Revelry, politics mix at Hempfest

It wasn't all peace, love and Hacky Sack at Seattle's 17th annual Hempfest.

Activists irate about a proposed state limit on medical marijuana urged crowds Saturday at the pro-pot festival to rally at an Aug. 25 Department of Health hearing in Tumwater.

Their target is a new state rule that would limit the 60-day supply for medical marijuana to 24 ounces and six mature pot plants.

"Every single patient I know will not be in compliance with the 60-day rule. It's not going to work. It's driven by law enforcement, not science," said Douglas Hiatt, a lawyer who represents medical-marijuana users.

Hiatt was one of several activists who blasted the proposed rule at two panel discussions that were far more sober than the music, munchies and sunny revelry that most of Hempfest's expected crowd of 75,000 enjoyed Saturday at Myrtle Edwards Park. The free two-day festival continues today.

Under the state's citizen-approved medical-marijuana law, patients with certain diseases are allowed to possess a 60-day supply with a doctor's authorization. But the 1998 initiative did not specify an amount, leading to uncertainty and conflict between law enforcement and patients.

The Department of Health had suggested earlier this year that patients be allowed 35 ounces and a 100-square-foot growing area. But Gov. Christine Gregoire told health officials to get more input. Last month, the department came back with a diluted proposal.

Many activists' ire was aimed at Gregoire, whom they blame for the new rule. They handed out posters that read, "What's Gregoire smoking?"

"I think Governor Gregoire panicked a little. I think it was a bit of a political fumble," said Alison Holcomb, of the ACLU's Marijuana Education Project.

A Department of Health spokesman said Gregoire did not object to amounts the department was considering. Instead, Gregoire's aides told health officials to look for more research and feedback, said Tim Church.

"It wasn't about the number being too high or loo low. It was about talking to more people," Church said, including law-enforcement officials.

The proposed limits would be the same as Oregon's, Holcomb said. But they would not be as generous as those in British Columbia, said Canadian activist Philippe Lucas. Some patients ingest marijuana through food, which requires a larger amount than smoking it.

Dale Rogers, director of the pro-pot group Compassion in Action, called for a 60-day supply of 71 ounces and 99 plants, leading the audience in one panel discussion to chant "71-99."

Dennis Moyers, who was infected with HIV in 1982, said medical marijuana has helped him survive the disease. But he disagreed with those who vilified Gregoire: "I've heard disparaging comments about the governor and some legislators. I can tell you from speaking to them face to face, they are with us."

Church said the Department of Health may change its proposal after the hearing later this month. "We expect a lot of people on the 25th. We will carefully consider comments on all sides," he said.

Bob Young: 206-464-2174 or byoung@seattletimes.com