The Chart Online

Local bands rock to support pot
By Allison Rosewicz

Editor-in-Chief

Pounding music and pot promotion were all a part of the fifth annual Cannabis Revival Aug. 31 at Schifferdecker Park.

We just wanted people to have fun and make them more aware of the medical uses of marijuana and practical uses of hemp, said Al Minta, Cannabis Revival organizer.

The revival was the second stop on the Cannabis Crawl, which treks across Missouri to educate residents about marijuana. It started in Kansas City Aug. 30, and made stops in Joplin, Springfield and Columbia

Many bands from the region, including Highview, Cash Click, Elijah, Avarice, VD and Some Assembly Required, played during the event. So Far Gone from Springfield headlined, showcasing songs from its CD Greene Co., as well as three new pieces.

I didn t even know what this was all about, said Kari Gray, senior psychology major. But a friend invited me to go, and I wanted to check out the local bands since I m not from around here.

In addition to the music, those attending the revival had the opportunity to learn about the different uses of cannabis. Members of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws had a booth set up, as well as the Green Party of Missouri. Mark Robertson, the Green Party s nominee as state representative for the 24th District, said events like the Revival are a learning tool.

Because of the progressive crowd, a lot more people, as a percentage, are interested in the Green Party s platform, he said. They are more sympathetic to our cause and open-minded to ideas.

Robertson said his main reasons for campaigning at the Revival were to promote the decriminalization of marijuana and to create a base for the Green Party in southern Missouri.

The event also displayed two cars which ran on hemp fuel known as bio-diesel. Minta said the vegetable oil-based fuel is renewable and better for the environment. He said it is also better for engines than petroleum because it provides a smoother, quieter performance and more power. The only drawback is that bio-diesel is expensive because it can only be purchased from Canada. Hemp fuel currently costs $25 per gallon.

People can come out and get educated, even if they re not a member of the Cannabis Crawl, Minta said. They just have fun while they re doing it.

He said he came up with the idea for the Revival while sitting in the bathtub one day a few years ago.

I was just sitting there thinking how this isn t right for the environment and the world, Minta said. Hemp has so many uses that are safe for the environment. And there are so many people who are sick that could benefit from marijuana use.

He began researching and learning everything he could about marijuana and eventually organized the Cannabis Revival.

Minta said 2,500 people attended last year s Cannabis Revival, and he thought even more came out this year.

The revival celebrated its fifth year, but Minta is moving to Oregon soon, leaving the event s future up in the air.

We don t know what s going to happen, Minta said. We re hoping someone will step up and fill the position.

He said the success of the Cannabis Revival has been through the graces of the bands, which play for free, and NORML.