Press Release: Medical Marijuana Documentary "Waiting to Inhale" Screening in Clovis July 7

MEDIA ADVISORY   
JUNE 25, 2008

CONTACT: Aaron Smith, MPP California organizer, 707-575-9870

FRESNO, Calif. — A free screening of the award-winning medical marijuana documentary, "Waiting to Inhale," takes place July 7, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno in Clovis, followed by a panel discussion with local medical marijuana patients, advocates and medical experts.

    The film is a gripping examination of all angles of the medical marijuana controversy, including interviews with leading researchers, patients, advocates and government officials. This summer, the U.S. Congress is expected to vote for the sixth time on an amendment that would forbid the Department of Justice – including the Drug Enforcement Administration – from using its resources to attack patients and providers who are obeying state medical marijuana laws. Last year, the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment was defeated, 165-262, but drew more "yes" votes than ever.

    Additionally, the Fresno Board of Supervisors is expected to hold hearings soon about implementing a state-mandated medical marijuana identification card program.

    Winner of several awards, including the Worldfest Houston 2005 Goldfest Special Jury Award, Best Documentary 2005 New Jersey International Film Festival and winner of the Eureka! International Film Festival, "Waiting to Inhale" examines the debate over marijuana's use as medicine in the United States.

        -    WHAT: Free screening of the medical marijuana documentary "Waiting to Inhale," presented by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, followed by panel discussion

        -    WHO: Scheduled panelists include:
                        o    Dr. Terrill E. Brown, a Fresno emergency medicine specialist

                        o    Diana Kirby, a Fresno medical marijuana patient with severe back pain and neuropathy after an automobile accident that resulted in having a leg amputated

                        o    Aaron Smith, California organizer for the Marijuana Policy Project

        -    WHEN: Monday, July 7, 7 p.m.

        -    WHERE: The Unitarian Church of Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial Ave., Clovis, CA 93611

    With more than 23,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit www.MarijuanaPolicy.org.