Kaliada is an old Belarusian tradition when people dress up in magical creatures and go through the village singing songs. During the event in Minsk participants played board games, exchanged Christmas gifts, tasted food made of cannabis (without psychoactive substances). People were signing the petition for legislation reform and sending postcards to drug convicts. We made several "hemp stars", referring to traditional Kaliada stars.
Legalize Belarus landed in Bieraście! We never had such a deep and meaningful discussion. Artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, school teachers, doctors and students spoke out. Everyone expressed oneself and brought to the conversation.
The civilised world is moving fast to legalize, or at least decriminalize, cannabinoids. Meanwhile in Belarus, owning just 1 gram of Marijuana can get you 2 years in prison — which practically means up to 8 years. This is how the Belarusian drug policy is failing the people of Belarus.
Another "End the Drug War" meeting was held in Mahiloŭ, third-large Belarusian city. One day before the event, the venue cancelled the booking because of "negative attitude towards drugs". Though another place to organise the discussion was found, it affected the number of participants.
Legalize Belarus landed in Harodnia with a lecture on the war on drugs, "How drugs work. Cannabis" movie screening and a discussion afterwards. The leader of the drug convicts mothers movement "Mothers 328" attended the event and together with other activists shared terrifying facts of injustice towards the imprisoned.
Legalize Belarus nationwide. Talaka of solidarity with drug convicts was organised in Bieraście.
Legalize Belarus is going nationwide!
Talaka is a traditional Belarusian form of gathering to accomplish a task. Attendees of the Talaka of solidarity sent hundreds of postcards to unjustly convicted drug users. During Human Library sessions participants had an opportunity to take part in open and frank conversations with people affected by Article 328.
The lecture covered questions of history, legal status and potential of medical and recreational use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
Drug regulation expert, master of public policy Alfredo Pascual gave a lecture about legal status of marijuana around the world. Q&A session took around 3 hours.