Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards Set For December 15

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Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards

The Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards (OMCA) will be held on Saturday, December 15, at the World Famous Cannabis Cafe in Portland. The day event, from noon until 5 p.m., includes a variety of vendors, seminars and speakers and is open to the public.
 
An awards banquet — which starts at 6:30 p.m. — is where the winners are announced. Todd Armstrong, a local comedian who is gaining national acclaim, will be the master of ceremonies, and it all takes place at 322 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97216.
In a blind taste test, judges are given 28 samples of Oregon’s finest medical cannabis to sample and judge in the privacy of their own homes (I need in on this gig). They score each strain on appearance, aroma, taste, smoothness, potency and medicinal effect. Judging is open to registered Oregon Medical Marijuana patients only.


NORML Women’s Alliance/Facebook
Madeline Martinez, Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards: “There are other ‘cannabis cup’-type events, but they do not track the medical conditions of the judges or the medical effectiveness of the marijuana”

“When we first started the OMCA in 2002, this was the only access to medicine that some patients had for the whole year,” remembered Madeline Martinez, owner of the World Famous Cannabis Cafe and hostess of the event remembers. “We have come a long way since then.”
“There are other ‘cannabis cup’-type events,” Martinez said, “but they do not track the medical conditions of the judges or the medical effectiveness of the marijuana as it relates to specific medical conditions.”
Now in its 11th year, the OMCA started as a way to document the effects of various strains. No research was being done to help patients learn which strains worked best for their conditions. So, Oregon NORML took on the task which was passed on to the World Famous Cannabis Cafe in 2010 when NORML changed their chapter guidelines.
 
The OMCA also recognizes heroes within the Oregon cannabis community. This year, the Dr. Rick Bayer Award goes to Paul Stanford for his valiant efforts at legalization. The Freedom Fighter of the Year Award honors the Measure 80 Campaign Crew led by Roy Kaufmann, Michael Bachara, Amanda Rain, Anna Diaz and chief petitioner William Appel.
 
As a special treat, Jay Mack and Big Dub will perform new songs from their upcoming release, Still Medicated. Jay Mack was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame this year for his work with Portland hip-hop pioneers, the U-Krew.
Jay Mack and Big Dub have been long-time supporters of the Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards and the World Famous Cannabis Café. They wrote a song about the café for their first album, and have promised a surprise or two with their performance.
Once again, Green Leaf Labs will test all the entries and provide their results at the event.  Strain testing provides even more valuable information for patients.
A highlight of the day is the sustainable fashion show which features clothing made of hemp and bamboo. The one-of-a-kind bazaar provides an opportunity to support local small businesses and find the most unique holiday gifts that Portland offers.
 
Delicious dining will be provided by Headwaters Café.  Tickets for the banquet are available at the café.
For information about vending at the event, please call 503-208-3395 or visit the café website at www.usaworldfamouscannabiscafe.com.  
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