1992 River Festival Activities of Drug Policy Reform Activists

May 1992 - Wichita Activists for the decriminalization of Marijuana organized themselves and gained permission of the Wichita River Festival parade committee to participate in opening night festivities. Riding in and own a heavily decorated REO antique fire wagon, the property of Seth Warren a long known “Freedom Fighter”, Libertarian, and Congressional Candidate. Unfortunately, the ‘hemp mobile’ never had the opportunity to complete the parade, for its organizers pulled them from the procession because participants were wearing hemp clothing with labels stating “this is made of hemp”.

A parking site was provided close to the festivals activities by a sympathetic citizen. Allowing the hemp mobile a visible parking site empowered activists to hand out literature detailing the economic benefits available through hemp production.

Activists gathered hand drawn leaves for the United Nations Environmental Conference upcoming June, 1992. A CNN project “Trees For Life” was to nationally submit hand drawn leaves expressing personal concern and awareness to the decisions that would be made that year. Kansas Environmentalists for Commerce in Hemp mailed 132 pounds of hand drawn leaves to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, the site of the Commission on Sustainable Development.

Activists greeted attendees, and curiosity seekers throughout the weeks events. Debby Moore, founder of Kansas Environmentalists For Commerce In Hemp sold Kansas Marijuana Drug Tax Stamps she had purchased from the Kansas Department of Revenue. These stamps were available in $10. & $100. Increments. Literature provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue stated if you were going to buy, sell, transport, or possess marijuana in the state of Kansas, you must pay the taxes. Failure to pay the taxes is a felony offense.

On Saturday May 16, Activists gathered at 10:00 to 12:00, marching throughout the downtown Wichita core area carrying signs. A candle light vigil to bring awareness for the prisoners of the drug war were planned for the closing events. This event was canceled due to the accumulation of excessive law enforcement, and the presence of the city’s drug dog.

On Going Activities:

Debby Moore teaches Hemp Education Classes through the “Free University”. Those interested in attending the classes are urged to pick up a free registration catalog available at most convenience stores.

The monthly NORML - KECH meeting is held in the lower level conference room at 2742 E. 2nd, on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 PM.