Madison NORML

For immediate release: July 31, 2009
Contact: Gary Storck (608) 301-5665

MADISON NORML TO MARK FIFTH BIRTHDAY AUGUST 2ND

Madison - The Madison chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) will celebrate its fifth birthday with a party at Escape Coffee on Sunday, August 2, from 4-9 pm. Escape Coffee is at 940 Williamson St. on Madison's near east side.

In five years, Madison NORML has held over a hundred meetings and other events, including medical cannabis lobby days at the Capitol, benefits, concerts, book signings, lectures, and the annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival. The chapter's current focus is working alone and with other groups to pass Wisconsin medical cannabis legislation this session.

Madison NORML's birthday party will feature music from Madison's Nama Rupa and Milwaukee's Chalice in the Palace. Several Madison NORML board member will speak, and there will be NORML merchandise and literature, movies, and of course, birthday cake. Admission is free.

Among videos being screened is a 6 minute short created by Madison NORML co-founder Gary Storck detailing life with glaucoma, visiting the State Capitol for a medical marijuana hearing on July 31, 1979, and his nearly four decades as a medical cannabis patient. The movie can also be viewed online at: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVmUehs2TeY)

Madison NORML was first formed as a group of local activists met on the Memorial Union Terrace on August 1, 2004 and at precisely 4:20 pm, decided to form a chapter. Five years later, we welcome the community to come to our celebration, learn more about our mission, meet our members and find out how you can help end cannabis prohibition by joining Madison NORML. The Madison chapter has always been a volunteer driven organization with no fees to join, and donations of time and/or money encouraged. Chapter members can volunteer at a level that suits their schedule. Madison NORML meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Escape Coffee at 7 pm, excluding major holidays.

Madison NORML is also presenting the 39th Annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival from Oct. 1-4 at various downtown locations. Saturday Oct. 3 will include 6 hours of music and speakers at Library Mall. Sunday Oct. 4 will feature a march up State St. to the State Capitol for a rally for the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act featuring speakers and live music.

Visit MadisonNORML.org, Wisconsin NORML at WINORML.org, or MadisonHempFest.com for more information or join us in Facebook!

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