By Michael Walsh
Ross Martowski claims he would pass a drug test with flying colors.
Some might find those to be peculiar words from the president of the soon-to-be announced Cannabis Awareness Group. But Martowski’s says his interests in the plant don’t lie in the popular after effect it can leave with users.
“I want to raise awareness of the truth behind marijuana and cannabis through reason, science and historical documents,” said Martowski. “I’m hoping to do a cannabis awareness week that would look at the history of the plant, accurate health effects, the plant’s use and prohibition.”
Martowski hopes to educate and debate with both faculty and students on campus about a number of different subjects, including cannabis hemp as a renewable resource for bio fuel and paper, the medical use of marijuana and why marijuana has become so demonized. He looks to engage discussion by way of guest speakers and documentaries.
And as far as skeptics go, they’re welcome. Martowski admits it would make his day to change a few minds with the information he’s learned. “It will and I already have,” said Martowski. “People have been overwhelmed by the information and probing questions have been asked. A lot of people have had a hard time believing that smoking cannabis doesn’t cause lung cancer or emphysema.”
Martowski had his first presentation on October 8th in the Africana Center. According to Martowski, it was a closed-door meeting with an open-door policy, as interested passers-by, that included one police officer, wandered into the room. “The next day I found a flier with a marijuana leaf and ‘Legalize It!’ on it on a wall in Maria Sanford,” said Martowski.
His second schedule presentation hit a snag as it was shut down at the last second. Currently, the Cannabis Awareness Group is under the International Film Club and because of this also came under fire when there were licensing issues with the International Film Club’s website in the form of names and pictures of films it was planning to show. Regardless of the unfortunate events, Martowski has said he hasn’t given up hope, and still hopes to educate people on the truth.
One of Martowski’s main inspirations is the work of Marc Emery, a Canadian cannabis activist. “I came across some of the information, including the likes of Emery, and thought it would be cool if it was legalized,” said Martowski. “I want to lose the hippie scene and take the professional and scientific route.”
Martowski aims for a fact-based argument and not an opinionated one. “I don’t want people expressing ignorant opinions with no facts,” said Martowski. He looks to aim at the false amount of history involving cannabis. “Did anyone stop to ask about the prohibition?” asked Martowski. He has even expressed the desire for a future documentary to be made about the information he has found, along with public demonstrations.
And facts are one thing Martowski is loaded with. According to him, industrial hemp, a product you can’t get high off of because of low Tetrahydrocannabinol levels, is the most untapped resource out there, yet it is illegal to grow. “The cannabis plant can be used for over 20,000 products, including textile, bio fuels and paper,” said Martowski. Citing a 1930’s Popular Mechanics article, Martowski says 10,000 acres worth of industrial hemp turned into paper is equal to 40,000 acres of trees turned into paper. “Industrial hemp can be manufactured, distributed, imported, exported and eaten yet you can’t grow it in most states, even though you can’t get high off it,” says Martowski.
Martowski isn’t looking for the most radical change either. He still would like to see regulations around marijuana. “People shouldn’t be walking down the street smoking,” said Martowski. He also stresses keeping it out of the hands of children, with a 21-year old age limit much like alcohol. He also doesn’t want to support chronic smokers. “Legalization does not mean the rampant chaos of marijuana use. It means the responsible use.”
As Martowski’s plan develops and information arises, he may change his goals and start a Students for Sensible Drug Policy club instead of his initial plan to help gain outside support from an already accredited program.
Ross Martowski -You are a brave and informed individual. Thank you for standing up to do this work. Through your work others will be enlightened and hopefully they will educate others. The chain of those knowledgeable will strengthen our pursuit of truth and freedom. The world came with Cannabis plants growing in it. We must uncover and acknowledge the Cannabis plant’s useful purposes and discontinue the lies and eradication efforts currently taking place under Prohibition.It is our duty as stewards of the earth, being temporary inhabitants that we are, and seekers of truth and freedom. Thank You, Thank You , Thank You Ross Martowski!