Santa Barbra Celebrates 4/20
After being rained out twice, UCSB’s
NORML chapter finally held their 3rd annual Joint Rolling Contest, or JRC as the students lovingly know it . Before even
arriving at the beautiful Anisq’ Oyo’ Park in Isla Vista, the sound of pro-marijuana anthems could be heard; such
distinct songs as “Smoke Two Joints” by Sublime and “I Got 5 On It” by The Luniz filled the air. Adorning the
fence that lined the perimeter of the park were posters bearing slogans such as “Legalize It,” “Hangovers suck,”
and “Stop Arresting Adult Marijuana Smokers”.
Besides offering a place to hang out and “chill out”,
the purpose for the JRC was to raise money and draw attention to the cause for marijuana legalization. An
assortment of educational booths provided factual information on the many aspects of cannabis use including medical,
nutritional, environmental, and recreational. Winners of the raffle walked away with some awesome prizes including some
very nice glass; one lucky person won a Vaporizor.
The
festival featured numerous live acts from the very talented local band Boombox Orchestra. An educational lecture
from Dr. Bearman, a local physician who supports legalization was included. Both Dr. Bearman and the music were
well received by the crowd as they cheered and voiced their support at the end of their performances.
The event’s main attraction – the joint rolling contest
– was based on various categories that ranged from fattest to fastest and primo blunt or joints, and of course the fan
favorite: freestyle. This year’s introduction of a sixth category – Medical Primo – allowed users with a medical
recommendation to roll up the best joint they could with their med pot and promptly smoke it with the rest of the
participants.
Saturday’s event drew a variety of students to Anisq’
Oyo’ from casual users to die hard marijuana advocates, and everyone in between. However, all attendees seemed to
share the same Pro-legalization sentiment. “Our government’s persecution of marijuana should end, it’s pointless
and pot should be legalized,” Josh Madison, a first year student at SBCC said.
Yours Truly Orange County NORML was also present to lend support to the event and to take video footage to be shared online with the public.
-Rod, ocnorml