Prague, and over 10,000 in Buenas Aires. I have gotten further reports and photos about the MMM and drug reform speakers and T-shirts on the music stage in Buenas Aires. Lots to learn from the Seattle Hempfest history compiled below from the links just below. After the Seattle info follows some Buenas Aires, Argentina MMM photos from May 2003. Million Marijuana March events occurred in around 236 cities worldwide in May 2003.

http://www.seattlehempfest.com/history.php and
http://www.seattlehempfest.com/2003.php and
http://www.seattlehempfest.com/
 
 

Donate to Hempfest <http://www.seattlehempfest.com/donate.php>
Hempfest Forums
CannabisMD <http://cannabismd.org/>
Green Cross <http://hemp.net/greencross/>
Nominated for the HIGH TIMES STONY AWARDS, best musical category! A high energy marijuana culture musical documentary of the world's largest Cannabis policy reform event. Hempfest, 'No Prison For Pot' explores the views of some of the leading activists in the movement. Along with a fine supporting cast of bands and Woody Harrelson at 4:20, this film will inspire many to start a Hempfest in their home regions.

A must see!! Order your copy online at http://www.420warehouse.com
<http://www.420warehouse.com/> .
Drug Reform News:Seattle City Council Names Pot Panel
<http://www.hemp.net/news/index.phtml?article=1073062809>

In N.H., A Parallel Opportunity <http://www.hemp.net/news/index.phtml?article=1073062729>

Marijuana Fight Continues <http://www.hemp.net/news/index.phtml?article=1073062669>

Major Parole Moves on the Table <http://www.hemp.net/news/index.phtml?article=1073062638>
 
 

Seattle Hempfest History: 1991 - Present

 
 

Our archived websites!
Hempfest 1999 <http://www.seattlehempfest.com/1999/>
Hempfest 1998 <http://www.seattlehempfest.com/1998/>
Hempfest 1997 <http://www.seattlehempfest.com/1997/>
1996 Voter's Guide <http://hemp.net/wchr/>   Seattle Hempfest started out as a humble little gathering of stoners and has grown into one of the most sophisticated marijuana/hemp policy reform events in America. Originally billed in 1991 as the "Washington Hemp Expo," the first Hempfest started in Volunteer Park where it would stay for three years. With a meager attendance of only 500 people, and a staff that consisted of 20 members of the Seattle Peace Heathens Community Action Group, we had no way to know that we were sowing the seeds that would make Pacific Northwest history.

The fallout from Jack Herer's groundbreaking publication "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" was just beginning to permeate the atmospheric climate of American society. The time was right for a new wave of marijuana activists to emerge on the political scene.

In 1992, organizers placed two large budding sinsemilla plants on the small amphitheater in Volunteer Park and Hempfest's reputation as a politically flamboyant but professionally astute public assembly had begun to develop. We were amazed that 2,000 hempsters showed up for the second annual event. Seattle's "grunge" scene was starting to zenith, and there was no shortage of bands chomping at the bit to support the cause. We were honored to have Herer himself as our keynote speaker that special year.

Hempfest 1993 brought 5,000 supporters, featured a "Bong-A-Thon," and an even stickier and more beautiful example of nature's magical foliage. As the event got better, so did the music, and '93 featured great Seattle bands such as Stickerbush and Bam Bam (both defunct) and established the hard drivin' rockin' reggae act, Herbivores as Seattle Hempfest's House Band. Hempfest was growing at the same rate as the increasing public awareness of the half truths, lies, and misinformation that had been generated by our government for over 60 years, and it became apparent that we would have to find a larger site...Volunteer Park had been maxed out.

By 1994 a strong tribe of dedicated volunteers had been established, and it became clear that a very special and unique spirit of community had developed around this group, a spirit that has only grown stronger with the passage of time. The move had been made to beautiful Gasworks Park, a former petroleum production site, huge towers and stacks still standing...ironic for an event promoting alternative sources of energy. Featuring legendary Seattle band 7 Year Bitch, and the sensational El Steiner, '94 brought out 15,000 people and blew the lid off of Seattle while creating a snarled traffic cluster for miles around. This was the last year that Hempfest was able to exist without charging fees for vending and forming a formal, city approved security force. The "mosh pit" that ensued ensued for 7 Year Bitch's performance put a serious scare on the organizers as bodies surfed the crowd and the brave and daring dove from the stage like doobies being thrown to the crowd.

As the event was growing exponentially in size and notoriety, the cost of production and promotion grew as well. The need for sound equipment, staging, scaffolding, radios, and advertising required the introduction of musical benefits and merchandising to offset the monetary demands of our growing phenomenon. Famed Seattle clubs such as the Crocodile Cafe, Rckndy, The Off Ramp, and The OK Hotel all opened their doors to help raise green energy for the cause. To date, literally hundreds of Northwest bands have contributed by playing gigs for free, and without any promise of playing the "big kahuna." '94 was also the year we picked up the most kick ass graphics design team that any Hempfest has ever had. Jamie Sheehan, Hempfest's art director, and world renowned music art poster luminary Art Chantry collaborated on our famous cigarette pack poster, produced both on hemp paper as well as 100% hemp burlap. This poster was the first of many designed by this team to win national awards for art design and creativity.

The sheer girth and magnitude of Hempfest '94 brought the scrutiny of city officials and alarmed residents (traffic was clogged for miles) who saw a sleeping giant just starting to wake from a haze of political apathy and indifference. Up to that point not a single uniformed officer had ever stepped foot into Hempfest. That would change. A growing concern from police, parks department, and neighborhood groups would be reflected in a series of negotiations that would span 5 months, and involve 6 subcommittee meetings to determine our ability to meet the new demands of the "Special Events Permit" that was now required of us. These negotiations culminated with assistance from the ACLU, and required a $1,000,000 insurance policy, the addition of paid licensed bonded and insured security, strict contingency plans (emergency evacuation contingency), an on site ambulance and paid EMT's. Meetings with concerned community groups soon followed, establishing Hempfest as a legitimate political rally, not a "pot party" in the park, as had previously been claimed by our critics.

None of us were ready for the success of Seattle Hempfest '95. This time police were very present and for the first time ever citations were issued for public smoking and there were three marijuana related arrests. The event was now located at Myrtle Edwards Park, downtown on Seattle's beautiful waterfront. Police reports said 25,000 people attended, but local news media proclaimed that the '95 event drew an estimated 50,000 people. They were greeted by speakers like Jack Herer, Chris Conrad, Dennis Peron, Bill Conde, and Elvy Musika. The legend had been born...Hempfest gained international acclaim and proved that hemp/marijuana reform supporters could gather by the tens of thousands peacefully to educate on the historical, industrial, medicinal, and spiritual uses of the cannabis plant.

Elated from a successful event, but exhausted from the high stress diet of marijuana activism, organizers took 1996 off to produce the first ever statewide Hemp Voters Guide <http://www.hemp.net/wchr> .

Blessed with searing hot weather for years, 1997 produced a staggering contrast by delivering a literal torrential downpour of epic proportion, closing down the main stage several times, but creating an atmosphere of solidarity reminiscent of the tribal consciousness and determination of Woodstock. The defiant and courageous spirit of 1997's event was symbolized by the presence of the late medical marijuana movement hero, Ralph Seeley. Despite the agonizing pain of terminal bone cancer combined with his bittersweet and short lived judicial victory against Washington state's medical marijuana laws, Ralph made a historic, brave and articulate address to the rain drenched hempsters looking on. Only 25,000 showed up for Hempfest '97.

We started earlier in '98 and later expanded the inner core group to around 30 people. The size and complexity, as well as the intense responsibility associated with producing such an influential and controversial event comes with a price. And the Drug War raged on. The most powerful thing that had happened the previous year was the introduction to Hempfest of the amazing Nora Callahan and her inmate advocacy organization, The November Coalition. By putting names, faces, and stories behind the prisoners of the War On Drugs, the November Coalition proved to be one of the fastest growing organizations of it's kind and has since become the most formidable foe of America's criminal war on it's own people.

In 1998 we realized to fight for medical, industrial, or personal use for adults means to fight the greater War On Drugs, as it is this policy that is preventing all aspects of the cannabis plant from being utilized in this nation. It was Nora Callahan who helped us broaden our speaker range to include not only the hidden victims of the Drug War, the families of the prisoners of war, as well as the introduction of an audio CD featuring the actual voices and words of the prisoners themselves, but also the suit and tie national level drug policy warriors, who have been fighting in the trenches along side us for years (see 1998 main stage lineup < http://www.seattlehempfest.com/1998/lineup.shtml> ).

With the passing of our hero Ralph Seeley in January of 1998 we dedicated our second stage as the Ralph Seeley Memorial Stage. We were honored to have Ralph's wife Judith speak from that stage (Judith passed away shortly after Hempfest 98). The second stage will from now on be known as the "Seeley Stage" in honor of Ralph and Judith.

Hempfest 1999 was the last of the century, and 90,000 strong supporters came out to show the world that the Pacific Northwest is a bastion of political awareness and activism. The same year WTO paralyzed Seattle with property damage and violence, Hempfest kept it's reputation as a civil, orderly demonstration against the Drug War as thousands poured into the long park for music, speakers, and freedom.

The year 2000 brought over 100,000 enthusiastic supporters to rally for the cause, listen to speakers and tunes, and catch some Seattle sunshine. The year also saw the introduction of our terrific compilation CD Hemplennium. Hemplennium features cuts from various Northwest musicians including Merl Saunders with Jerry Garcia, John Trudell, Herbivores, High Times Cannabis Cup Band, and Phat Sidy Smokehouse.

2001 saw the introduction of another day to the Hempfest formula. The first ever two-day Hempfest went off with nary a hitch, breaking records with a 150,000 person attendance over two days. The theme was No Prison for Pot, and an amazing array of bands and speakers all answered the call for an end to the drug war and its injustices. The highlight of the event was Woody Harrelson taking the stage at 4:20 to address the screaming crowd. We also had several digital cameras and a hydraulic boom onsite to record the event for our upcoming documentary.

In 2002 we threw out all the stops and declared pot pride! Seattle City council member Nick Licata received a Green Ribbon Award for excellence in cannabis activism, and we paid lasting respects to our beloved brother Robert Lunday. Robert passed away suddenly from natural causes at 34 years old. He was the founder and operator of Hemp.Net, a Seattle based ISP that has provided web design, hosting and e-mail for Seattle Hempfest for years. His philanthropic and drug policy reform efforts were monumental and he will be forever missed. And Robert will be alive in our hearts. 2002 also saw city initiative I-75 qualify for the 2003 ballot. I-75 will make simple possession by adults of 40 grams or less of marijuana lowest police enforcement priority.

The morally unlawful and intolerable human rights abuses and violations that have resulted from this failed "war" are greater than the destruction caused by all drug use in America. As the resistance to the persecution of Cannabis supporters continues to grow globally we are prepared to expand our call for justice and increase our collective voice calling for change. After decades of lies, persecution, and injustice, Americans are calling for sweeping reforms in our nation's pot laws. And we are vocal.

We are demanding that patients get their medical marijuana, that American farmers be allowed to produce the world's friendliest plant, and that humans not suffer the indignity and immeasurable injustices that we have endured for our love of one of our Earth's finest creations...the Cannabis plant. Please join us for another peaceful, educational and informative year of inspiration as we prepare the world for a change in Cannabis policy everywhere!
Vivian McPeak
Director, Seattle Hempfest

hempfest@hemp.net
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http://www.seattlehempfest.com/2003.php
Hempfest 2003 achieves Pot Peace!
As the international movement to defend the rights of cannabis enthusiasts continues to grow and flourish, Seattle Hempfest proves to be to be the foremost cannabis policy reform event in the world. Multi-national efforts to thwart the cannabis community are no match for the solidarity that is now globally shared by those who seek an end to the prohibition of the world's friendliest plant.

After evaluating final attendance estimates from a variety of sources we feel confident that around 185,000 peaceful people came out to support Hempfest in 2003. Folks from all walks of life contributed to another tremendously successful year of peace, pride, politics, and passion. Attendees enjoyed six stages of the finest speakers on the subject and world class musical support right on Seattle's beautiful waterfront.

2003 was a great year to hear terrific speakers rail against the Drug war complimented by the backdrop of Elliott Bay and Mount Rainier on a warm and sunny Seattle weekend. As the ships rolled by and the throngs of people flocked to the phattie of fests it was clear that Cannabis users and supporters are among the most peaceful and responsible people anywhere.

Our favorite hemp activist Woody Harrelson made a repeat appearance and brought the crowd to their feet and roaring with appreciation. Internationally recognized travel writer and TV host Rick Steves reminded folks that America imprisons one quarter of all those incarcerated on the planet, bringing home the need for everyday potsmokers to come forward and declare themselves good and decent Americans. Fresh from a nationally acclaimed medical marijuana case, cultivation guru Ed Rosenthal spoke passionately about the federal government's cruel war against the sick and dying. He called for a moratorium on the government's war on medical marijuana, and for mechanisms to guarantee safe access to all who have a legitimate need. Jack Herer, the Hemperor himself, was articulate as ever, proving that he has amazingly and resilient healing abilities, something he shares in common with his favorite species of plant life.

Former Dallas Cowboys NFL star Mark Stepnoski gave a moving speech about his involvement in the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), and pointed out that 80 million Americans have smoked marijuana, however very few have actually abused it. And Keith Stroup, the founder and executive director of NORML, reminded the audience of the importance of getting directly involved in the campaign for equal rights for pot smokers, as the Cannabis Consumers Campaign signed up fest goers who came out of the closet to show their Pot Pride.

2003's music included a little of something for everyone, with acts such as Prezident Brown, Second Coming, The Speedles, Jude Bowerman, nuSol Tribe, Joules Graves, Jah Levi and the tremendous dance music of DanceSafe and Michael Manahan. All in all over 50 musical acts participated by supporting our message of hope and democracy.

Organizers have had no reports of any arrests at the last Hempfest, and we would like to thank the Seattle Police Department, The Port of Seattle Police, and the Seattle Fire Department for their assistance in producing a safe, educational, and informative constitutionally protected "protestival." Former DEA agent and member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, Jack Cole, spoke at this year's Fest, a sign that more and more members of law enforcement are supporting an end to the failed policies of pot prohibition. He pointed out that "you can get over an addiction, but you can never get over a conviction," referring to the permanent denial of student Pell grants, welfare assistance and certain SSI benefits after only one minor pot conviction.

Editor's note: The DEA isn't a law enforcement agency since it brings in drugs. Only a tiny minority of agents obey the law. The DEA wasn't created to observe the law as the writer thinks.

Because of the final stages of a construction project in the park this year we combined our Hemposium with the huge hemp canvas Bedouin tent of the Casbah, and an array of the world's leading experts on industrial hemp, medical marijuana, and marijuana law complimented an eclectic mixture of musical acts to a packed crowd.

Our theme was Hemp for Fuel, because biodiesel made from hemp can be grown domestically and could provide a solution for cheaper and renewable fuel, helping to end America's reliance on imported oil. By switching from petroleum based fuels to this renewable and cost effective source we could minimize pollution and keep domestic dollars here to help strengthen our fragile economy.

Members of the Sensible Seattle Solution were on hand at Hempfest to promote I- 75, the City Initiative to make simple possession of small amounts of marijuana lowest police priority. The initiative was voted on this last September and passed by an overwhelming margin, making it law in this municipality, and redirecting precious law enforcement resources towards violent and property crimes.

And finally, this year we said goodbye to a Hempfest volunteer and medical marijuana warrior, our own Rebecca Anne Taylor, who passed away of natural causes at 21 years of age on April 12, 2003. Her bright smile, artistic contributions, and wonderful presence will be missed by all of us at Seattle Hempfest, but her spirit will live on in our community as we continue work for a goal that was so special and dear to her. It was an honor to know you Rebecca, we love you and miss you.

We are already hard at work on 2004's Seattle Hempfest, the 13th year and our "bakers dozen," and it looks to be the best year ever to demand an end to pot prohibition. We seek a new policy that protects the interests of responsible adults while addressing the real concerns of drug abuse and addiction. Seattle Hempfest promotes harm reduction, treatment on demand, and proportional sentencing as alternatives to incarcerating otherwise law abiding, responsible citizens for cannabis and drug offenses.

We invite you to get active and join us in our efforts towards just and reasonable laws, renewable energy, compassionate medicine and peaceful solutions to the challenges we face in this new millennium. Your freedom is worth your direct involvement, because nobody will ever be able to defend your interests as effectively as you can.

You have the power of the people, and when united we are bound for victory, because Americans have proved time and again that there is nothing beyond our grasp when we band together for the mutual causes of freedom and justice. Come back often, tell your friends about this website (and the great ISP hemp.net!), and consider giving a financial contribution to the world's leading cannabis event. Your dollars will go straight to work, as the Seattle Hempfest organization operates all year round, and is staffed entirely by volunteers.

We'll keep the fire burning for you, and in no time Seattle Hempfest will transform from a rally in protest of archaic and misdirected laws into a celebration of freedom and victory. Until then you can count on Hempfest to come back year after year, until our dream of equality is realized. You can check out our awesome quality merchandise by clicking on Store at the left screen. Cruise our huge links page, and if you are a medical patient we have two links to the left that can hook you directly up with the folks in this area doing the most to provide resources and guidance to patients with a doctor's recommendation.

Remember to be responsible in everything you do, and don't forget to register to vote!

Thanks for your support. See you in 2004!

Some Buenas Aires, Argentina MMM photos from May 2003:
-------------

I am requesting more MMM photos and reports about the MMM 2003 in Buenas Aires. It got 12,000 people according to reports and a newspaper article. It may have been the largest MMM rally in 2003. See the article and small photo here:
http://www.pagina12web.com.ar/diario/sociedad/3-19691-2003-05-05.html and
http://www.narconews.com/Issue30/article779.html and
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/cannabisaction/message/914 and
------------------------
MMM. Million Marijuana March. 236+ cities globally.
Pro-capitalist, anti-corporatist, anti-Fox News morons!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cannabisaction
4.7% of Texas adults in jail, prison, probation, or parole!
Republicrat USA: Nearly half a million people are behind bars
for non-violent drug law violations. More than Western Europe,
with a larger population, incarcerates for everything! Please forward.