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Actor Danny Glover, left, singer Melissa Etheridge, center, and actor/comedian Hal Sparks take part in a news conference in support of California's Proposition 19 to regulate, control and tax marijuana (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Well, the word "bud" is in Buddha. Today, organizers of Saturday's first-ever Buddhafest held a press conference in which celebrities and other big names spoke in favor of Proposition 19, the November 2nd ballot measure to legalize marijuana.
“I don’t want to look like a criminal to my children anymore," said singer Melissa Etheridge, who has used medical marijuana while recovering from breast cancer, according to the LA Times. "I want them to know this is a choice that you make as a responsible adult.”
Etheridge was joined by numerous well-known names at Ivan Kane's Cafe Wa s in Hollywood, including actor Danny Glover, actor/comedian Hal Sparks, former Governor of New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, former LAPD Deputy Chief Steve Downing and Buddhafest organizer and longtime activist Brian Roberts and marijuana legalization advocate, Sarah Lovering from the Marijuana Policy Project. The press
The festival itself does not take a position on Prop 19, but instead "endeavors to be a neutral space where people can hear all sides of the debate in order to make their own decision."
The first annual event takes place Saturday from noon to 2 a.m. at L.A. Center Studios and is billed as a music and peace gathering that "aims to raise awareness for cannabis and its many uses through ten staging areas featuring live music, DJs, art installations, guest speakers, comedians, poets, roaming performers, trade show exhibits, and a gourmet food court featuring 20 of L.A.'s finest food trucks."
