Washington: Seattle Hempfest 2010: Rick Steves - Cannabis Is a Civil Liberty

“A society has to make a choice: tolerate alternative lifestyles or build more prisons.” Rick Steves

By Michael Bachara, Hemp News Correspondent

In August, travel writer and activist extraordinaire, Rick Steves, spoke to the Seattle Hempfest Hemposium about the futile attempt to enforce a failed prohibition, Europe's successful and pragmatic harm reduction approach to marijuana and the basic non-apologetic stance of cannabis use as a civil liberty. “I believe, very strongly, that it is the responsible, adult, recreational, no apologies necessary, ‘it just makes my music more fun,’ recreational use of marijuana is a civil liberty," Steves explained.

Steves is a firm believer that travel lessens fear and allows for a better cross-cultural understanding in many ways -- including politics, regional and religious culture and even drug policy. His world travels have opened his mind to a wide variety of experiences, overcoming his fear of differences and allowing him to share a multitude of stories with people around the world.

“I’m a spokesperson for the legalization of marijuana. I’m not in favor of smoking marijuana. I don’t think it’s for kids. I don’t think you should drive while intoxicated. I think the law is causing more problems than the drug problem itself and I think, bottom-line – the adult, responsible, recreational use of marijuana is a civil liberty," he pronounced.

Steves is currently on the Advisory Board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. He concludes, “Join an advocacy group. Make a political statement. Tell your friends. Make it not-scary and bring it out to the suburbs. This is good-citizenship.”

Footage: Seattle Hempfest
August 21, 2010

Main Stage Speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tlFJ2zco8w

Hempfest: http://hempfest.org

Marijuana: It's Time for a Conversation: http://marijuanaconversation.org