NORML makes farming “Mellow in Markesan”
Once home to acres and acres of hemp plants, Markesan farmers once again saw this plant re-emerge on the streets. Not as the drug “marijuana” as some still just commonly refer to it as, but in the form of “mellow” hemp wearing, sign waving, banner toting members of Northern Wisconsin, Madison and Wisconsin NORML. Members came to march in the Markesan June Dairy Days Parade and everyone in town knew they were coming.
NORML members set out to educate the people along the parade route. The rich history of hemp cannabis directly in Wisconsin was the focus of the “PAST” banner. Not only did George Washington “Grow Hemp“, but apparently so did Markesan residents. A marijuana tax stamp issued in 1945 to Lester Kurtzbein of Markesan was displayed during the parade.
The “PRESENT” status hemp cannabis is still under discrimination in our eyes. Hemp Cannabis cannot currently be used freely on an industrial, medicinal, recreational or spiritual basis. This was symbolized with the leaf of the hemp cannabis plant in handcuffs and also a picture of hands behind jail bars.
The “FUTURE” is green, green, green. Anyway you trim it, hemp cannabis is still green. The versatility of the plant itself with its renewable and environmentally friendly nature, affordable and safe medicinal qualities makes hemp cannabis as “green” an alternative as they come. Hemp Cannabis must have a place in our plans for the future. The opportunities to boost economies and the potential future of hemp cannabis seemed to receive the most responses from the crowds.
The often misunderstood green leaf at first seemed to shock, but others were in awe. The education and message was understood and overall well received by the judge of the thumbs ups, cheers and general responses from the people on the parade route. Only on one hand could we count the negative responses and we saw not one single finger salute.
At three spots in the parade route the mission statement of NORML was to be read out loud to the parade watchers. This small town parade is know for it’s lengthy route and large number of participants. The home stretch was energized by enthusiasm of NORML and cheers from the crowd. Folks came up to us to shake hands and take pictures as the parade announcer yells, “Thanks to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, farming just got a little more mellow in Markesan“.
Members considered the marijuana movement and march in Markesan monumental.
