HEMPFEST MAY NEED TO FIND NEW LOCATION

Leave It To Hemp To Generate Controversy.

The second annual Emerald Empire Hempfest was meant to be a gathering to raise awareness about the positive -- and legal -- uses of hemp at the Washington-Jefferson Street Park July 17-18.  Instead, after Eugene officials denied the Hempfest's organizers a permit, saying drug use and dealing at last year's festival posed an "unreasonable danger" to the community, the celebration may turn into a legal battle involving the ACLU and the city.

Hempfest Executive Director Dan Koozer called the threat the celebration poses "preposterous" and said that he met with ACLU lawyers on June 21 and that he plans to appeal the city's decision.  "Our argument is: How many other public events generate the same kind of activity?" Koozer said.."It shows how ridiculous things are; all of these problems over the use of a plant."

Organizers have 15 days from June 16 to announce their intention to appeal, said Johnny Medlin, director of parks and open spaces in Eugene.  Then, the Hempfest case would be argued before a hearings official within 30 days.  But with less than a month to go before the Hempfest, Medlin said the process would be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Medlin said the parks division's decision to deny the permit came from a "judgment call" by the Eugene police that the festival was a danger to the community.  While there were no arrests, plain-clothes police officers did document at least two cases of drug dealing, said police spokeswoman Pam Olshanski.

Koozer said the Hempfest may be relocated to private property, but "changing the venue at this late date isn't ideal."