The THC Expo was a high energy event, full of interesting people. Brian Roberts and Todd McCormick, the event organizers brought together the international marijuana industry for a full weekend at the LA Convention Center June 12 and 13. The THC Expo was a marijuana merchandising event with people and businesses from across the continent as well as from overseas. There were hemp traders and artists, educators and innovators, patients and politicians. There were growers, patient unions, compassionate care givers, merchants, activists, and cops. There were the famous and the infamous.

Kim Dobner and Ethel Rowland were the volunteers helping me out at the LEAP booth. There were many times when we couldn't keep up with the number of people interested in hearing about our work. Even with time set aside for nay-sayers we still signed up over 300 new members in just 17 hours. The volunteers really enjoyed the experience and did a great job representing LEAP.

Even in this seemingly supportive crowd there were plenty of people who had not considered the legalization of all drugs. Surprisingly, there was about the same small percentage that was not in agreement with our message as at any other events, go figure.

Mike Gray, author of Drug Crazy, helped out with some logistics and he produced this great clip about the Expo and LEAP. It is always fun working with Mike and this time was no exception.

Directly across the aisle, Drug Policy Alliance had their booth, and down a couple of spaces was Students for Sensible Drug Policy. As co- sponsors of the upcoming 2009 International Drug Policy Reform Conference being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 11-14, we hope to see some of the folks from the THC Expo there, as well as some of you.

This New York boy saw some interesting sights on the trip, but it’s always good to get back home with my lovely wife, Paula.