Location: VARIED, VARIED, PA 19104
Time: 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009

7-10-2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Goldstein 215-586-3483 media@phillynorml.org


Statewide Candlelight Vigils Announced for Medical Marijuana in PA

On July 11th 2009, PA4MMJ (Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana) will be participating in awareness events in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
State Representative Mark B. Cohen may attend and speak at the Philly event.
 
PA4MMJ will hold a brief press conference.
 
These simultaneous candlelight vigils for medical marijuana access in Pennsylvania will remember those victims of Prohibition who have died waiting for legal cannabis access. Advocates will show support for HB 1393, active legislation to bring a modern medical marijuana program to the Commonwealth.
 
Medical patients who would qualify under the bill are strongly encouraged to attend, if physically able. Supporters are encouraged to remember friends or family with photos and signs.  Supporting groups include http://www.medical-freedom.com, http://www.pa4mmj.org, http://www.phillynorml.org, http://www.medicalmovement.com and http://www.wonpr.org

Philadelphia:
TIME: 8:30PM - 10:00PM
LOCATION:  5th and Market Streets at Independence National Historical Park Visitor's Center.
CONTACT: Chris Goldstein - 215-586-3483 - media@phillynorml.org
INFO: Some candles will be provided. If you bring candles, please bring them in glass holders that will catch all the wax.  

Harrisburg:
TIME: 2-4 and 8:30-10PM
LOCATION: Third and State Streets on the Capitol Steps
CONTACT: Chuck Homan 717-235-2840 CAHomanCo@aol.com - and - Jeff Spangler 703-465-1795 JTS273@alumni.Lehigh.edu
INFO: Our friends in The Medical Movement coordinate Harrisburg events. The local PA group plans a Medical Marijuana Educational March on the Capitol past Strawberry Square to Market Square from 2PM-4PM. A candlelight vigil will also be held on the Capitol Steps at 8:30 PM.  See www.MedicalMovement.com for further information prior to the event.

Pittsburgh:
TIME: 8:30PM - 10:00PM
LOCATION: Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park
CONTACT: Patrick Nightingale 412-454-5582 pknlaw@mac.com National NORML Legal Committee member
INFO: Some candles will be provided. If you bring candles, please bring them in glass holders that will catch all the wax.

On April 29, 2009 State Representative Mark B. Cohen of Philadelphia introduced HB1393, a bill that would create a medical marijuana program for Pennsylvania. The bill has been referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee with public hearings expected this summer. HB 1393 includes provision to tax the sale of medical cannabis through Compassion Centers.
 
PA4MMJ from Philadelphia holds the vigil on July 11th to mark the passing of Barry Busch, a local activist who passed away from HIV/AIDS complications in 2007. Barry inspired the local medical marijuana effort. William Haney of medical-freedom.com, who helped organize vigils with Barry when he was alive said, “The candlelight vigil commemorates deceased and living patients, diagnosed with one of the conditions for which cannabis is a medically recognized palliative.”
 
This year the vigil has added meaning as active supporters will gather across the commonwealth for the legal medical marijuana access that could be afforded by HB 1393.
 
For information or interviews with medical marijuana patients in PA please contact PA4MMJ 215-586-3483 or email media@phillynorml.org