"Just Say Know", an event for The Multidiscplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) -- www.maps.org, a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization.  MAPS' mission is to support scientific research designed to develop psychedelics and marijuana into FDA-approved prescription medicines, and to educate the public honestly about the risks and benefits of these drugs.

The response to their 12/4 event was so good that they have decided to follow up with a program that will continue to inform the public about MAPS and the work that they are doing.

'Just Say Know' is a one hour presentation that will give the opportunity to see the work done by MAPS.  There will be speakers, a showing of the luncheon video and reading testimonials by people affected by MAPS' work.  No one will be asked to contribute financially and they welcome feedback and advice from attendees.

If you know anybody who would be interested in hearing about MAPS, this program would be a great way to introduce them to the organization.

'Just Say Know' will be at the following places and times:

2/11/06, 6:30 - 7:30pm,
Floyd's Coffee Shop,
1502 SE Morrison, Portland, OR

Here's an update on just some of the work that MAPS does. Jag Davies, MAPS staffer, has prepared a podcast telling the story of their lawsuit against the DEA, seeking a license to grow marijuana for government-approved research. To hear a podcast, featuring interviews with Dr. Lyle Craker, Rick Doblin, and Al Byrne, go here: http://www.maps.org/podcasts/podcast_2.1.06.mp3

You can read background information, media coverage, and court transcripts from the case on the MAPS website: http://www.maps.org/mmj/DEAlawsuit.html

Oral arguments in Professor Lyle Craker's DEA Administrative Law Judge hearings about DEA refusal to issue a license for a MAPS-sponsored Medical marijuana production facility have officially come to a close. DEA lawyers canceled the final hearing, scheduled to take place on January 17th, in which they had planned to cross-examine Al Byrne, a medical marijuana advocate who has seen the poor quality of NIDA's "research-grade" Marijuana first-hand. After DEA lawyers learned that Al Byrne was willing to Testify under oath, they decided they didn't really want to hear what he had to say! Lawyers from the ACLU Drug Law Reform Project and two Washington D.C. Law firms working pro bono are now turning their attention to final legal briefings. No date has yet been set for when the briefs are due but they expect it will be in March or April. MAPS expects a decision from Judge Mary Ellen Bittner by early summer. If Judge Bittner recommends that DEA grant a license to Prof. Craker, there will then be a need to generate major political pressure on DEA Administrator Karen Tandy, encouraging her to accept rather than reject the recommendation.

For more information or to RSVP for the event you can contact:

Sara Haimowitz
Event Coordinator
MAPS
541-517-4032
mirandah9@hotmail.com