Thanks for the interest, I was able to meet with some folks and learn some new things. This last week I visited several book stores, garden suppliers, and "head shops". I spoke with some students at the University of Alaska, and U. of A. Fairbanks. We discussed some projects and proposed events. It was success.
I do agree with you quiet gardener; there are allot of people in fear of "back blow". It’s a serious issue that has kept people like your self quite for along time. What we hope to do is educate the public of Alaska. We feel that the lack of knowledge, resources, and the fear of the unknown, has created the situation that we are trying to help break free of. People don’t trust our government. They don’t trust the current standing with cannabis in Alaska understandably; and like your self fear the social blow of being honest.
If you are in fear of what exposure might do, I ask that you consider truly how you might feel when it’s legal. Might you understand how the social blow is changed and reverted once the public knows the truth about cannabis as you obviously do. Please understand we don’t look at people who drank alcohol prior to prohibition as criminal now only due to the legality and truth about problems with prohibition. We may look at the freedom fighters of prohibition days as a different breed, but it’s simple. As we have learned about alcohol we have leaned the inevitable (it’s harmful) and that leaves people with mixed feelings. The fact is however, choice is something that you cannot take away easily for long, without the "back blow" from both sides of the issue becoming the “issue” itself. Cannabis thankfully is far different. We may in fact find negative side effects associated with use and method of use however, we too will find the real truth. It’s not the truth that keeps you feeling the need to be the quiet gardener, am I wrong?
If you like what you do with cannabis for any reason, if you understand why your not wrong for doing so (and even if you don’t), and you don’t like the idea of social backlash as a result of people knowing the REAL you, consider the idea that your social standing has made you more than a "criminal" but also a liar. That’s part of what’s wrong with the picture. You shouldn’t have to hide it buddy...but I do understand.
I am a far different person/situation than most. I can be the front man. I have no backlash to fear. I am free.
Most everyone feels somewhat like you quietgardener, and thus keep things anonymous. I just want to get my feeling out there, that its more moving to see those faces and people you know standing up for something, than the numbers of how many agree. When a face shows up like Emery, Ravin, Chong, Marley, etc. we seem to have an easier time standing up behind them. When we see a family member, we sometimes jump to back them regardless of reason and simply due to trust. Who would see your face and be moved to stand? Who would you be helping?