Pubdate: Tue, 19 Apr 2005
Source: Roll Call (DC)
Copyright: 2005 Roll Call Inc.
Contact:  http://www.rollcall.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/372
Author: Mary Ann Akers, Roll Call Staff
Cited: Marijuana Policy Project ( www.mpp.org )
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Note: Item excerpted from longer column

HIGH TIMES

If you see California Democratic Reps. Linda Sanchez and Sam Farr laughing 
and munching away on the House floor May 5, this could be the reason: 
They're both participating in the Marijuana Policy Project's 10th 
anniversary gala the night before.

Farr, whose district is home to a medical marijuana co-op sanctioned under 
California state law, will receive the MPP's Legislative Leadership Award. 
Sanchez will present an award to television talk show host Montel Williams, 
who uses medicinal grass to treat multiple sclerosis.

Farr jokes that lots of his colleagues have "razzed" him about the MPP 
award, coming up to him saying things like, "Hey, Farr, I hear you're 
getting HIGH honors." But the Congressman is much too invested in advancing 
medical marijuana use to be reduced to such sophomoric horsing around.

"I am grateful for MPP's recognition and frankly, there's nothing humorous 
about being in constant pain," Farr told HOH. "If marijuana, under 
controlled circumstances, provides a medical relief no other drug can, then 
it is the compassionate thing to do and I'm proud to be a part of that effort."

The Marijuana Policy Project, which believes the "greatest harm associated 
with marijuana is imprisonment," will hold its gala May 4 at the Washington 
Court Hotel. Regular tickets are $250 a piece; VIP tickets are $500, which 
include a "special VIP reception" (wink, wink) and "preferred seating."
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MAP posted-by: Beth