Fall 2009 Missouri NORML Conference

The University of Missouri's chapter of NORML will be hosting the Fall 2009 Missouri NORML Conference in Ellis Auditorium on the Mizzou Campus. Guest speakers include Paul Armentano (deputy director of national NORML, co-author of the book "Marijuana is Safer"), Ray Hartmann (founder of the Riverfront Times in St. Louis), defense attorney Travis Noble, and multiple other patients and advocates. The (tentative) schedule is as follows: 9:00 a.m. Registration, Meet & Greet, Coffee, Tea and Bagels Location: Ellis Auditorium Lobby An opportunity to grab a light breakfast and network with other Missouri marijuana law reform advocates. 9:45 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks: Sean Randall (Columbia, Missouri NORML) 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Marijuana Law in Missouri: Dan Viets (Missouri NORML) Civil liberties attorney and longtime marijuana law reform activist Dan Viets presents the current state of marijuana law in Missouri as well as upcoming plans for marijuana policy reform during the 2009 Missouri legislative session. 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Community Organizing and Media Outreach: Kelly Maddy (Joplin, Missouri NORML) Learn how to build and establish a reform-based coalition in your community and how to work with the local media to spread your message. 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. Effective Lobbying Techniques: John Coffman, J.D. (Missouri ACLU) Listen to a professional lobbyist explain the best, most effective ways to communicate and build relationships with your elected officials in order to influence their opinion on a law reform issue. 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Lunch: On Your Own Location: Downtown Columbia or MU Campus Experience downtown Columbia's The District and have a bite to eat at any one of its numerous restaurants offering several different dining options. 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Medical Marijuana Patient Forum: Christy Welliver (Columbia), Linda Yelvington (Joplin), Mark Pedersen (St. Louis) Listen to the personal stories and testimonials of medical marijuana patients from around the state. Learn how medical cannabis is used to treat a variety of ailments. 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Travis Noble Criminal defense attorney Travis Noble delivers his thoughts on drug law reform from a unique perspective as a former police officer and supervisor of a narcotics enforcement unit. 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. Ray Hartmann Founder and former publisher of The Riverfront Times, former editor of The Maneater, panelist on the PBS television program Donnybrook and St. Louis celebrity Ray Hartmann delivers his insightful and entertaining views on drug prohibition. 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. Palliative and Curative Relief Through a Safe and Effective Herbal Medicine Paul Armentano (NORML) NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano presents an authoritative review of the safety and efficacy of cannabis to treat symptoms and underlying diseases. Mr. Armentano is the author of the books Emerging Clinical Indications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids (NORML Foundation, 2007), and Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink? (Chelsea Green, 2009). 7:45 p.m. NORML Benefit Dinner and Auction Location: Grand Cru Restaurant (2600 S. Providence Rd.) Admission: $10 (plus whatever dinner you choose to order from the menu) Join NORML supporters for a dinner and auction to support marijuana law reform in Missouri at one of Columbia's finest and most supportive restaurants. For more info, see: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166376910979