In Portland, Oregon the first Cannabis cafe has opened today. It will be open to anyone who holds an official medical marijuana card. It is operating in accordance with state law, which stipulates that medical marijuana must be consumed in private. The shades are drawn closed and security will be tight to ensure no laws are broken and the patients are able to consume their medicine in a safe environment. "I still run a coffee shop and events venue, just like I did before we converted it to the Cannabis Cafe, but now it will be cannabis-themed," said Eric Solomon, the owner of the cafe.
Approx. 21,000 people are registered to use medical marijuana in Oregon. "Our plans go beyond serving food and marijuana," said Martinez. "We hope to have classes, seminars, even a Cannabis Community College, based here to help people learn about growing and other uses for cannabis", said Madeline Martinez, Oregon's executive director of NORML.
Advocates are saying it is about time that America wakes up from its trance and breaks its old perceptions about the plant that has thousands of uses - medicinal, industrial, and recreational. While alcohol kills thousands every year (not including traffic accidents) there has never been a single death attributed to marijuana over dose in all of recorded history. We need to only to look across the ocean to Amsterdam to see that society does not crumble when "coffee shops" are allowed to exist.
If you enjoyed this article you may also enjoy:
"Mexico decriminalizes small amounts of illegal drugs"
Comments
this is a great step to finally getting out of this economic h*ll hole we are in. California makes btw 15-40 billion a year off marijuana -- we can never know for sure bc lots of people can not be open about it still. Hemp is one of the greatest fibers and compounds to ever exist. That graphic up there is great-- most people still thik its just to "get high"---- not true in the slightest
i agree w/ dianne G. not true to just get high anymore. We, as a people, need to hear more and learn more about all the good this plant can do.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!