Organization plays active role in Joplin
Parker Willis
Issue date: 2/3/06 Section: News
Joplin is adding a local National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (Norml) to the list of its many organizations.
Kelly Maddy, president of the Joplin chapter of Norml, said he started the organization last November after being in charge of the annual Cannabis Revival at Shifferdecker Park.
The annual Cannabis Revival, normally held in the first week of September, is an event that has been taking place in Joplin since 1997 and features live music and speakers.
"That's what got me involved," Maddy said. "After realizing how vacant Joplin is of political and civil organizations for drug reform, I decided something had to be started in Joplin."
Since November, the organization has been holding 7 p.m. meetings every other Thursday at Dioko Coffee House on Main Street.
The next meeting will be held on Feb. 9.
There are currently 17 active members and several loose supporters of the Joplin chapter of Norml.
"We aren't just lazy potheads who want to sit around, smoke weed and listen to music," Maddy said. "We are active people in the community."
Currently, the chapter is taking steps to adopt a highway and has had speakers explaining the benefits of marijuana legalization.
Andrea Herman, from Hempoil Canada, came to one meeting and explained the industrial uses of hemp.
The male plant, non-psychoactive, can be used in fuel, food, fiber and textiles. Hemp oil has also recently been used as an anti-inflammatory for treating arthritis.
Norml also plans on having a showing of an ACLU film called "Busted" on Southern's campus in February or March. The College Democrats will show the film.
"The film will explain your fourth amendment rights and how to protect yourself against illegal search and seizure," Maddy said. "It will also let you know how to handle police situations respectfully but at the same time be able to enforce your rights."
There will also be a question-and-answer session with local lawyer Mitch Cross after the showing.
Kelly Maddy, president of the Joplin chapter of Norml, said he started the organization last November after being in charge of the annual Cannabis Revival at Shifferdecker Park.
The annual Cannabis Revival, normally held in the first week of September, is an event that has been taking place in Joplin since 1997 and features live music and speakers.
"That's what got me involved," Maddy said. "After realizing how vacant Joplin is of political and civil organizations for drug reform, I decided something had to be started in Joplin."
Since November, the organization has been holding 7 p.m. meetings every other Thursday at Dioko Coffee House on Main Street.
The next meeting will be held on Feb. 9.
There are currently 17 active members and several loose supporters of the Joplin chapter of Norml.
"We aren't just lazy potheads who want to sit around, smoke weed and listen to music," Maddy said. "We are active people in the community."
Currently, the chapter is taking steps to adopt a highway and has had speakers explaining the benefits of marijuana legalization.
Andrea Herman, from Hempoil Canada, came to one meeting and explained the industrial uses of hemp.
The male plant, non-psychoactive, can be used in fuel, food, fiber and textiles. Hemp oil has also recently been used as an anti-inflammatory for treating arthritis.
Norml also plans on having a showing of an ACLU film called "Busted" on Southern's campus in February or March. The College Democrats will show the film.
"The film will explain your fourth amendment rights and how to protect yourself against illegal search and seizure," Maddy said. "It will also let you know how to handle police situations respectfully but at the same time be able to enforce your rights."
There will also be a question-and-answer session with local lawyer Mitch Cross after the showing.