Column: Medical Marijuana March Set For Hanover
Joseph Deinlein
July 24, 2009
York Daily Record (York County, Pennsylvania)
A Manheim Township man has plans to continue his crusade to legalize medicinal marijuana with an educational march in Hanover on Saturday during the annual Dutch Festival.
Charles Homan, who has held rallies at the state Capitol, chose to march along Carlisle Street from Clearview Road to Chestnut Street in order to gain visibility, spokesman Jeff Spangler said.
"We're looking for high-traffic locations," Spangler said. "We won't be going into Dutch Days. We want to win people, not make them mad."
The march, starting at noon, will head into town, then back out. Those walking will be handing out pamphlets to anyone who wants one, Spangler said.
Thus far, 13 other states have approved the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Homan has said he uses the drug to help control his bipolar disorder as other prescribed medications either intensify his disorder or cause bad side effects.
He has spoken to some local legislators, but has not received much positive response.
The goal is to be seen, said Spangler, who grew up with Homan in Hanover.
"On a Saturday, you'll pretty much catch everyone, except for the (North Hanover Mall) crowd, between Utz and the old Aero station," Spangler said.
Homan and Spangler know they won't ever convince those who are instinctively against the drug. But they hope some people would be willing to listen to their argument in favor of medicinal purposes.
"There is some value for some patients," Spangler said. "It's
certainly not a recreational thing. We're not asking for that.
"We don't want them in vending machines at theaters so 17-year-olds can get high." | 
