TASedlak
Member
1st Annual Michigan Caregivers Cup Report
By: T.A. Sedlak (Author of Anarcho Grow)
The 1st Annual Michigan Caregivers Cup, January 29-31, like many marijuana expos, looked like it would be over before it started. Three days before it kicked off, Mike Hughes of High Times broke a story announcing a local prosecutor had shut down the judging portion of the event. While, unfortunately, this occurred, most of the exposition rolled on as scheduled and was still a success.
The kibosh the prosecutor laid down was a difficult situation for organizers to deal with. Many people had paid to judge the event, and competitors had already prepared their buds. Therefore, money had to be refunded, and those hoping to judge, or have their medicine judged, were greatly disappointed
However, another issue seemingly tied with the prosecutor's meddling was hard felt by many more. The lone seed breeder scheduled to vend dropped out, and many people who had come in search of seeds were stuck without. Some in the local government didn't want seeds there and, therefore, prevented sick people from acquiring their medicine. Until Michigan's state government allows people to sell clones and seeds, many patients will still have trouble getting their medicine.
Still, the event rolled on, and there were many positives. Marijuana growers and consumers were able to meet their peers and exchange information, whether the people were attendees, guest speakers, or vendors. Though I was there to hawk my novel, I spent much time explaining my views on particular topics related to the plant and was able to hear the views of others. There were always questions about the Volcano Vaporizer, which sat on my table. By the time I left, I felt the maker, Storz & Bickel, owed me for promotion.
As a vendor, I was unable to see the myriad of speakers at the event. However, I can say that there were plenty of experts manning tables in the vendor area. Besides people selling paraphernalia, grow supplies, and instructional material, there were numerous organizations present to answer questions dealing with all aspects of medical marijuana, from producing and consuming it to legal issues.
And the attendees, they were great. I met a whole lot of nice people I'd like to stay in contact with and others I hope to see in the future.
All in all, it was a pleasure to see so many growers and consumers in Michigan. In my neighboring state of Wisconsin, many of our growers and users have to stay hidden for fear of the law. And while local government had shut down parts of the event, the parts that remained were great. A cup may not have been awarded, but the attendees got to meet their peers, exchange information, and try each other's green. In my book, that's a success.
* For a local news video about the event, visit: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/medical-marijuana-expo-underway
**Check my page, website, or blog for fun stories about the event
By: T.A. Sedlak (Author of Anarcho Grow)
The 1st Annual Michigan Caregivers Cup, January 29-31, like many marijuana expos, looked like it would be over before it started. Three days before it kicked off, Mike Hughes of High Times broke a story announcing a local prosecutor had shut down the judging portion of the event. While, unfortunately, this occurred, most of the exposition rolled on as scheduled and was still a success.
The kibosh the prosecutor laid down was a difficult situation for organizers to deal with. Many people had paid to judge the event, and competitors had already prepared their buds. Therefore, money had to be refunded, and those hoping to judge, or have their medicine judged, were greatly disappointed
However, another issue seemingly tied with the prosecutor's meddling was hard felt by many more. The lone seed breeder scheduled to vend dropped out, and many people who had come in search of seeds were stuck without. Some in the local government didn't want seeds there and, therefore, prevented sick people from acquiring their medicine. Until Michigan's state government allows people to sell clones and seeds, many patients will still have trouble getting their medicine.
Still, the event rolled on, and there were many positives. Marijuana growers and consumers were able to meet their peers and exchange information, whether the people were attendees, guest speakers, or vendors. Though I was there to hawk my novel, I spent much time explaining my views on particular topics related to the plant and was able to hear the views of others. There were always questions about the Volcano Vaporizer, which sat on my table. By the time I left, I felt the maker, Storz & Bickel, owed me for promotion.
As a vendor, I was unable to see the myriad of speakers at the event. However, I can say that there were plenty of experts manning tables in the vendor area. Besides people selling paraphernalia, grow supplies, and instructional material, there were numerous organizations present to answer questions dealing with all aspects of medical marijuana, from producing and consuming it to legal issues.
And the attendees, they were great. I met a whole lot of nice people I'd like to stay in contact with and others I hope to see in the future.
All in all, it was a pleasure to see so many growers and consumers in Michigan. In my neighboring state of Wisconsin, many of our growers and users have to stay hidden for fear of the law. And while local government had shut down parts of the event, the parts that remained were great. A cup may not have been awarded, but the attendees got to meet their peers, exchange information, and try each other's green. In my book, that's a success.
* For a local news video about the event, visit: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/medical-marijuana-expo-underway
**Check my page, website, or blog for fun stories about the event