Jeff Brown, author of "The Holy Herbs"	Steve Heath, Drug Policy Forum of Florida	Dave introduces the guests.	Dave Andrews, guest host

Of all the programs I've produced, hosted, or had any affiliation with whatsoever, this episode ranks among the top ten of those of which I am the most proud. To say it felt more like doing a public service than merely entertaining would be an understatement.

Dave Andrews, my technical director, and eventually my friend, pitched the idea of a cannabis legalization show sometime before this, but I confess even I underestimated his passion and knowledge on the subject which contributed to this episode's enormous impact. After some debate, I relinquished the host chair to let him sail these waters while I went backstage to direct. It was the best of all worlds.

Close-up of Jeff Brown's book

The first guests to be introduced were Steve Heath, public relations for the Drug Policy Forum of Florida, and Jeff Brown, author of the book, "The Holy Herbs". Steve began by explaining what the major objections to legalization are, and what the critics are quick to counter with. A lot of this had to do with the "gateway drug" approach, and morality plays. Health issues were addressed---such as its theraputic use, and that no one dies from an overdose of marijuana. The economic impacts incurred by the cigarette, alcohol, and pharmacutical industries should pot be legalized. And political ramifications of legalization were mentioned, mostly the deep government infrastructure set up to "control" substance abuse that would topple in the wake of legalization.

Jeff Brown began by explaining his original recreational use of marijuana and how he later discovered the Rastafarian religion which uses cannabis for sacred rituals and rites (as do many other religions). Jeff wote a book on the subject called "The Holy Herbs". Seems at one time there were thousands of "sacred herbs" used in religion going back to ancient times. Cannabis then, like now, ranked as a favorite. Jeff's spiritual approach to the subject was engaging as was his determination that adults in a free country should be able to eat, smoke and drink what they want.

The most poignant moments on the show came when Anthony Lorenzo of the Florida Cannabis Action Network pursued the topic of medical marijuana, admittedly a stormy subject, but the one arguably most likely to pass, if ever, in Florida. His personal guest was one Catherine Jordan, a sufferer of ALS, which I believe is Lou Gehrig's disease. This poor lady cannot even stand and has trouble with her speech. She says that marijuana is the only drug that can help her manage pain that does not make her nauseous. She also related a disturbing encounter with Governor Jeb Bush over this issue that had mixed results. She lives in fear of a gov't raid where she'll be shot because she cannot lift her arms to surrender.

Frequently during the show, mentions were made of other states and countries that have "decriminalized" marijuana and the ramifications of that. Also, a thorough history of drug prohibition was outlined from the orignal act of 1914 which was designed more for control and taxation than prohibition, to the act of 1937 which outlawed pot completely. Political and economic reasons were explored over the reasons for this, among which was the competition from the cotton and wood industries for paper and cloth (from hemp). A very disturbing (and disgusting) ramp-up of the drug war was recalled about Richard Nixon's decision to control crime and "radical elements" by controlling accesss to drugs (particularly targeted to minorities, and toward blacks, especially).

The musical guest for this hour was a local band, The Purple Velvet Parade. (You can see in one of the photos, I messed up their first graphic, calling them the Velvet Purple Parade--hey, The Velvet Underground was on my mind that day, OK?) They played many songs with a Rastafarian/island feel. The lyrics were all about the joys of pot and legalization. Joining them were two rappers. Interesting combination. Seriously, the band was well-received and they have a great sound.

The guests listen to the speakerphone as fellow producer Dean Chambers calls in to comment on the likelihood of legalization

The only phone call taken during the hour was a most fortunate choice: fellow producer Dean Chambers with some commentary on other states that have decriminalized marijuana, and what the guests truly expected to accomplish in the face of such political adversity in Florida. The response was to keep educating the public about the true facts and hope emotional and moral dilemmas can be addressed and worked out.

The Purple Velvet Parade came back on at the end to "play us out".