EDITORIAL WITH VINCENT!!!

In this business of “making magazines”, there is always plenty to consider in maintaining product consistency and a high level of professionalism. Not many know of the demands and responsibilities required in order to run a publication as efficient as possible. After two previous publications and now my third with The Austin420, I have conducted many interviews and have seen more than my share of shows, but in all that, there’s always time to learn something new no matter how experienced one may be. In being open to new challenges, the experience of the past helps one adapt much quicker to challenges of the present. In doing so, one can respond to unpredictable situations appropriately and regardless of the challenges, can continue to maintain the pride and effort that goes into each publication.

Our time in working-up this Spring Edition has definitely inspired our passion and drive even more, and though there are challenging moments that come within the production of any issue, there is no challenge we can’t overcome. Everything we do, we do with conviction, purpose, and discipline and when put to the test, there’s no higher compliment than to be surrounded by a crew who gets the job done! It’s a sign of the times for if we expect to influence the change we are seeking then we must rise and follow through wholeheartedly. In speaking for that of The Austin420 and as a board member of Texas NORML, we have plenty in the works for the spring season; we are definitely heading into our busiest of times! As The Austin420 has continued to make its presence known, we also need for our supporters, readers, and fans to continue to not only pass along our message, but to continue to make your presence known at our events. We need to stand together for the liberation of not just medicinal cannabis, but for the liberation of the cannabis plant itself, which in turn is liberation for us!

With this issue, we have brought together an array of features that we think will not only stimulate your “420” senses, but will also capture an outlook of the future of compassionate care and herbal-based therapy/ medications. Our mission is to be your source for Medical Cannabis and to provide you with medical updates, patient testimonials, credible features on particular conditions that can benefit from Medical Cannabis, healthy munchie tips, features on activists who are paving the way, and spotlights on organizations & local businesses who support the cause and who are also stepping out to make that change. While the scientific research of cannabinoids is still young in its years, they have only touched the surface of its full medical potential and of its truth, a truth inevitable of revealing itself all by itself. So I hope you’ll enjoy our 2012 Spring Edition; we have mustered-up a great one! We have a great piece on Multiple Sclerosis and the nature of its symptoms; we have an update on the status of Amsterdam coffee-shops, a new installment of Ask A NORML Lawyer, and an exclusive interview with L.E.A.P.’s (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) Executive Director Neill Franklin!

My world of “420” is an interesting one, from a FOX news segment and speaking engagements, to a SXSW run of reggae, followed by the musical onslaught of Dying Fetus, the meeting of a pretty girl, and followed by even more! One would have never known of TheAustin420 “issue” spinning around in my head (weeks later while watching Jungle Rot and Deicide!) I love my job; see you in May for the Texas NORML March & Rally @ the State Capitol and remember, Numbers Speak Volumes!

Advocate For Medical Marijuana Speaks Out : MyFoxAUSTIN.com

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS!!!

In the case of MEDICAL CANNABIS, it’s quite important to express the REALITIES of our world, especially when coping with a “debilitating condition” where the medicinal use of cannabis can be of benefit, allowing one to alleviate their pain and FUNCTION as a normal human being.

Not everyone is AWARE of the facts and there’s no better FACT or PROOF than real life TESTIMONIALS from real life PATIENTS with real life CONDITIONS. Therefore, if you are a patient yourself, or you know of a friend or family member who suffers from a chronic “debilitating condition”, where medical cannabis can be of BENEFIT, tell us your story, the nature of your condition, and how cannabis can help! If you are to speak on BEHALF of someone you know, be sure you are at liberty to do so. We want to be RESPECTFUL to any and all individuals.

It is okay to SPEAK UP about the issues that are important to us (as individuals) for that’s the right and political process we’ve been given. CHANGE and REFORM isn’t possible if they have NO IDEA of the CHANGE we are SEEKING and WHY. Medical Cannabis is an important issue to many, from the SICK to the ELDERLY to our VETERANS, so send us your TESTIMONIALS, your feedback via email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   (Patient Outreach Liaison) or by mail to 2541 South IH35 # 200-353, Round Rock, Texas 78664.

Letters can remain ANONYMOUS if preferred.