Pubdate: Fri, 19 Oct 2012
Source: Corvallis Gazette-Times (OR)
Copyright: 2012 Lee Enterprises
Contact: https://gazettetimes-dot-com.bloxcms.com/app/forms/contact/letters/
Website: http://www.gazettetimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2976
Author: Bennett Hall

PRO-POT FORCES CULTIVATE ELDER VOTE

Backers of Measure 80, which would legalize and regulate marijuana in 
Oregon, are making the rounds of mid-valley senior centers in an 
effort to win older voters to their cause.

"They are our voting population, and we don't have enough of their 
support at this point. And it can benefit them the most," said Rhea 
Graham of Albany's Canna Kitchen and Research, which is sponsoring 
the events. The business makes tinctures, salves and other remedies 
for medical marijuana patients.

Graham will give three talks over the next several days to elderly 
residents in Albany, Lebanon and Corvallis, extolling the virtues of 
smokeless medical marijuana and attempting to win votes for the 
Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, listed as Measure 80 on the Nov. 6 election ballot.

Attendees will see two short films, "Hemp for Victory," a U.S. 
Department of Agriculture production from 1943 that urged farmers to 
grow hemp for the war effort, and "Should Grandma Smoke Pot?," which 
touts the benefits of marijuana for treating arthritis and other 
age-related complaints.

"Grandma" was produced by Robert Platshorn, a convicted dope 
smuggler-turned-political activist who is leading a "Silver Tour" 
marijuana legalization campaign in Florida that aims to enlist 
support from senior citizens.

Graham and Alexander's pro-pot roadshow is scheduled to make three 
stops in the mid-valley over the next several days:

2 to 3 p.m. today at the Albany Senior Center, 489 Water Ave. N.W.

1 to 3 p.m. Monday at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St.

4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Monday at the Corvallis Senior Center, 2601 N.W. Tyler Ave.

Joining Graham at the two Monday events will be Beaverton marijuana 
activist Jennifer Alexander, who will argue that passing Measure 80 
would save Oregon millions in law enforcement costs.

"Seniors are one of two demographics that are most likely to oppose 
legal marijuana, for both medical and recreational purposes," 
Alexander said. "This event hopes to target that demographic with an 
open and honest conversation about marijuana."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom