Coverage by BBSNews

"First of all, we believe that sex and marijuana use exist completely in the private realm of consenting and responsible adults. We realize, unfortunately, that many politicians see the bedroom and other private, individual activities as important areas for government legislation. We want to stress that sex and marijuana are for adults - or at least for individuals who have achieved a level of emotional & psychological maturity that is reflected in a balanced, productive life."

BBSNews - 2003-09-09 -- WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- Marijuana, sex, taxes and kids are the themes of an advertising campaign launched this week in Washington, D.C. by Change the Climate, a non-profit organization that uses outdoor advertising to educate people about marijuana issues.

Change the Climate has purchased 600 bus shelter posters, bus ads and Metro billboards in the Capitol during the months of September and October. This campaign is one of two that Change the Climate has launched this September as part of its "Legalize Marijuana" advertising effort. The other campaign is in Boston, Mass.

One advertisement displayed on 40 bus shelters and 50 Metro buses highlights the connection between marijuana and sex -- historical research shows that marijuana can enhance sexual pleasure for some people and assist with impotence. The ad directs people to the organization's website where there is more information on sex and marijuana. "We couldn't resist the marijuana and sex connection given the special interest President Bush and Attorney General Ashcroft have in the private bedroom activity of adults. Plus, every advertiser knows that sex sells," says Change the Climate founder and Executive Director Joseph White.

A second ad on the inside of 500 buses features pictures of citizens with the headline "Save Our Taxes. Legalize and Tax Marijuana." White continues, "Every year American taxpayers are bilked for over $7 billion to cover marijuana arrests, prosecutions and discredited anti-marijuana advertising. Our campaigns give voice to this colossal waste of money."

The third ad that begins in October on 10 subway station platforms shows a teenager with the caption "Protect Our Kids. Legalize and Tax Marijuana." "The government's war on marijuana uses kids as the excuse for harsh marijuana laws, but these laws actually put our children in harm's way, including denying student loans to the most needy students," White continues.

"If your child is likely to experiment with marijuana - partly because it is a teenage thing to do and partly because it is so easy to obtain, then shouldn't we consider ways to make it more difficult for kids to get marijuana? One of these ways is to regulate marijuana, taking it out of the black market and off the streets."

White continues, "Change the Climate seeks to stimulate debate about how legalizing marijuana can make it less available to kids and save billions in taxes that can be used for police and fire protection and improvements in education. The economic downturn has taken a huge toll in our local communities, so we need new ways of generating funds to pay for the services we value most."

Change the Climate is a national organization of parents and business people who believe that restrictive and counter-productive marijuana laws endanger our children and squander our tax dollars. Change the Climate has conducted advertising campaigns in Washington D.C., California and Nevada. More information on other advertising campaigns, including downloadable ads, is available at:

http://www.changetheclimate.org