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Scandal at the Marijuana Policy Project

by Bean

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 11:29 pm

more: headline news, news exclusive, rob kampia

By David Bienenstock and Richard Cusick

As part of an ongoing investigation, HIGH TIMES magazine has confirmed that at least seven full-time staff members of the Washington, DC based Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) have quit their jobs in protest of an alleged incident of sexual misconduct by MPP Executive Director Rob Kampia, which took place following an informal staff “happy hour” in August of 2009.

“I left MPP because of an incident involving Rob Kampia and a female employee, and because of how that incident was handled by organization leadership,” Former Director of Membership Salem Pearce told HIGH TIMES. “This is all part of a pattern of behavior by Rob, who was known in the office for his sexually explicit comments and actions towards female employees and interns, particularly ones half his age and desirous of full-time jobs with MPP. Rob's willingness to jeopardize the organization for sexual gratification and his desperate attempts to keep his job sickened me and made me no longer able to work for him.”

Co-founded by Kampia in 1995, MPP is the best-funded national organization working for marijuana legalization in the United States, with a yearly operating budget of $6 million. Kampia serves as both Executive Director of MPP, and a member of its Board of Directors. Reached for comment on this story by HIGH TIMES, Kampia said: “Some of it’s true, some of it’s not true… This isn’t gonna be good for anyone…[but] it sounds like you’re more interested in running a salacious story than in helping the cause, and I think that’s unfortunate.“

The incident of sexual misconduct allegedly took place on Thursday night, August 7, following a gathering of the MPP staff at the Union Pub in Washington, D.C., across the street from the organization’s national office. Within 24 hours, four staff members decided to resign. On Tuesday, August 11, Kampia sent an e-mail to the MPP staff that read, in part, “I'm very sad to let everyone know that we'll be losing four great people over the next couple of weeks… I'm very sorry—both personally and professionally—that they're leaving MPP. Their decisions are due to something that happened outside the office a few days ago involving me… I take this situation very seriously. This is not something that will happen again.”

Over the next two weeks, three more staff members quit, saying that it became obvious Kampia would not suffer any significant repercussions for his actions.

“Rob's initial communication to the staff a few days after the incident made it clear that he considered the matter closed and was planning to continue with business as usual, which I could not live with.” Former Major Gifts Officer Sarah Hench told HT, explaining her decision to resign. “Rob's behavior over the long term was inexcusable and irresponsible, and I am ashamed that I only felt empowered to address it after something very serious and egregious happened. In my opinion, he put the entire organization at risk and made it clear that MPP's mission was not important enough for him to modify his reckless and arrogant behavior.”

According to the official MPP Employee Manual, the organization “may terminate employment at any time,” for any employee, “with or without cause and with or without notice,” a policy that “cannot be changed without the express written consent of the Executive Director.” At the time of the incident in August 2009, MPP had no written policy regarding sexual harassment, despite what several staffers described as a “culture of sexually inappropriate behavior” by Kampia in the years leading up to this incident.

“While the catalyst for my decision to leave MPP after more than three years of employment was a particular act by Rob that I thought was morally reprehensible,” former Legislative Analyst Zane Hurst told HT, “It’s important to understand that Rob acted inappropriately toward MPP employees and interns throughout my time there. I can not in good conscience work for him or the organization as long as he remains its leader.”

According to former and current employees, attempts to bring concerns about Rob’s previous pattern of behavior to upper management proved futile, and in the wake of the August 2009 incident, Kampia focused on maintaining his own position of authority, rather than addressing employees’ concerns.

“Prior to this incident, I had confronted Rob about his advances toward one of my employees,” according to Ms. Pearce. “He dismissed my concerns and refused to stop hitting on his employees. After the incident, and even after nearly 20% of the staff quit in protest, it became apparent that Rob and his second in command, Alison Green, were planning to sweep this all under the rug.”

Eventually, after a resounding vote of no confidence in Kampia’s leadership by the organization’s department heads, the matter reached MPP’s Board of Directors, but it remains unclear what, if any, information they received about Kampia’s role in the original incident, subsequent staff departures, and an institutional attempt to cover it up. More than five months after the incident in question, aside from a promise that Kampia will “obtain remedial sensitivity and behavior modification training,” current and former employees are left to wonder what price, if any, he will pay for behavior several described as “predatory.” One former employee said “sending Rob to sensitivity training is like trying to teach an elephant to tap dance.”

“My decision to leave MPP over the incident involving Rob and a female subordinate in August was painful, but ultimately it was the only choice I felt I could make given a pattern of predatory behavior on Rob's part.” MPP’s former Assistant Director of Communications told HIGH TIMES. “Even seen in the most charitable light, Rob's conduct—in this one instance, as in many other questionable encounters—indicates that he either doesn't understand or he doesn't care how his behavior affects others, especially those he holds authority over as Executive Director of MPP. As long as Rob and his reckless behavior are tolerated, he'll be a burden to his own talented, dedicated staff and a disaster waiting to happen for the marijuana policy reform community as a whole.”

HIGH TIMES’ investigation into this matter is ongoing, and we expect to publish a thorough account of this story in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

» add a comment

Charles

Oct 15 2011, 2:30 pm

What does High Times think about its readers?

C. Rex

Jan 15 2011, 12:52 pm

The lack of respect in these comments is rather appalling. Whether the allegations are true or not, one must take in consideration the behavior of his employees after said allegation. Why would numerous employees step forward claiming sexual harassment if it wasn't true. Even if one or two are simply not true, they can't all be lying. And what's this 'if he really raped someone he'd be in jail' nonsense. Do you know what money can buy? Life. I believe everyone souls stay calm and keep it calm until further evidence leaks out.

C. Rex out

A Shame.

Jun 16 2010, 2:27 am

Wow. Here's why a boss sleeping with a subordinate is wrong: if she EVER gets a promotion, or is in any way treated better, guess what message that sends to all the other female employees?

The comments on here are so, so disheartening. I might have to rethink how involved I am with marijuana activism. I thought others in the movement would be much more progressive. You will never get legalization without support from women of many different groups-young, old, of color, etc., and the blatant misogyny running through here in the comments will only hurt you.

How nice to have a privilege of not having to deal with inappropriateness from a boss or coworker, who violates your space.

This movement needs to address its sexism, it really does. These comments, among others. And those legal buds banners? Using women's bodies, funnily enough, only stereotypically "acceptable" bodies, to sell a product IS sexist. Women, nor their bodies, are commodities. They are used to sell EVERYTHING. A commodity, to be purchased and used. Nice.

HU210

Feb 10 2010, 1:00 pm

What scandal? 40% of workers have dated a co-worker!! I guess none of them got any-eh, HT?
http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=pr553&sd=2%2f9%2f2010&ed=12%2f31%2f2010&siteid=cbpr&sc_cmp1=cb_pr553_

EVIL UNCLE SAM

Jan 28 2010, 4:16 pm

When I was a child we were so poor we glued scraps of old tires to our feet, then my mamma would paint the tops of or feet to look like shoes.

umm

Jan 27 2010, 3:13 pm

I have access to a lot of old mountain bike tires. Yesterday, I cut one up, and it indeed works for mending of shoes. I however had to settle for wire to hold them on. I didn't have the luxury of hemp.
Thanks though for the tip...

dbcooper

Jan 25 2010, 4:55 pm

here's to living off dad as long as you can and blending in with the crowd. cheers.

love is the solutions
love your neighbors
love your friends
love yourself if you can stand it
love and laugh and heal and mend

elmo buzz

jclupien

Jan 25 2010, 2:20 pm

Luv ya dbcooper and umm you can only go up when your at the bottom.

dbcooper

Jan 25 2010, 2:04 pm

science is a wonderful gift
science is a terrible curse
terrible and wonderful
lord have mercy
science is a wonderful curse

will kimbrough, and yes folks, i am an alien

dbcooper

Jan 25 2010, 1:58 pm

um,

If it helps make you feel better, my shoes are made of recycled bike tires and hemp..

poor kid probably never had a chance to give a fuck
he wouldnt know good luck from a debutant
he's got to find a way to be a Steve McNair or young buck
or he is tough luck looking for a prison to haunt
and you can fuck getting any kind of job you want
unless you really want to work in a fast food restaraunt
do you want to do that? i dont want to do that
i wouldnt trade that for my crooked hat or
my gang or my gun or my waist full of pagers
deep frying shit for rich teenagers
if that where its at and no one is going to help
how we gonna blame a kid for helping himself ?

elmo buzz

umm

Jan 25 2010, 1:00 pm

here is something I kinda think is nifty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktsd0oN7y-Q

We love you miss pringle

@anon2

Jan 25 2010, 12:39 pm

You are generally right and I totally backed off yesterday on that point. I apologized on the other more recent thread though.

Basically, if MPP helps to keep one person out of jail or helps one sick person get medicine then they are fulfilling a vital role. Likewise, Kampia is clearly the best fundraiser. MPP's money has been critical in getting initiatives on the ballot.

As for my point about the treadmill, that's just my opinion. Why not ignore the quasi-science/statistics? Why not slap the bitches with something they cannot refute?

Finally, though, this all comes back to the concept of critical mass. The laws are flipping because more people realize the hypocrisy than ever before. There are a number of reasons for this phenomenon. Pesonally, I do not think this is because of MPP's work. Again just my opinion.

umm

Jan 25 2010, 12:27 pm

Ok. I am sorry for my unhappy bad karmic attitude yesterday. Alot of bad things happened. My bicycle pedal fell off. My mom wouldn't answer her door. Her health isn't the best. I am so poor the holes in the bottom of my shoes make it hurt to pedal the bike anyway. But I know that is my fault. I have been offered a job at fast food. I am going to take it. I have stuffed cut inner-tubing in my shoes, and I at least now have hope for at least some kind of contribution to society. You know the saying if you can't beat them, join them. Anything is better than the solitary confinement I have grown accustomed to.

I wish everyone well.

anon2

Jan 25 2010, 10:04 am

but so what if they say on tv science and argue ondcp? still also passing laws who care if we disagree about what docuements to bring on tv so waht fight all day about science or history who cares laws need passing and they passing laws

@anon2

Jan 25 2010, 9:53 am

Do you understand the difference between a primary source document and hearsay. Please quit fixating on 35 cent ounces. My point is simply that it is very difficult to dispute a bonafide primary source document. Its the kind of document that is admissible in a court of law.

Do you recognize the neverending rhetorical treadmill that MPP has jumped on? ONDCP and their multitude of minions keep hoisting nuggets of quasi-science and statistics at the end of the treadmill just out of MPP's reach. MPP picks up the pace and goes on the media to refute, which requires time and money. After refuting big bad ONDCP, MPP seems to get all self congratulatory and throws themselves a party. By the time they wake up from the hangover there is a whole new bevy of crap to refute. It is a neverending cycle.

I am just saying that there might be a different way to shut these prohibitionist assholes up.

Finally I regret hurling all those derogative comments at you, sorry. - jclupien.

dbcooper

Jan 25 2010, 9:49 am

gstlab,

" Peace, Free your mind, etc etc etc....."

sounds like you could use a little of your own advice, brother.

98% 80% etc etc etc etc etc..

they say 3% of the people use 5% to 6% of their brain
97% use just 3 % and the rest goes down the drain
now i don't know which one i am but i'd bet you my last dime
99% think i'm 3% 100% of the time

elmo buzz

gstlab3

Jan 24 2010, 7:13 pm

YEAH., WHAT EVER MAN. I SAY LET A WHORE DIE A WHORES DEATH AND LET THE CHILDREN SUFFER NO MORE BECAUSE OF THIS MISGUIDED LIBERALISM AND POLITICAL CORRECTNESS BULLCRAP.

PEACE OUT!
GROW YOUR OWN, FREE YOUR MIND, FREE THE PLANET!!!!!

umm

Jan 24 2010, 3:18 pm

What I observe is this. Hightimes and all the other organizations have made a positive impact on marijuana reform. Now, just when we all are seeing progress too the good of human kind, 7 people are trying there hardest to keep prohibition at full swing. I am thinking, and please allow my apology if I am wrong, but I think the 7 might be a plant by the prohibitionists, or maybe the 7 are not for the legalization, maybe they are there for the money. I have been informed by the sick thread many times of so and so having billions of dollars. As long as people worship money over love for one another, more the same will happen.
I wonder though how any real and true stoner could frequent any bar in the first place, but that is just me. I wonder if kampia and all you are just paid people to keep the insanity of the war going. As I come into town, I notice 3 or 4 people holding signs to stop the war. Today though, I had trouble passing through a huge crowd of people holding signs to stop abortion. It took all my strength to not yell out to them why? So that you will have more people to fight your wars? But then I don't want to be slaughtered by anyone. I am selling this computer. It has become tainted with the purest evil. Just being on this prohibitionist site sickens me. It is apparent this site has been took over by prohibitionists. The most dangerous people in power are the ones who force people to take deadly pills. The pill industry is the most powerful, and therefore the most dangerous.
The prohibitionists will talk to you and talk to you about there freedom. But when the prohibitionists see a free person, it will make them scared, which makes them dangerous. "Easy Rider"
My mom had to have an abortion years ago. She still feels awful about that. Why do people feel the need to poke there noses into everyone else's business. These Seven girls can take care of themselves. This is supposed to be a hightimes site. Not slander times.

The woman on last nites coast show with art bell from 10 years ago or so, who worshiped hate. She didn't worship satin, she worshiped hate. Be careful people that you don't fall into the trap of worshiping hate. Love thy neighbor as you would yourselves and stop the non-sense.

anon2

Jan 24 2010, 12:14 pm

"Kampia not being charged proves nothing"

but 7 people quit does? all those other people not quit so there if you think who quits is imporant then who doesnt is also important

just cause you want it to be true don't make it true and it looks like you think saying true will make it be true because you hope or want it is

quote of facts about rape prove nothing about this case you either have eividece or dont and you dont if you had evidece it would be out already liars

naivete

Jan 24 2010, 12:04 pm

"You are accusing kampia of rape. If kampia raped someone, I am sure he would be in jail."

Some statistics from DoJ (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/ncvrw/2003/pg5n.html)

"Only 36 percent of completed rapes were reported to the police during the years 1992 to 2000. Thirty-four percent of the attempted rapes, and 26 percent of the completed and attempted sexual assaults were reported."

"A recently published eight-year study indicates that when perpetrators of rape are current or former husbands or boyfriends, the crimes go unreported to the police 77 percent of the time. When the perpetrators are friends or acquaintances, the rapes go unreported 61 percent of the time; and when the perpetrators are strangers, the rapes go unreported 54 percent of the time."

Of all the crimes a man can possibly commit, rape is one of the most likely to go uncharged and unpunished. Kampia's not being charged proves nothing.

anon2

Jan 23 2010, 12:41 pm

who let ezy-e on the board?

dbcooper

Jan 23 2010, 12:15 pm

gst,

seek therapy

dbcooper

Jan 23 2010, 11:53 am

some people say that i died up there somewhere in the rain and the wind
other people say that i got away but then my girlfriend did me in
the policeman says if i'm out there some day they're gonna bring me in
as for me i hope they never see ol dbcooper again

elmo buzz

gstlab3

Jan 22 2010, 5:25 pm

THIS IS TO ALL THE SO CALLED LIBERATED WOMEN OUT THERE.,
YOU FLAT BACKED WHORES TOO!!!!
WHY DO YOU ALL WANT TO HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS AND BE CONSIDERED JUST AS GOOD AS MEN?

WHY DOES'NT IT TAKE THE SAME AMMOUNT OF MONEY AND EFFORT AS YOUR MEN TO LIVE IN THIS WORLD AND TAKE CARE OF CHILDREN?
GO AHEAD APPLY IT TO YOUR OWN LIVES FIRST.,
THEN WE MIGHT HAVE A DEAL., UNTILL THEN YOU ALL GO ON ABUSING AND KEEP SCREAMING RAPE EVERY TIME IT SUITS YOU., OR WHEN THE HUSBAND NO LONGER IS WILLING TO TAKE YOUR OR YOUR SPOILED BRATS BEHAVIOR ANY LONGER AND SENDS YOU PACKING TO YOUR MOTHERS HOUSE. SO BE IT.
MEN SUBSIDISE THESE SPOILED BITCHES ALL DAY EVERY DAY AND HAVE NO PROTECTIONS AGAINST THESE FALSE ALLIGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND RAPE.
THE MOST DAMAGING OF ALL IS AND ARE
THE FALSE ACCUSATIONS OF ABUSE INVOLVING THE MEN WHO WORK TO SUPPORT THE WHOLE HOUSEHOLD AND EXPECT THE WIFE TO ACTUALLY WORK TO RAISE THE CHILDREN AND MANAGE HER OWN LIFE AS AN ADULT AND KEEP THE HOUSE AND BABY TIDY.,
SHE THEN CRIES TO THE /COURTS/POLICE/FAMILY,etc...
WHEN THE MAN DEMANDS ACTION ON THE UNKEPT HOUSE AND POORLY MANAGED CHILDREN.

WHEN MEN HAVE NO AUTHORITY OVER THEIR WOMEN IN MARRIAGE OR EQUAL RIGHTS PROTECTING THEM IN COURT CONCERNING IN THE RAISING AND SUPPORTING OF THEIR CHILDREN.,AN EXAMPLE BEING MONITARY SUPPORT BEING ENFORCED UPON WOMEN AS WELL AS MEN WHO HAVE JOINT CUSTODY OR PROTECTION AGAINST SUPPORT WITHOUT VISITATION ON EITHER PARENTS.,
UNTIL THE PLAYING FIELD IS MADE EQUAL WE WILL ALL SUFFER AND THE CHILDREN ARE LEFT TO RAISE THEMSELVES IN BROKEN CONFUSED HOMES RIPE FOR BREEEDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF IDIOTS WHO CANNOT MANAGE THEIR CHILDREN WITHOUT STATE INTERVENTION BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WHEN THE CHILDREN BREAKS THE LAW OR WHEN THE GIRL IS PREGNANT BY AGE FIFTEEN OR YOUNGER.

YEAH!!!! LIBERATED WOMEN HAVE LOTS TO BE PROUD OF.

THEY CAN TRAMPLE THE RIGHTS OF AN ENTIRE GENDER AND ENSLAVE THEM TO THE SOCIAL WELLFARE STATE AS LONG AS THEY HAVE MORE RIGHTS OR AS LONG AS THEY KEEP PUMPING OUT THE BABIES!!!!

NO RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER DO WOMEN HAVE. NONE!!!
BUT MEN HAVE ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES WITH NO RIGHTS OR PROTECTIONS OR PRIVELEDGES WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR CHILDREN. OR THE RESPONSIBILITY OF WOMEN IN MARIRIAGE.
THESE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ALL THROWN OUT THE DOOR WHEN A WOMEN PROFESSES TO HAVE BEEN IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM HARMED USUALLY ALLWAYS AFTER THE MARITAL VOWS HAVE BEEN UTTERED.,OR IN MANY CASES WHEN MOTHERHOOD BECOMES A REALITY AND A DRAIN ON THE PARTY SCENE THE MAN BECOMES THE OBJECT OF HATE BECAUSE OF HIS POWER OVER HER.,IT EXSISTS.,
BUT NOT IN A COURT OF LAW.

anon2

Jan 22 2010, 4:07 pm

@dbcooper

ba widaba where da money you took lol

anon2

Jan 22 2010, 4:06 pm

@jclupian

lol you said "I would not expect you to know that though. MPP is too focused on arguing minutia with the prohibitionists"

you post about 35 sent bud in the good ol days of ancient history and complain someone arguing minuteia?

you want give history lesson yea sure that will get people attention fast give me a break now is now so work on now change laws which what they do

sounds like someone angry they dont got job at mpp or not money from mpp

i had a great idea just need money but mpp say my tinfoil hat idea insane not give me money blaaargh lulz

dbcooper

Jan 22 2010, 4:00 pm

Let us try and keep it real. This is about several women who have been violated by a MPP executive. Nothing else.

MPP has done many good things. I have seen it. To use the Playboy party as some sorta of target in making your argument seems rather self-serving on your part. Cash write off or not, i do not believe any of us are qualified to make an accusation like the one you made, including you. You do not know their motives, and Hef did open his house up to the event. Good for him. Good for us. Good for our beliefs and movement. Sometimes i wish Kampia would use my arguments and say what i want to hear, or hear him say. I have been supporting MPP for many years now.
Rather it be MPP or any other place, i would not / do not support violating any persons rights. We are all...or at least most of us, including MPP are responsibe for all that has happened and is happening in the Cannabis/Medicinal Cannabis Arena. We have lots to be proud of and thankful for.

Fight for justice and truth.., Not against one another. If these women are telling the truth, Rob has no place at MPP.
Myself? i feel most comfortable not donating any more money until i know the truth. That does not mean i do not support MPP. It means i hold them accountable to do whats right.

umm to corporate underwriter

Jan 22 2010, 2:23 pm

You are accusing kampia of rape. If kampia raped someone, I am sure he would be in jail.

You should be ashamed. If you are wrong, and I see no evidence that you aren't, I hope they arrest you.

jclupien

Jan 22 2010, 11:31 am

Since I've wasted most of this week being sick, what's another ten minutes? To the person that thinks MPP is behind all the recent reform laws, consider the concept of critical mass. More people use and/or know someone that uses than ever before. These people realize the hypocrisy and probably account for more than half the adult population. These are the people that vote for reform. They generally ignore all the hyperbol that spews forth from the government and groups like MPP, because they already understand. Have you ever heard the phrase, "Preaching to the choir." MPP spends money preaching to the choir, not advancing the argument. MPP's greatest contribution has been the ability to raise money to support the grassroots organizers that go out and pound the pavement. MPP has done virtually nothing to advance the arguments for legalization. Do you think people are idiots and don't realize hypocrisy when they see it? Marijuana prohibition is perhaps the greatest hypocrisy of the twentieth century. One only has to use the herb or know someone that uses the herb to come to this realization. I am sorry but paying salaries for PR people like Kampia and the others to go on TV and talk statistics is lame. I seriously doubt that their soundbites change any votes. To me it seems like a waste of money, but I guess if the big spenders at the Playboy party are cool with the tax write off, then it doesn't really matter one way or the other, what I think - money in money out - and everyone can feel warm and fuzzy, but not really accomplish a whole lot.

jclupien

Jan 22 2010, 10:25 am

Get real, medical marijuana, is more or less black market in a quasi legal environment. If it were actually legal the price would fall out the bottom. Why the *&$% do I need a license and why are the prices still high, no pun intended? Prior to prohibition one could mail order premium Cannabis Americana for $0.35 an ounce. You really think those companies gave up that market without some sort of quid pro quo? They did not and that is how we ended up with prohibition. I would not expect you to know that though. MPP is too focused on arguing minutia with the prohibitionists. And if you read what I wrote you'd realize that I actually support the grassroots work that MPP facilitates. I am just saying maybe the leadership needs a shake-up. Why you hiding behind your anonomyous tag?

dbcooper

Jan 22 2010, 10:09 am

Hey SF BAY AREA,

i live in the Mission District. lets hook up burn one down and pick a tune or 2.

dbcooper sf ca 94110

anon2

Jan 22 2010, 9:30 am

new chris hanson show to catch a coworker

crazy person hre call people at office

want to come over for sex?

when they show up say why dont you sit down there?

lulz

@jclupein

Jan 22 2010, 12:24 am

There is so much to not take seriously in your comments, I don't know where to start not taking you seriously.

The MPP has helped prolong prohibition? Really, you actually believe that? And you believe changing the fact that over half the population doesn't support legalization is possible if you ignore the propaganda machine of the government and law enforcement?

You think "nothing" is being achieved to end prohibition, when 14 states have legalized medicinal cannabis, 12 states have decriminalization of cannabis, and states are now starting to openly consider legalization of marijuana to raise tax revenue? Those accomplishments, the medical patients now able to get relief in those states, it's all nothing? The MPP has kept prohibition in place by helping loosen or remove laws against cannabis?

Lastly, complaining about the MPP using this form for "self-promotion" is so crazy I can barely believe you are serious. This "forum" started as an article full of hateful rumor by ex employees, the comments filled up with attacks on the MPP that included claims that the MPP has been hamstrung by Rob Kampia's behavior over the years, claims that donations have been wasted, and you think the MPP is somehow inappropriate for confronting those accusations and pointing out that it's all a load of horseshit?

It's been a long time since 1970. People can talk all the shit they want about the MPP, but in the years since 1970 there are few organizations and people who have actually made sustained, serious progress in achieving changes in cannabis laws. Lots and lots of activists love to talk about how they know how to get it done, but 40 years of talking and it's pretty clear who and what groups get results while other people chose to stand around and hurl shit to muck up the works.

anon2

Jan 22 2010, 12:04 am

"I take it English is not your first language."

so your point is you make fun of people not speaking english well?

okay so you people hating mpp are bigots thanks glad you can tell me that

if i tell you my skin very dark to you can make rude joke at me for that to?

see again you quitters make fun and attack anyone for everything even not speak english good enough you attack for anything how can you even be so mean to evryone so much? i dont make fun your talking my languge you have no right picking on peoples

liars and crazy and now racist to or racist at language at least

jclupien

Jan 21 2010, 6:19 pm

By the way, it was people that went out and voted in most cases that changed the laws, especially the most significant ones.

jclupein

Jan 21 2010, 6:17 pm

Why should we care? I will tell you why. Somehow MPP became the defacto leader in the movement for reform and virtually the only organization with the ability to advance unbiased research. I believe in the grassroots work that they champion, but that type of work only goes so far when you engage the prohibitionists in their biased arguments and don't have a good response to shut them down. The only way you tear down seventy plus years of misunderstanding is to return to the source. Sure everyone thinks that this subject is a closed case with the 1970 Presidential Commission, but it is not. And, yes Herer's allegations probably did more damage than good over the long term. As for NORML, give me a break, they have a vested interest in seeing "no change." Actually, I can not believe that I am wasting my time right now, but I am sick and pissed off. Obviously, Kampia did not learn from NORML's mistakes. How do think Playboy Mansion Parties fly with the average user? Is it not symptomatic of the larger problem. So for all you MPP supporters read up on the history of NORML. Dig deep and ask yourself is MPP really legitimizing the movement or is MPP really just a big reach around fest of academics, wonks, and lawyer elitists? Finally, using this forum for self-promoting your own efforts is lame.

Roy B. Scherer

Jan 21 2010, 3:50 pm

Well, reading all these comments (and links) has taken well over an hour, and been only moderately entertaining. Mary Patton, thank you for your posts. The rest of you may wish to reconsider your use of handles instead of names.

I don't know how much truth there is to the original story, nor to any of the wilder allegations I've been reading. I don't care. The MPP board and staff will figure it out, either way.

I do remember when Kampia and Thomas founded MPP, and I've seen it grow into a major player in the fight for freedom. I haven't always agreed with their decisions, but no one can deny that they've helped change the laws. Kampia deserves credit for that, whether or not he has done wrong, and whether or not he's an @$$hole.

If you no longer like MPP (or never did like it), then take your money and put it into supporting other reform efforts! If you don't like NORML because Stroup did something stupid twenty years ago, then support any of the other groups! Support a state-wide group! Write your legislator! Write a "letter to the editor" of your local paper!

Let MPP sort out their own problems. Stop wasting time on fora like this, and do something to promote reform.
We're working, in Virginia, on a major reform right now. See tinyurlDOTcomSLASH yb23562 and yadal8v

jclupein

Jan 21 2010, 12:04 pm

This whole debacle, that is marijuana prohibition, could be ended quite easily with a slightly different approach. Instead, groups like MPP have fragmented the movement and focused on a neverending cycle of arguments with the DEA and their minions involving rights and efficacy of medical use. Why even engage in these arguments? Why not ask how we got into this mess? Return to the sources. It seems to me that the only thing MPP has accomplished is to prolong prohibition for the benefit of dealers, distributors, and those that try to catch them. To me, Rob Kampia, and his organization, MPP, are an exercise in self-aggrandizement. The revelation that he is a notorious womanizer is no surprise. This problem has plagued the leadership of marijuana reform for years. Granted NORML took a hit for cocaine use, but subsequent leaders were flagarant abusers of the smarter sex, thinking that their position gave them some free pass to hit on the volunteer women in the movement. Just another sad chapter in the history of misguided marijuana reform. Two dibs of tincture to a brighter future and better leadership.

@anon2

Jan 21 2010, 10:44 am

I take it English is not your first language. Your spelling and grammar are atrocious. You make your weak argument look even worse with your typing. Do us a favor and at least use the built-in spell-check for your comments.

anon2

Jan 21 2010, 9:54 am

everyone attack the women mary patton and alison because they wont lie with the quitters

everyone read this must see how the quitters act if anyone disagree with them they hide behind anon to make public lie one after others cowards

the rest of us anons yea but we arent accusing to ruin mans life and reck mpp scared to put yoru names to comments you must know its all lies

anon2

Jan 21 2010, 9:19 am

@anonkeemouse

oh everyone now say i know someone blablabla just making shit up

fail troll is fail

HU210

Jan 21 2010, 8:19 am

I get it. No one allowed get laid in America. In Europe politicos are EXPECTED to have mistresses. How many American politicians have been run out of town because of Americans puritanical attitude towards sex? Yup. In America if ya want to destroy someone just accuse them of sex out of wedlock. Or being queer, etc. Ask Tiger-eh? John Edwards, Gary Hart,the list goes on.... Thanks for stooping so low HT tabloid muckrakers

About Alison

Jan 21 2010, 1:51 am

I'm curious about what Alison Green has to say. Did she sell out her comrades? Or did she grow to realize they were wrong? It's possible that the MPP-7 initially reacted based on false reports, Alison joined them, but then she realized the truth. It's also possible that she knew they were right but sided with Kampia anyway to protect her job. Which is it? Surely, Alison or other current MPP staff know.

Anokneemouse

Jan 21 2010, 1:22 am

Hunh. This makes so much more sense since I work in D.C. One of my friends who's in her early 20's was having an affair with him around the time of this incident.

anon2

Jan 20 2010, 7:33 pm

@ flusssh

you said "Did Alison lie to you? Did she lie to the Board? Did she originally want Rob to step down and then change her mind? How much MPP money was paid to the girl as "severance" to stay quiet about the incident?"

you say she lied your definitions are bullshit

why she change her mind? maybe found out you and your friends were lying

how much money woman paid well none unless you have evidence its all lies you and your friends are dishonest crazy creeps lying to destory the guy and his group

keep talking all we hear are lies and rumors with no proof all anonymous

anon2

Jan 20 2010, 7:30 pm

@flusssh

your a coward and a liar anyone who disagrees you think they are part of a big conspircy against you weres your tin foil hat?

you said "your silence makes you culpable." your lies make you culbable and you are making accusations anonimously to avoid culpable for your lies

were you paid by the government to turn on mpp and make lies? would you like such accusation and claim you just want all mighty dollars? you are paranoid

anonymous

Jan 20 2010, 6:55 pm

Read this!!!
http://indianolarecordherald.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100119/INDIANOLA01/100119039

Iowan's are real Freedom Fighters!!

HU210

Jan 20 2010, 6:16 pm

Yo handle-less coward. I dont hear very well. How about speaking into my dick-ta-phone. LOL, STFU, YOURSELF,COWARD.

HU210

Jan 20 2010, 6:11 pm

One persons opinion,yawn

HU210isatool

Jan 20 2010, 4:34 pm

Hey HU210, read the book High in America and you will see that Carter's version of a drug czar (also called White House drug advisor) was narked on by NORML founder Keith Stroup and that was the sole reason that Carter didn't push through federal legalization of cannabis in 1979!!! My point is that these national pot political orgs are full of hypocrites, losers, shills, double agents, and worse. so dude, read the book, or stfu.

what are you doing?

Jan 20 2010, 4:00 pm

Please stop slandering the character of my friends who left MPP by suggesting they would accept money in exchange for silence. It is bothersome enough to suggest MPP would misuse donated money in this way, but unbelievably offensive to suggest that these people were ethical enough to resign their jobs out of ethical outrage during the worst recession we've seen in 80 years, but somehow sleazy enough to accept a payoff?!

flushhhhh

Jan 20 2010, 3:43 pm

Those blinders you are wearing wouldn't have anything to do with salary or grant money? Bottom line for all at those still with MPP, if Rob and Alison keep their jobs and you choose to remain, your silence makes you culpable. Many in the movement won't forget. Is grant money or salary worth that?

Ask yourselves, Did Alison lie to you? Did she lie to the Board? Did she originally want Rob to step down and then change her mind? How much MPP money was paid to the girl as "severance" to stay quiet about the incident? What does your heart tell you?

IN order for MPP to continue, they need to clean house. Rob Kampia and Alison Green must go. Then MPP can get back to restoring their reputation and fixing their organization. But I guess I underestimate the power of the dollars...

Mary Patton

Jan 20 2010, 3:03 pm

Dear Flushhhh,

I have no problem using my real name to comment, and will take full credit for anything I say here. I do not need to hide behind fake postings or aliases, which is more than I can say for you.

Yes, it is true that I did make that one comment on my facebook page, but it does not deny a situation occurred. A situation did occur, as we all know.

However, based on the information I have on it, I stand by that comment and my opinion that it seems to be getting blown out of proportion, and there has indeed been a healthy does of lies and really outrageous rumors that have have been piling up on top of it.

I'm not saying those lies were generated by anyone directly involved. Most of the rumors that are floating around seem to be coming from people who have nothing to do with this issue, but are intent on sensationalizing it.

Due to my proximity, I only had the opportunity to work with one of the MPP-7 closely, and I have great admiration for this person and am really unhappy that this happened. I think I speak for everyone that we are all unhappy that this happened and we all wish it hadn't.

The others I only knew in a limited professional capacity so I did not have an opportunity to get true sense of their personal lives or the problems they may have faced at work. I have not had any contact with anyone who left since their departure as I have chosen to stay out of this issue. I don't doubt they left for reasons they felt were very serious to them. They had their reasons, I am sure... but they are THEIR reasons and THEIR experiences, not mine.

For you to suggest I should walk out simply because I'm female ... or that I'm somehow hurting other women by not standing up for the colleagues that felt harassed, makes me wonder if you believe in the concept of 'innocent until proven guilty?' I do. If evidence surfaces that convinces me that gross misconduct occurred, I will factor it in. But until then, I have chosen not to rush to judgment or get swept up in a mob mentality.

As for me personally, can only act on my own observations and experiences. And based on what I, myself witnessed and my own experience working with Rob, I have not been personally disrespected or offended.

And for what it's worth, I feel confident that the story that was told to me on what happened was an honest one. I definitely got the sense that Rob took responsibility and felt regret and remorse that it happened. I acknowledge that this was a very big and unfortunate blunder and caused a lot of disruption and disappointment. But I feel that the organization is taking appropriate steps to deal with it, and I am satisfied with that. And while Rob may have made a bad decision, which he acknowledges, I have enough respect for his overall body of work over 15 years in the movement, and have tremendous respect for all my other colleagues at MPP, that I am comfortable with my decision to continue working for MPP.

I also feel confident that Rob is committed to making any and all necessary changes to ensure that it never happens again.

I do however, think it's unfortunate that you would accuse me and the rest of the people who remain at MPP of being so feeble minded as to suggest that any of us would ever find gross misconduct by Rob or anyone within any organization acceptable. A charge as serious as rape or lewd behavior would absolutely not be tolerated, but as I understand it, the accusations were not that extreme. And since I have seen no evidence to that extreme, and since my own experiences have not warranted a walk-out, I am choosing to carry on with my work.

Peace,
Mary Patton

ultra

Jan 20 2010, 11:44 am

clearly, rob is not liked. i've met him, and heard stories, and i think he's a jerk. clearly, HT doesn't think much of him either.

anonymous

Jan 20 2010, 9:40 am

Divide and conquer the cannabis community. That ought to help press legalization forward eh? HT?

anon2

Jan 20 2010, 9:29 am

@anonymous

you said "neither you nor I know whether reports of a settlement with one of the aggrieved parties is true, but if true, then that would represent Rob wasting MPP's hard-fundraised money to "fix this"."

and none of us know if you embezled from the company using fake receipts or if but if true that would represent you wasting mpp money

making up rumors and saying we dont know is stupid you can say anything and then say we dont know but if you dont know you are just spreading rumors with no facts liek all the rest

anon2

Jan 20 2010, 8:57 am

@corporateunderwiter

your a liar if your one of the quitters you disgust me willing to lie claming rape sevrence all made up to make up a scandal out of thin air

these are just a few of the quitters with personal gruges against people they worked with trying to destory the mpp is all

you see there behavir lies personal attacks on one after another mpp worker define rape as any intoxication makes it rape openly lied about sevrance and unanimous vote hush money ect

Massachusetts

Jan 20 2010, 6:21 am

Republican Scott Brown took Ted Kennedy's senate seat .
Democrats voted for a republican . What does this tell you ?
Obamacare is going bye bye . Dems are scrambling to change their stances on most everything as a lot of them are up for re-election this fall .
Obams is starting to sound like Bush .

Anonymous

Jan 20 2010, 1:29 am

@another side and an appeal

As another current MPP staffer I have to disagree. I don't think the issue has been oversimplified by the MPP 7, or High Times. Unlike some of the other commenters, I do have enough information to make assumptions and judgments. While there was no "hush money", neither you nor I know whether reports of a settlement with one of the aggrieved parties is true, but if true, then that would represent Rob wasting MPP's hard-fundraised money to "fix this".

And where did you get the information that High Times simply found the MPP 7 of its own accord, and why would you dismiss the idea that the MPP 7 were so disturbed by what happened, and so frustrated by the Board's lack of action in August that they felt they need to speak out and tell the truth?

While you may not have a crisis of morale, there are certainly still staffers at MPP who do, and who have not moved on.

I do agree that I work for an organization doing great things, with great people at my side. And people should continue to donate, as, aside from recent exceptions, the money is very well-spent in creating reform. But I miss some of the other great people who had to leave because they couldn't work for that man anymore.

That shouldn't have happened. They should still be here.

Deep Toke

Jan 20 2010, 12:46 am

Note to Weedward and Bongstien - follow the funding!

anonymous

Jan 20 2010, 12:34 am

Fluusssh....your a fucking idiot. As a woman, your a moron!

flussshhh

Jan 20 2010, 12:05 am

Mary Patton, since you decided to come on here, let's refute your lies real quick.

You say here, "First of all, to "flushhhhh" I have made no claim that this is "not an issue." In fact, I've chosen to say nothing at all."

But on your facebook you say, "oh, it's really a lot of nothing getting entirely blown out of proportion, topped off with a healthy dose of lies from a handful of people who just want to bring us down... but we're not wasting a lot of time paying attention to that garbage, because we have REAL work to do."

Sounds like you are full of it. A direct contradiction that can be easily proved. Like Rob's obvious proclivities to use his position of power over young women for his pleasure. But I guess that's okay cause he brings in the money.

As a woman, don't you understand what you are supporting here? It's pretty ugly any way you slice it, but keep up the lies and spin pretending like you just found out about this article and the comments. LOL! You've been monitoring this from the beginning and Alison too. You guys are fooling nobody with your sock puppet spin. Rob is a sleaze pure and simple and you are his enablers.

corporate underwriter

Jan 19 2010, 11:54 pm

BLAME THE VICTIM!

Rape. Coverup. Payoff. Dissent and unrest from conscientious employees. Little to no response from the board. The MPP 7 come clean. Rob "suspended" for 3 months with counseling. Business continues as usual. Fellow pervert Peter Lewis keeps on sending in the checks. Priceless!

As long as you value money over truth and consequences. Female employees of MPP who know the truth and keep silent are culpable and their betrayal to women's rights in the workplace will never be forgotten by this female in the movement.

P.S. Why do you think this girl hasn't come forward? Fear? Embarrassment? Or just a simple legal document that had to be signed to get the "severance". Our money, meant for pot law reform, instead used to silence a victim who will then be blamed for her abuse. FOR SHAME.

anon2

Jan 19 2010, 11:21 pm

@anothersideanappel

you said "a HT reporter sought these folks out for comment after seeing a high number of job postings in a short period of time on MPP's website"

cant be true

howd ht contact them howd HT know who to contact?

that doesnt even make sense HT saw a few job posts and thy dont just call mpp and ask what up? so they find out who is gone and find there phone numers and call them home instead? i call bullshit on that

anon2

Jan 19 2010, 11:16 pm

another liar saying payoff and sevrance and nondisclouser

you people will say anything wont you

people now posting pretending to know things or jsut trying to say things to start rumors

liars

anon2

Jan 19 2010, 11:13 pm

@blahblahblah

where does it say kampia is on paid leave you made that up theres no source for that info your just another accuser pulling crap out your ass and calling it fact

more lies from the accuser whod have thunk it

marijuana should be legal

Jan 19 2010, 11:08 pm

I know Rob Kampia well, I'm female and I agree with Adrian Curry that he has never raised a red flag regarding being sexually inappropriate. Rob has a lot of enemies. It's sad but typical that among his worst are here within the movement. High Times is not only inaccurate in their desperate reporting, but they also have no respect for the movement. If Rob were a bad person I would be the first to say so and advocate that he leave the movement, but he's not. In contrast, he has built this movement that is now sweeping the country.

High Times - you suck.

blah blah blah

Jan 19 2010, 10:07 pm

Rob Kampia has ruined his own life, if you can call a paid leave of absence "ruination".

The movement to legalize pot will continue unabated....

Get real

Jan 19 2010, 9:32 pm

There's nothing that says it wasn't consensual because her "severance" included a non-disclosure aggreement. Meaning she got paid to not reveal what really happened. Don't you wonder why she hasn't piped up? She can't. She was paid to keep quiet with money meant for legalizing pot. How's that for progress? Shame on the denyers. The truth will be revealed and you will all be exposed for this coverup. It's not one incident anyway folks isn't that apparent? 3 months isn't enough. Rob and Alison must go if you want any more of my money.

Get real

Jan 19 2010, 9:21 pm

what exactly happened?

Jan 19 2010, 8:39 pm

I'm confused. So the dude had sex with a female employee? What's wrong with having sex with a female employee? If both consented (and there's nothing that says she didn't consent) then what's the problem? I understand it's probably not the best idea. However, for High Times to ruin the guys life over it seems more out of line than him having sex with someone. the lude comments he's made about women...anyone can claim anything they want, offer no proof, and then HT decides to end this guy? Now is there more to the story? I've seen comments about rape, that if this is true, then the guy should be arrested and put on trial. For HT to climb into this guys bedroom ala Clinton & Lewinsky, shows a rather tactless/gossipy/vengeful side of the mag that makes me sick and goes against their usual practice of investigating the more positive aspects of the pot movement. Once the guy is convicted of a crime, then spell it out for us. Don't play judge and jury. Remember the idea of innocent until proven guilty...well you skipped the innocent until proven guilty part of that idea. And if I were him, I'd sue for libel on the grounds that it completely dismantles his reputation based on hearsay. As for the cliam, where are the quotes from the woman herself? And if she did consent, what happened that was so awful that she found it necessary to kiss and tell? If there was consent and nothing out of the ordinary happened then then whole thing sounds like he was set up. Sounds like not too many people like this guy and know he's into sex. So setting him up for this would have been pretty easy. Now, if there is more to the story, someone please let us know the details, because nobodies life should be ruined based on a drunken one-night stand where both parties consented to the sex. Please tell me HT isn't that vengeful. There are other ways of having someone removed.

@HU210

Jan 19 2010, 7:43 pm

It was just decided this weekend that Rob would take a 90-day leave of absence. Ya think maybe this article had something to do with that?

Doesn't sound like it was completely resolved to me...

Good Riddance

Jan 19 2010, 6:58 pm

It appears to have just been resolved, with kampia saying, "I just think I'm hyper-sexualized." Maybe he took his cue from Tiger Woods...

HU210

Jan 19 2010, 6:43 pm

This was resolved months ago and now HT(behind the times again!!), decides to beat a dead horse.
Man I'm done buying this rag.

Done With Him!

Jan 19 2010, 6:07 pm

Well, Kampia has stepped down from MPP. So this is OVER!

another side and an appeal

Jan 19 2010, 6:01 pm

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/01/mpps_rob_kampia_taking_three-m.html

A more multi-sided view of this story.

I am a current MPP staffer and feel this issue has been oversimplified on both sides by everyone who doesn't have enough information to be making the kind of assumptions and judgments you are all making. Those of us who stayed are, by and large, still friends with those who left. We understand why they had to leave, and they understand why we had to stay. No one received hush money, and no one left intending to run to the media -- a HT reporter sought these folks out for comment after seeing a high number of job postings in a short period of time on MPP's website. There is no crisis of morale here. Most of us who stayed barely see or hear from Rob on a day-to-day basis because we are a few tiers below him in the chain of command. I work for an organization doing great things, with great people at my side, and as with any job, there are a couple unsavory bits which I weighed against the good bits when I decided to remain at MPP. I don't dismiss the seriousness of what happened, and I don't fault the "MPP 7" for giving their comments, but we that remained moved on from this months ago and have been hard at work reforming marijuana laws in the meantime.

Not Unanimous

Jan 19 2010, 5:55 pm

To: Unanimous

That's because there was no such unanimous resolution. Yet another b.s. claim circulating this thread. Like the one that claims 7 people quit in protest. In reality, person A quit b/c she was embarrassed about sleeping with Rob. Person B quit because he was embarrassed that person A was his ex. Persons C and D quit because they were living with person B and had his back. Person E quit for personal reasons. One person quit solely because Rob's an ass (which he is, like most bosses, but also the best marijuana reformer this country knows). The rest quit because they were uncomfortable with the situation (which is attributable to poor decision making by Rob, and was addressed by the board), or because of completely external factors that coincidentally happened to occur at the time of this incident.
The idea that there was some mass exodus in protest of Rob raping a drunk woman is laughable. But so are most of the people who have been commenting on this for a week.

anonymous

Jan 19 2010, 5:39 pm

In reality...no one fucking cares about this. Replace him and move on. This is getting childish.

anon

Jan 19 2010, 5:32 pm

High Times would do well to at least get two sides of the story.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/01/mpps_rob_kampia_taking_three-m.html#more

Guess the Washington Post cares about news more than titillation.

Unanimous

Jan 19 2010, 5:15 pm

What nobody has explained to me is why the department heads at MPP would vote unanimously to remove Rob from power if he did nothing wrong, or if this was "not a big deal."

Some people want you to believe that 7 people quit their jobs in protest in the middle of the worst job market in modern history, and EVERY SINGLE department head voted to remove Rob from power, but it's "no big deal" what happened...

Seems like the people in the best position to know took a very dim view of Rob and his "leadership" until he used the "nuclear option" of cutting off funds...

Stay classy!

can we get some real news?

Jan 19 2010, 4:52 pm

I commend Mary for being a damned fine american and clearing the air. Everyone else needs to STFU and High Times needs to report on some REAL NEWS and not this bullshit that is meant to divide this issue further. This article has been up for a week now and it does nothing but promote hate and negativity upon a subject that is touchy at best. Now all we need is some crazy antisemetic rant by a moron in a tin foil hat and it will be a "regular" high times comment section. THIS IS BULLSHIT and dare i say that none of us regualr joes give two shits about these accusations. MoveON-dot-hightimes!

Mary Patton

Jan 19 2010, 3:18 pm

Thank you to my friend Victoria for informing me of this thread.

As I stated already on my facebook page, I had no desire to get involved with this gossip, but now that somebody has implicated me, I feel it's my duty to make a statement. And unlike the rest of the people here using anonymous names, I will use my own name and not hide behind a handle.

First of all, to "flushhhhh" I have made no claim that this is "not an issue." In fact, I've chosen to say nothing at all.

I have little first-hand knowledge of this situation because not only was I not there when this happened, I don't even live in the same state to be privvy to any gossip surrounding it. For this I am thankful, because I really do not want to get involved in a problem I know precious little about. Up until today I had only read one article on the subject and decided that was enough for me. I have intentionally avoided all the commentary because I have not felt it was a good use of my time. However, I was surprised to learn that my name had been dragged into this because I am the most removed from the issue at hand.

I have chosen to let the board decide how to handle this issue, and have no intention to become involved in any way beyond that. The only thing I intend to concern myself with is focusing on the job of marijuana reform. This is what I am committed to and will not allow other people's disputes to prevent me from doing my job.

I do feel bad for the people involved in the dispute. I was as disappointed as anyone to learn of their departure and sad to see them go. But their issue is not mine, so I have chosen to let everyone handle their issues amongst themselves.

As for me personally, if I ever felt that I was being treated disrespectfully by Rob or anyone at work, I too would address it and/or leave, but this has not been my experience. I have not felt disrespected, nor have I ever been treated poorly by anyone at MPP. In fact, I have thoroughly enjoyed working for MPP and admire my colleagues very much.

I wish the best for all involved -- both my friends at MPP who left, and the ones who remain. I certainly would like everyone to come to a satisfactory resolution and settle their disputes as this whole situation is difficult for everyone.

I have nothing further to say about this situation, so for those who want to keep asking me about it, my answer remains the same. It is not my issue, and I really do not know enough about it to comment further. I have nothing more to say, and I do not intend to get caught up in it when I have far too much work to focus on in order to move this cause forward in whatever way I can. I will let those involved do what they feel they need to do to resolve it and hope for the best possible outcome for this issue and for the movement in general.

Peace,
Mary Patton

tod

Jan 19 2010, 3:12 pm

@flush

250 comments, from the same tiny group of people with axes to grind and rumors to obsess over. Don't flatter yourselves, you're a tiny little echo chamber who already disliked the MPP and are using rumors as an excuse to rant.

I love the constant "you're bad women for not helping slander this guy" line of reasoning. You assume he's guilty based on innuendo and a bunch of bitter activist rumors, and anyone who disagrees is evil. Nice little bubble of a world you live in, and thank God you live there rather than spend more time in the normal world with sane people.

anon420

Jan 19 2010, 2:30 pm

flush is right. rob is a creep. at the end of the day in the real world you will often times end up working for a creep. that is how the world functions.

rob didn't "get away" with anything, and i would say that based on the repercussions of his actions he will not be sleeping with any staffers in the future.

the MPP does good work, enough to certainly offset the fact that the guy who is a creep is in charge.

flushhhhh

Jan 19 2010, 12:47 pm

Love it how Alison and Mary from MPP keep coming on here saying how this is not an issue. 250 comments later it seems like it might be. How does it feel to be running the cover-up for a habitual offender and sexual predator like Rob? I hope the money is worth it, because if you knew in your heart he was that way, and yet continued to justify the behavior because "well, gee, he's just like that, and she shoulda known better, and it was consensual, and blah blah blah" then we all know exactly what to think of you. Selling out other females for your own career gains? Shame on any woman that thinks Rob's not at least, a creep and at worst, a criminal. How can you ladies sleep at night supporting him and his admitted behavior?

nunya

Jan 19 2010, 11:20 am

The MPP is a fraud. Don't buy into their propaganda, they want it all for themselves. You will be ashamed if they get what they want.

anon2

Jan 19 2010, 9:05 am

do us all a favor anonimos stop acting like everyone just doesnt know what rape is and your so inlightened and here to teach us cause your not

we get what rape is we also get what its NOT

the problem is you got it in your head this guys guilty and you are willing to convict him in court of public opinion no matter what the truth is

someone disagrees with you? they must just support rape then is that it? someone thinks the guy deserves not to be called guilty based on rumors from a few people? they must not know what rape is then is that it? someone calls bullshit on a comment section full of claims that even totally willing sex while intoxicated is still rape? they must support rape culture then is that it?

i know what aquantance rape is, i know what rape is, and i know what consetual sex is so i dont need an idiot who cant tell the difernce acting like schools in

jack

Jan 19 2010, 8:59 am

It sucks that a guy in charge of one of the bigger voices for the cause turned out to be an ass pincher, so to speak.

Oh well, there are other pot related charities to donate to.

While I'm here, fuck scott brown(two toilet related names btw.) if he wins the senate seat then healthcare reform will be fucked, and so will many other important votes down the line. Then the dream of free medical marijuana for everyone will be pushed back even further, if not forever. Never vote for republicans, they are owned balls to bone by corporate evil, and will always be on the wrong side of good things. Vote for the other one, martha whats her name there, or even the independant, but not the republican.

HU210

Jan 19 2010, 7:31 am

Carter didnt have a drug czar. The term was coined in 1982 by Joe Biden, no less!

The office of Director of National Drug Control Policy is colloquially known as the "Drug Czar", a term first used in the media by then-Senator Joe Biden in October 1982.

We really won't see cannabis legalization under this administration.

Mass .

Jan 19 2010, 7:26 am

ok people , pay attention !

Vote for Brown and shoot Obamacare down .
Democrats voting for a Republican ! What does that tell you ?

Mama?.....Papa?

Jan 19 2010, 7:25 am

This man obviously is possessed by the spirit of Don Juan.

hueman50

Jan 19 2010, 12:11 am

Shit - I thought this was about weed! I can read "Perverted Society" on my own time.

HU210

Jan 18 2010, 11:11 pm

@ ?, Yes, in the spirit of the First Amendment. Dissent is fine with me. But this article ='Yellow journalism"!!

HighInAmerica

Jan 18 2010, 10:44 pm

Hey this is nothing new peoples. I read a book High in America about Keith Stroup and NORMl and it told how Stroup actually, believe it or not, NARKED OUT Jimmy Carter's drug czar and by doing that Stroup ruined our chances for federal legalization of marijuana when Carter was president. Seems like a lot of the people who make money in the socalled legalization movement are pervs, cons, feds, greedheads, etc. Totally sucks. Kampia, what a tool.

MazingerZ

Jan 18 2010, 9:44 pm

Rob Kampia is a saint compared to Ethan Nadelmann, the true master of self-aggrandizement. Back when Nadelmann headed up the Soros-funded Lindesmith Center, basically his own personal PR shop, he used his influence with Soros to withhold funding to the Drug Policy Foundation (DPF).

After forcing DPF into destitution he "merged" with them under extreme duress, fired all their staff, and used the large DPF membership built up over years as the basis for the Drug Policy Alliance. I guess he technically did not "steal" their member list like Kampia allegedly did with NORML, but Nadelmann still has a lot of nerve to travel the country, preaching to the choir about "building a movement." What a crock.

This is Ethan Nadelmann's MO: wait until drug policy reform reaches a critical tipping point thanks to the hard work of grassroots activists and true leaders, then swoop in and take credit. When then-Gov Gary Johnson championed drug policy reform in New Mexico, DPA opened an office to ride his coattails. When then-Gov. McGreevey of NJ expressed his intent to institute needled exchange, DPA opened an office in Trenton to take credit for that.

Trust me, if marijuana legalization were imminent in Nebraska, there would be a DPA office in Omaha opened a week before it actually happened. Nadelmann is a master at taking credit were none is due. Just ask Dennis Peron, co-author of Proposition 215 and leader of the grassroots movement that made it all happen. Yes, Nadelmann threw some Soros money at the initiative towards the end. He's quite good at funding efforts about to come to fruition so that he can take credit for them and fundraise around them.

When it comes to real start-to-finish work he bungles it, like the recent NORA treatment instead of incarceration ballot initiative in CA. The guy is a total weasel, as anyone who read the fine print could easily figure out. If you want to legalize marijuana, just be upfront about it, don't hide it in the fine print. How can anyone fuck up a treatment instead of incarceration initiative? It's not exactly a hard sell. The man could not manage his way out of a paper bag.

As for the comments about doing the movement a disservice by airing dirty laundry, anyone who donates to DPA is throwing their money away anyway. If anything, Nadelmann slows down reform by granting the opposition the opportunity to claim that Soros-funded carpetbaggers are behind local grassroots initiatives.

I don't care if Rob Kampia fucks sheep. He does good work. Period.

to the 9:16 post

Jan 18 2010, 9:38 pm

Are you implying that Rob poured drinks down her throat? Your post suggest pre-meditation and planning when it says they they "use intoxicants" ... so, do you think that Rob "used intoxicants" to render his victim unconscious intentionally? Or maybe she may have had a hand in her own decision to drink?

Also, nobody knows the level of intoxication -- many of you assume she was passed out and incoherent in a puddle of her own vomit or something. But do you know that for a fact? Did Rob peel her off the floor of the bar and drag her by her hair to his house? Or, could the possibility also exist that she only had a couple of drinks and was still walking, talking (and doing whatever people do behind doors) just fine?

Like somebody else said before, there are lots of assumptions and allegations being made and now we have the this one that implies Rob "used intoxicants" as if to absolve the woman of all personal responsibility in her own intoxication (be it mild intoxication or heavy intoxication - nobody really knows).

anonymous

Jan 18 2010, 9:16 pm

No wonder so few women work in drug policy reform. Some of the people commenting here should really read this:

http://yesmeansyesblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/12/meet-the-predators/

We need to spot the rapists, and we need to shut down the social structures that give them a license to operate. They are in the population, among us. They have an average of six victims, women that they know, and therefore likely some women you know. They use force sometimes, but mostly they use intoxicants. They don’t accidentally end up in a room with a woman too drunk or high to consent or resist; they plan on getting there and that’s where they end up.

Listen. The women you know will tell you when the men they thought they could trust assaulted them; if and only if they know you won’t stonewall, deny, blame or judge. Let them tell you that they got drunk, and woke up with your buddy on top of them. Listen. Don’t defend that guy. That guy is more likely than not a recidivist. He has probably done it before. He will probably do it again.

anon2

Jan 18 2010, 9:14 pm

also sex between coworkres is not just wrong any way i look at it boss or not it always depends

someone posted michelle obama and obama or bill gates well i dont think those were wrong any way you look at it someone tell me those were wrong and why

adults have sex and if a worker and boss want to have sex or datae its not always jsut wrong it depends

saying its wrong no matter what is like saying its rape no matter what and thats not true and just another extream claim you cant toss out claim rape then say well not rape but consentual sex with the boss is wrong do you regret saying rape when you dont no and now its maybe just consentual sex with the boss?

i hope anyone grabing there pichfork and yelling its rape get the experence of accuesed of sex crimes in the public see if you think its so fun to have the public call you a rapist and scumbag from reading an article do you think youd like that? i bet not

anon2

Jan 18 2010, 9:05 pm

the problem was in telling another woman she disgusts you and other hateful comments and claiming making bad irrrational decisions is the same as not being able to consent

a woman to drunk to resist or unsure of whats happenign or thinks a guy is another guy are obvious rape, but nobod says that happened

not knowing the facts means people should stop saying the guys guilty and acting like a mindless mob and adding there own false facts of payoffs and what not its wrong and if you find out the sex was consentual will people regret making such terible accusations? no they will just go silent as usual and nobody will make amends i bet

one of the best groups legalizing cannibis is beign shredded in the media and that hurts everyone, saying its a problem waiting to blow up is stupid when it was delt with and seems to have worked so the only blow up is these former staff raising it again and making vage claims in public then letting you all run crazy with wild theories

everyone saying if 7 people quit they must have reason its laughible they could all have been as ingnorant of facts as everyone here and anyway you only know why the people in this article quit you dont know the otehrs reasons accept why these people claim the others quit its the word of 4 people in the article and is there any evidence?

UNION STRIKE

Jan 18 2010, 8:32 pm

Next time they want to quit because of a boss at least make sure everyone is going to walk out. a few can be replaced but its hard to replace everyone at once. This is why the union workers do it. You just get better results that way.

@anon 7:37 PM

Jan 18 2010, 8:27 pm

Really, a witch hunt is not a good idea. for all of you dragging other names into this it seems better to keep their names out of it, right? Some names i've heard before (marc emery, jack herrer), some not (sharyl shuman, alison green) but i'm sure everyone has something in their history that somebody else wants to bitch about kbut villanizing them all doesn't help shit.

Instead of comparing everybody's reputation, maybe judge them on what they've done for legalization. this has been a good year, mostly bcuz of the work those people are doing and it seems like you all want to road block em by taking them down and talking smak. thats not cool. which one of you is with the DEA, man?

leave them alone. everybodys guilty of something.

@Mooseflem

Jan 18 2010, 8:08 pm

tru dat - quittin only hurts the quitters. MPp will keep goin on but all those guys have to be unemployed and look for jobs when they aint none

anonymous

Jan 18 2010, 8:02 pm

it wold be nice to hear fom all the 7 employees cuz Rob's email said 4. who are the other 3, and how do we know they all left for the same reason? maybe they left for other reasons like other jobs or school or moving this all sounds vague to me

Mooseflem

Jan 18 2010, 8:00 pm

First off someone should have kicked Kampia right in the nuts then told him to lay the fuck off then... instead of quiting and being more of a loser they should have dealt with the matter face to face and confront Kampia with all issue's at hand.This kinda shit go's on a lot in the world ya gotta fight back in some way cause quit'n ain't the answer.

anonymous

Jan 18 2010, 7:37 pm

well hell, why don't we just start dragging ALL the marijuana advocates through the mud while we're at it... that'll be brilliant for the cause!

Has anyone looked into the background of Cheryl Shuman, Exec Director of Beverly Hills NORML? Apparently there are some skeletons in her closet too. Google her sometime to see the restraining orders. Type her name into YouTube sometime to watch the videos from people talking about her being a cyber stalker. Lets forget what all these people are doing for the movement and just focus on the negative -- real productive.

Rob is guilty of being a single man who, like most single men, is attracted to single women. Sticking his foot in his mouth in front of other employees when he speaks admirably about attractive women may be poor taste, and having sex with somebody he works with, even if she was willing, may not be the best idea (ever hear the saying, "don't shit where you eat?"). But to act like he's some criminal is laughable. Look into anyone's actions hard enough and you can dig up some kind of dirt that you can scrutinize and judge. But why?

Are the rest of you PERFECT? Are you all so superior that you've never, at least ONCE in your life woken up the next day realizing you regretted your actions from the night before? I've done it. Most people I know have. Happens all the time. But regretting your willing participation is an entirely different animal from accusing somebody of rape or any variation of the definition of rape (date rate, acquaintance rape, "coersion" ....whatever...)

Ah, but I'm sure all you perfectly puritan potheads here have NEVER done anything that you thought was a good idea at the time.... but it wasn't. No, no... not anyone HERE.

Get off your high horse people. Let He Who Is Without Sin Cast The First Stone.

This debate is unproductive -- can't we all just get a bong?

wow

Jan 18 2010, 7:11 pm

based on that supposed definition of rape, I guess that means I've been raped about 90% of my sexual life... since most would not argue that alcohol can increase the libido, I tend to have more sex after a couple drinks than when stone cold sober. Now, silly me, I thought I was wanting it, I thought I was encouraging it, I thought I enjoyed it... but all this time I was apparently unable to make a rational decision to consent to getting it on when I felt the desire to.

Who knew? I guess I have a LOT of charges to file against my husband and many previous boyfriends. And perhaps I should get some therapy since I'm a victim of serial "acquaintance rape"

@ anon2 and tod

Jan 18 2010, 7:07 pm

I think you're misunderstanding the point of my comment. I'm talking about a woman being "too drunk" and therefore in a situation she would otherwise never put herself. Perhaps my earlier statement wasn't well articulated but the fact still remains that women who are too drunk to make rational decisions are taken advantage of all the time, and by all accounts that constitutes rape. That's what happened to me. It wasn't a conscious decision I made and later regretted. I was taken advantaged of by someone that was well aware I wasn't interested in having sex with them when I was half passed out. You might not consider this to be the traditional definition of rape. But if you read the article, there are theorists and experts on the subject that do. And yes, I would look the person that did this to me in the eyes and tell him he raped me.

I can acknowledge that I was projecting my own experience unto this situation. But the fact that 7 staffers left the organization indicates it was more than just an issue of consensual sex that the young woman later regretted. My response was in reaction to a group of staffers leaving in protest and that the word "predatory" was used by one of them to describe Kampia's behavior.

Everyone, myself included, is reacting prematurely. I wonder when High Times plans to release the more detailed story, because at this point we're all just speculating. I'm also curious as to whether or not Kampia is going to speak out on this issue. Not knowing any of the real facts behind the "sex scandal" I would say that he should not have had sex with a young woman that worked for him regardless. Forget about the semantics or the definitions of what is rape and what isn't rape. That was wrong no matter how you look at it.

Jan 18 2010, 6:36 pm

What message? That dissent will not be tolerated? That a major potential liability to the legalization movement should not be brought to light?

HU210

Jan 18 2010, 6:04 pm

Send HT a loud message. Cancel your subscription!! Leave the March 2010 issue on the newsstands!

:o)

Jan 18 2010, 6:01 pm

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz s n o r e zzzzzzz

ironic....

Jan 18 2010, 5:49 pm

It's beyond Ironic that most of the people bitching and moaning over this probably voted for and supported Bill Clinton. That is irony for ya!

@astroboy

Jan 18 2010, 4:10 pm

My comment was not to make a wild claim that people's jobs, pay, or raises were necessarily affected by their reactions to Rob's advances. My point was simply that when a boss with ultimate authority over these things makes advances to an employee, it could be perceived as pressuring or coercive given the power dynamic.

Also, obviously seven people's jobs WERE affected in that they felt unable to continue working for him.

kinder

Jan 18 2010, 3:39 pm

KARMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tod

Jan 18 2010, 3:36 pm

Sorry High Times, but you promote marijuana use (don't deny it, of course you do). Using marijuana intoxicates people. If they have sex while intoxicated, they are being raped.

Also, was Kampia also drunk? If so, didn't the woman rape him as well? If both were drunk, both willingly had sex but couldn't consent, both would be guilty of rape in your scenario.

tod

Jan 18 2010, 3:31 pm

So if a woman is drunk and willingly has sex, even if she wakes up the next day happy about it and says she willingly had sex, you'd tell her she's wrong and she was raped? You'd argue the point with her and insist she was unable to consent even if she told you your full of shit because she consented and is happy it happened? Or does your theory only apply if she wakes up and is unhappy about it, even if the identical situation transpired the night before?

If your one of the people making these accusations, your credibility is fucked.

gstlab3

Jan 18 2010, 3:20 pm

JUST FROM THE LOOKS OF THIS FELLOW I CAN PRETTY MUCH GUARANTEE YOU THAT HE IS A PERVERTED LITTLE WOMANIZER.,
AND DOES COMING TO "WORK" HIGH EVEN COUNT AT THIS PLACE?
I BET YOU IT IS A PERPETUAL PARTY AND THE GUY IS MOST LIKELY ON THE HARD STUFF TOO!!!!

I REALLY HOPE THEY "DO NOT" HAVE A CASE AND SUE THE PANTIES OFF THE THE LITTLE BUGGER.,
WHERE WOULD THE MMP GROUP BE WITHOUT THE DIEHARD LEADERSHIP HE OBVIOUSLY PROVIDES ????!!!!

tired

Jan 18 2010, 2:46 pm

Is someone going to say what actually happened? Seriously. It is extremely bizarre that High Times did a story about a sex scandal but didn't say what the scandal actually is about. If seven people quit over something, they obviously know what happened. Can't they come on here and give their story??? If it's big enough to quit over, they should tell their story. Can't MPP come on here and say what happened? I'm tired of vague accusations.

astroboy

Jan 18 2010, 2:21 pm

@Ummm

Where does anyone claim in the article peoples jobs or raises were affected? Another bogus claim. People are just making shit up off the top of their heads now and posting it here. Oh, people's jobs and pay were affected! Oh, the people who quit got hush money! Oh, monkeys flew out my butt! The lies are piling up pretty fast here.

Just saying.

anon2

Jan 18 2010, 2:16 pm

"You're essentially supporting rape culture. You're giving men an excuse to take advantage of women who are too intoxicated to make rational decisions, and that is not ok. Women like you disgust me."

your comments make no distinction between being drunk and being "too drunk"

you treat any intoxication as inherently making consent impossible, and in the process are exactly the sort of person who causes so much destruction for rape victims by your attempt to blur actual instances of rape with someone regretting having sex after the fact

you intentionally lie to distort the other post, claiming it said voluntarily getting drunk means any sex afterward was "consentual" when it never said that

if a woman drinks and is intoxicated and wants to have sex with someone else and agrees to have sex and has sex, for you to say that this is the same as if the woman drank alcohol and passed out and was then sexually assaulted, is a vile insult to women who have actually been raped while drunk

you are telling every woman who was forced into sex or was taken advantage of while passed out/in a stupor that their experience is the same as a woman who goes to a club, gets drunk, and goes home with a man and wants to have sex with the man and agrees to have sex with the man and does have sex with him but later wishes she hadn't done so

look every male you know in the eye and inform them that they raped every woman they ever had sex with while drunk

tell your boyfriend or husband that every time the two of you drank alcohol and you were in any way intoxicated that he raped you if the two of you had sex

i want to know how many of the 7 people who quit agree with you that having sex with someone who is intoxicated is inherently rape since intoxication inherently prevents consent

i want to know which if any of the 7 people who quit are willing to post their names here in agreement with your insane definition of rape, and if they are willing to stand by that definition as it applies to every person, including them

do people do things while drunk they might not do otherwise? do they do things they regret later? yes

would you dare say a guy who commits rape while drunk cant be held accountable because he was intoxicated? would you claim he couldnt rationally have controled his action or made informed decision? of course not, because that's stupid ridiculous lie

Sexxxy ho

Jan 18 2010, 1:54 pm

Who would want to have sex with that guy? He's so ugly. gimme a break.

@ I suspect hypocrisy

Jan 18 2010, 1:44 pm

As a woman who has been taken advantage of while under the influence of alcohol by someone I never would have had sex with had I been sober, I am insulted at your suggestion that me voluntarily getting drunk and then engaging in sex means it was consensual. You obviously don't understand the real meaning of the word consensual and you clearly have been living in a bubble because there's a term for that and it's called acquaintance rape.

Here's a summary so you can actually learn a little something:

Another factor in the reluctance of the criminal justice system to pursue acquaintance rape cases is that alcohol is often involved. One study found that 75 percent (75%) of the males and 50 percent (50%) of the females involved in college campus acquaintance rapes had been drinking when the sexual assault occurred (Bohmer & Parrot, 1993). Social standards condemn individuals for getting drunk and place blame on them when they are raped while drinking any alcohol, regardless of whether they were intoxicated at the time of the assault. In reality, whether the victim is drinking or not, the simple act of saying "no" means just that no consent has been given. *If the victim is intoxicated, then there can be no capacity to consent.* However, the voluntary intoxication of an offender cannot be used as a legal defense for committing the crime of sexual assault.

Actually, you should read the entire article from The National Center for Victims of Crime. It might also explain why it's difficult for women who experience this to press charges:

http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32306

You're essentially supporting rape culture. You're giving men an excuse to take advantage of women who are too intoxicated to make rational decisions, and that is not ok. Women like you disgust me.

To: 'shut up alison green'

Jan 18 2010, 1:32 pm

Oh god, now it's Alison's head you want? Seriously, don't you have anything better to do with your time than to sit and bad mouth the good people at MPP all day?

SOMEBODY on this board sounds a little disgruntled and butt-hurt. Did you get fired from MPP at some point, or something? Your charm and team spirit make it hard for me to imagine WHY they wouldn't want you there.

Get a life.

Ummm

Jan 18 2010, 1:19 pm

A relationship or consensual hook-up with one co-worker is much different than a boss who repeatedly uses his position of ultimate hiring, firing, and salary authority to proposition new employees, interns, and lower-level employees for sex. Rob seems to fit the second one.

Just saying.

i suspect hypocrisy

Jan 18 2010, 12:31 pm

I wonder if those who called for Rob's head also called for or would have called for the following to step down:

*Michelle Obama, who was Obama's mentor at their law firm
*Bill Clinton, for sexual encounters with a staffer, not for lying or cheating on his wife
*David Letterman, who in addition to cheating on a wife with colleagues, also started dating his wife when she worked for him. I heard no outrage about that.
*Bill Gates, whose wife Melinda was a unit manager for Mircosoft products
*CBS president Les Moonves who dated and later married CBS Early Show reporter Julie Chen

An instance of consensual sex and perhaps some language is not reason enough to summarily get rid of the person who is currently the most effective marijuana policy reform leader in the country, without even a warning and chance to abide by a new policy. It's telling that there are no allegations of any problems since August, indicating that the actions that were taken, including new policies, were enough to stop any problems.

By the way, as a woman, I am insulted by suggestions that willingly having sex after one voluntarily gets drunk is not consent. How patronizing. If it weren't, then I'd be a rape victim and a rapist, as, I suspect, would most other American adults, probably including most of the posters who have sex lives.

SHUT UP ALISON GREEN

Jan 18 2010, 10:38 am

Stop w/the stupid lies already IS ALISON "EVIL" GREEN...

It's painfully clear, and a pathetic attempt to keep this whole thing under wraps and make it sound like less of an issue than it actually was. Even in the most generous telling of this story, it's unforgivable that it happened. A female employee who was intoxicated should never have been put in this position by her boss, who is more than twice her age!

Alison, you should really take your own advice and stop with the lies already.

A Menber

Jan 18 2010, 10:35 am

Well I dont care what two adults do in there bedrooms, nor should any one. If there was a crime, he would have been busted and held forever. If a few people want to take down MPP those people should be band from working in any work of this type. My life literly counts on what Mpp is doing we need Mpp to help us in the Narko state of N.H. So lets not forget what the bottom line is here Mpp is a life saver to hunderds of sick and dying. Now grow the f up and get over your selves and don't try to hurt the sick and dying . What your trying to do is far worse then a consentual get together or what ever is between them.

@ SWTL

Jan 18 2010, 10:17 am

Sounds like you know an awful lot about the people quoted in this article and the situation at MPP. If so, maybe you could contact the High Times reporters for the follow-up story ... Putting a name and relationship to MPP with your specific comments might be really helpful in determining if you actually have any first-hand knowledge of this or are completely full of shit.

freethehumans

Jan 18 2010, 7:49 am

the only authority you have is yourself, doing anything that guy in the picture says would be laughable.

HAHAHA

Jan 18 2010, 7:44 am

HE certainly fits the part. LOL. MPp is an organization. united nations aint really united an the orginizations aint really organizzed, ricki ticki tavi mongoose has gone, wont be comming round to kill your snakes no more my love. YOU have to kill the snakes, orginizations cant do that for you.

Silent Majority

Jan 18 2010, 6:17 am

NON -story . Mountains out of molehills .
Ok move along folks .. nothing to see here .

stop w/ the stupid lies already!

Jan 18 2010, 4:31 am

I've talked to numerous people close to this incident and I was very concerned myself at first. But after talking to the people involved, I came to the conclusion that a few incidences of poor language and one incident of consensual sex is a minor cause for concern and can be dealt with with appropriate disciplinary measures and training, which the organization is taking.

I'm not calling the employees liars. I am calling the people commenting on this board who are making claims of pay outs, oppression, rape, abuse, MPP being a for-profit company and all that nonsense liars. Regarding the employees, while they may not be lying it does seem as if a couple of them are over-reacting a tad in my opinion, and hurting the movement by trying to air this dirty laundry in the media like its some kind of major scandal. I don't think it is a major scandal. I think it's a few inappropriate comments, and one act of consensual sex from a willing participant. Not entirely professional, but given the majority of the good work MPP & Rob has done, I'm willing to give things a chance to be rectified before trying to dismantle an organization that is making progress.

Rob admitted some of it was true. He had relations with an employee, and may have said a few things people haven't liked. But there are many other accusations from the peanut gallery flying around here that are not true, and yes, I am calling them liars.

For the woman who slept with Rob, it was her choice as much as his. Sure, Rob is going to be held to a different standard because he is the boss, but she is also a grown woman capable of making decisions, and she made the decision to sleep with him. There were no allegations of force.

For the guy who got angry with Rob for sleeping with his ex girlfriend, well, I can understand he'd be upset. I'm not defending it, but they WERE broken up, so like everyone who breaks up with somebody, one has to get used to the fact that your ex is now single and free to sleep with whomever she wants to sleep with. And she did.

And though I understand why he would want to quit, I think its generally unnecessary to drag other staff members into your personal drama, which is what happened when his two closest buddies at the company followed close behind. (Those two buddies also happen to be his roommates so I'm told... this was like a frat boy revolt against Rob). They were the original "four" referred to in Rob's original email if I'm not mistaken.

The others that followed were the ladies in this article who had taken prior offense to Rob's language, and only felt like bringing it up with management after the sexual encounter happened.

In any case, they made their decision to leave, and now they want to take everyone at MPP down with them, and undermine the progress being made. Shame it has to go there when all this energy could be better used furthering the cause rather than focused on a bunch of personal drama.

I'd really like to see more solidarity within the movement instead of so much rivalry and mud-slinging. But while I'm waiting for that to happen, I'm going to continue supporting MPP because I believe they are poised to really make strides, and I favor progress over prosecution.

Tony

Jan 18 2010, 4:24 am

are you kidding me

195 people commented on this article

im not reading all this

who cares

i dont read any article that i have to scroll down to finnish

im impatient and pist i need shorter articles

i dont like to read

im boycotting articles i have to read

let me see some pictures of the misconduct

i can piece it together with some pictures

again i aint readin this shit

high

Jan 18 2010, 2:03 am

www.misshightimes.com/users/dizzle

knowledge is power

Jan 17 2010, 10:22 pm

Love the spin Alison and Stacia but the truth is you work for a jerk who took advantage of a drunk employee. Do you really think this hasn't been a pattern of behavior from him for a long time? Clean house or you will be swept out with the rest of the trash.

MPP Board, do the right thing! Drop Kampia and spin meister/partner in crime Alison Green.

@ SWTL

Jan 17 2010, 10:21 pm

So you're calling the 7 employees who left because of the behavior they observed from Rob "liars"? You sound like you know these people. Have you told them this to their faces? Have you told every single department head that they were wrong to ask Rob to resign?

It's really sad that you say stop with the lies, then spout paragraphs about something you know nothing about.

Maybe you should go on the record with what you "know" about Rob. At least the people in the article did that. You can contact them; their names are out there; this isn't a bunch of anonymous sources. Hell, HT even quoted an email to the staff list from Rob calling these people "good employees." HT asked Rob for comment and he admitted some of it was true, but didn't confirm or deny any of the specific details.

HU210

Jan 17 2010, 10:11 pm

HT should change its name to Enquirer Times. Lets get 200 posts on this non story.

EarthMama

Jan 17 2010, 9:47 pm

Sounds like another failed extortion plot ala David Letterman.

"oh REALLY? you had sex with a such-and-such employee? well, if you don't want me to go public with THAT story, then I demand you give me [fill in blank here]."

Looks like the people attempting to get what they wanted out of Rob failed to get what they wanted and took it to the "big story" to the media.

Big story? Big deal! Like Letterman and countless others before him who have been "outed" for having consensual sex with a co-worker, this news shall pass because it's barely newsworthy at all. Snooze.

I don't really care who sleeps with whom - all I really care about is getting the laws changed. As long as MPP keeps doing what they do ... and as long as Rob minds his p's and q's a bit to be more sensitive to the ones who may be easily offended (which I can't imagine would be that hard for him... he's always been professional in my presence) then I'll keep sending my donations to them.

anonymous

Jan 17 2010, 9:14 pm

Oh gee, a few people had to listen to some crude dude talk at the office? I know we all know we're all NOT supposed to do that, but I have to say, every single office I've worked in I've witnessed it going on. I've worked in some pretty high profile places might I add, and not everyone is perfectly and prudishly professional.

It could very well be that I just 'happened' to work at the only places on earth where a little bit of crude language, or a bit of inter-office dating occurs... but I doubt it. It happens everywhere.

This is a whole lotta hoopla over nothing.

Can't we all just get back to the job at hand and stay focused on reform... this is a really needless distraction over a big fat NON-controversy.

stop w/ the stupid lies already!

Jan 17 2010, 9:06 pm

...from the people I talked to who know her personally -- she also admitted that it was consensual to MPP staffers.

There IS a reason she's not pressing charges.

????

Jan 17 2010, 8:58 pm

"She readily admits her part in this privately..."

Where do you get this from???

stop w/ the stupid lies already!

Jan 17 2010, 7:47 pm

From reading these comments, I can tell a few of you have a personal axe to grind because of your difference of opinion on how to proceed in marijuana policy.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion on the best approach to achieve the ultimate goal, but to slander Rob and spread lies is a cowardly way to try to take him down. Just because his approach has been getting more support from people like Peter Lewis, you feel the need to take pot shots at him? Well, maybe Peter Lewis would support YOUR agenda if you had a good one. But the reason he supports Rob is he approves of his vision and strategic plan for moving toward reform. Above all else, that is why MPP is the highest funded reform org: because Peter believes that any business or organization's key to success is good leadership. This was how he himself turned Progressive into a massive success. If your organization is so great, or your vision so superior to Rob's then nothing is stopping any of you from presenting it to wealthy supporters to see if they care to fund your vision. Rob's personal conduct and crude language may be an issue (which I trust will prove to be a priority for improvement in that area), but his vision and leadership of the organization has been strong enough to maintain the support of many wonderful people, including Mr. Lewis.

But just because Rob is leading in that area by getting intelligent, successful donors to support his strategy does not mean you should try to remove him simply because you can't come up with a better plan. That's a cheap way to try to topple your competition.

The lies that are being reported here only lead me to believe that your issue is simply personal, and based on a disagreement in political strategy more than anything -- For the person who keeps whining about NV and AZ... if your plan is so much better see if YOU can get it funded. But the great minds and fat wallets who support Rob's approach do it because they believe his approach is the most realistic path to progress.

There was no "hush money" offered to anyone. That is just simply a LIE. The people who left, left on their own accord and clearly didn't get paid any of MPP's money to keep quiet because they are certainly NOT being quiet to be quoted in this article. The girl who is the subject of this controversy can speak up if she wants to but she's choosing to remain anonymous out of pure shame and humiliation for what happened. She readily admits her part in this privately -- she willingly participated in sex with not just Rob but others within the company. She's no prude or victim... she was a willing participant. To assume she's some saint who was pressured into having sex is a grand leap. You don't know her. She may just be as horny as the next guy and then felt embarrassed by it when the shit hit the fan with the "ex." For all any of us know, she wanted to make the ex jealous by sleeping with the boss and then called him the next day to rub his nose in it. Hey, any of these scenarios are possible... Since none of you know the real story, then you should withhold judgment and stick to the facts.

The fact is, consensual sex occurred. That is something that the two people who actually engaged in the act itself agree upon. Others surrounding the issue are trying to fill in the gaps with their own assumptions. Sure, Rob has probably said a few crude things to people. But having a history of crude language does not equal being a rapist or "predator."

NO HUSH MONEY WAS PAID. Show some proof of this statement before you present it as fact. You can't because it did not happen.

MPP is not a "corporation" ... it's just stupid that that is even one of the accusations because it's pretty easy to see they file a 501(c)3 for the Foundation which is non-profit and offers tax deductions for donations given. The lobbying arm, a 501(c)4 cannot be written off, but neither can my contributions to the Obama campaign or any other politician... don't be stupid. You only lose your own credibility when you cite ridiculous claims like that.

They're not "wasting" money on parties -- they use their events as fundraisers and the money they raise goes directly to furthering their initiatives on Capitol Hill.

The good people at MPP work very hard and are completely transparent and forthcoming about where every dime goes.

Whatever your issue is with Rob, the organization is a great one and is well-funded for a reason.

You are all free to disagree with Rob's vision. You are also free to dislike him as a person. But to spread lies makes you an active participant in taking the entire movement back... making YOU a big part of the problem.

ninjasmoker

Jan 17 2010, 7:47 pm

So what? Sure it looks bad for the department but this occurs everywhere, so I'm not sure why its newsworthy.

Check out www.theweedblog.com. We take a realistic view of this issue.

umm

Jan 17 2010, 4:21 pm

It isn't nice to judge.

If this video doesn't warm the prohibitionists' cold hearts, I don't know what will. Lets pray the Haitians in the video are ok.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh7D2g5v-Sg

Re: The Gala

Jan 17 2010, 4:19 pm

Since Jan4Hemp is apparantly unfamiliar with the idea of a "fundraiser," allow me. See Jan, at a fundraiser organizations raise funds. In other words, people give the organization money. In this case, hundreds of people. We're talking people ranging from celebs, dispensary owners who wouldn't be in business if not for MPP, congressmen, and everyday people like you and me (well, maybe not like you). Also, fundraisers can be sponsored, meaning other organizations pay a lot of money for the ability to advertise at the event.
In other words, MPP didn't "spend thousands of dollars," throwing a party - they made money. And you know what? They'll spend that money lobbying legislators for better laws which is more than you're doing.

Dr. Weed

Jan 17 2010, 3:54 pm

The public enmity displayed here by so many of the noters on this thread makes a great case for marijuana destroying one's brain cells (or at least one's judgment.)

A Canadian

Jan 17 2010, 3:18 pm

Too bad Rob Kampia couldn't just prorogue.

umm

Jan 17 2010, 3:06 pm

One of the problems I see in the states and on tv is the over emphasis on copulation. Sure it is great in the right circumstances, but lets face it, if a person thinks with their genitals, male or female, no good will ever become of it. Alcohol makes people do stupid things. It stopped my heart 3 times in the early nineties. I haven't drank alcohol now for over 15 years. I don't miss the nausea. I don't miss the headaches, and the sorrow. I don't miss the unhappy feelings of depression that only alcohol promotes. I don't miss my skinny unhealthy dying body either. If you are going to drink, please use moderation. I find I can do just fine without alcohol. No one can tell me Cannabis is dangerous and turn around and say drinking and tobacco is ok. I am not that stupid. No one can tell me that Vaporized Cannabis causes cancer, when scientists have proven that it can stop the growth of cancer. Sure smoking might not be as good as Vaporized, but that is a decision each one of us should make. We shouldn't allow government bureaucracies decide our ever breath. That isn't freedom.

Changing the subject a little, I am honored to have watched Bill Moyers Journal last Friday. He told of a man who is educating people in Afghanistan and turning would be possible enemies to be friendly by educating them. Not by force with a gun. This man in my opinion is a true hero. His name is Greg Mortenson. We need more like him. http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/01152010/profile2.html

With humanitarian educators like him, we could see world peace.

I see no reason his idea couldn't be used to end the silly war on Cannabis users. Education I believe is the key to end the fear that people have for the much needed plant that could heal our nation, and indeed the world. It has been around for thousands of years. There is no reason it can't be employed for the good today.

The end of all war is at hand if we want it people. We need to not let the light of fear guide us. We need to do unto others as we would want them to do to us. Its as simple as that. We need people like Greg Mortenson to educate the superstitious people so that they will not fear that which they don't understand. We need violent people in our prisons. Not walking our streets. It is time for the USA to stop being babies and wake up to reality. Shaminism is a good thing. Don't shun it. Don't ignore it. Don't be ignorant. Be adults. Grow up. Life is too precious to allow anyone to be abused by the stupid laws against Cannabis.

Love to the believers in the faith ♥

anonymous

Jan 17 2010, 3:04 pm

Maybe Dick Cowan will give an updated report in the coming days.

http://is.gd/6sT0A

Even though he claims to be a “libertarian”, he filed a NLRB complaint against NORML, saying that I had fired him because he had objected to marijuana smoking in the NORML offices, which was complete BS. Thus, in one step he managed to prove himself to be both a liar and nark, as well as a thief.

He refuses to reveal his own salary. His board of directors consists of three friends, whom he funds, with your money. There are no women, minorities or medical patients on his board.

I have no idea why Peter Lewis (Progressive Insurance) continues to fund the ethical degradation of the marijuana reform movement. I have always thought that he is free to spend his money as he likes, but we are responsible for the acts of our agents and Lewis
should be ashamed of himself. I am quite sure that Rob Kampia is incapable of shame.

DBag

Jan 17 2010, 2:40 pm

Personally, I don't want my hard earned money going towards an organization that spends literally thousands to host parties I'm not invited to go to for free myself. They're using my money to party and celebrate freedoms I don't yet have. I donate to gain those freedoms. In all these years, I have yet to find myself gaining even an ounce of extra freedom, no matter what it is they supposedly are doing to lobby for that in other states. Certainly not being done in mine. These guys sure are having a good time though!...but at my expense? No more!! Bye Bye MPP!!

anonymous

Jan 17 2010, 12:49 pm

Why comment that this is bs. As for me I have nothing better to do But I do like High Times... You Guys should give it Break. Haters

pleased420

Jan 17 2010, 12:42 pm

You girls are funny! Instead of putting down people and there org's and or mag's you should spend a little more time reflecting on as to why you are on this web site. HT and its staff our here to bring us the news not only in the marijuana world (our world) but in many other aspects. You girls our here apperantly to bash not only one of the best MAGAZINES AND EDITORS OF ALL TIME. Also an organization that has been helping people like me and yourself(actually you may not smoke considering your lame comments) and many, many, and many more. So light a joint and take a deep breath. Remind yourself High Times is good High Times is our Friend And to the girl with the problem with the banners of cute girls. Your Fat!

Thanks HT for bring us the know.

follower for life.

JuniorJam

Jan 17 2010, 12:23 pm

To 'This story is b.s.'...

Having sex with an insubordinate is not consensual sex, it is a major mistake in judgement especially for anyone managing a company or organization. Is it a crime? Possibly not, but what about the $ payouts to employees to 'go away'? What about the clear disruption of work caused not by Kampia's behavior going public, but by the apparently ethically challenged MPP employees who felt the workplace for their high-paying jobs became such a challenging place to work they instead resigned their jobs in one of the worse economic recession in the country's history.

Is that a good use of a donor's money?

Also, now when Kampia appears publicly to advocate for marijuana legalization, anti-drug activists, law enforcement personnel and politicians are going to soil him, and marijuana law reform as well.

Scandals are terrible things, and in Washington DC the cover up is often worse than the questionable act.

Jan4Hemp

Jan 17 2010, 12:11 pm

MPP charges like $250 a ticket to attend their so-called gala, but did anyone actually pay?

How can MPP spend tens of thousands on a catered event at a DC hotel to be self-congratulatory, when over 850,000 cannabis consumers are arrested annually? A quick search of the Internet finds that MPP did the same for their 5th and 10th anniversaries as well.

Because of all of this and its clear ripple effect, will there be an MPP in five years to once again 'celebrate' their existence? I know I don't want to donate to a non-profit that spends the money on self-congratulatory parties inside the beltway. I want the donation to go to the needed work of reform, not partying.

anonymous

Jan 17 2010, 11:31 am

"if HT editors want to talk about objectifying women, maybe they should take a look at the banner ads surrounding this article"

As a woman, I can choose whether or not to model for a magazine wearing next to nothing. However, at work, I don't want to be put in a comprimising position--leered at, manhandled or otherwise having my boundaries crossed--by the head of the organization.

This isn't about objectifying women, but rather being able to work somewhere without being harassed.

HU210

Jan 17 2010, 10:47 am

blah, blah,blah, the same claims were made about Jack Herrer also.
Horny people smoke pot. We get it. If you don't like that-push on! Get a life virgins!

this article is BS

Jan 17 2010, 10:29 am

Last time i checked consensual sex amongst adults is still LEGAL in the country. This story is a non issue. Please report on actual news. thanks.

@ the Dude

Jan 17 2010, 10:11 am

You know what's up. Great post.

But I disagree about Peter Lewis being the reason there's no GYO in those initiatives. When you're asking an entire state's voters to vote on a bill, you're beholden not to your billionaire funder, nor to cannabis consumers, but to the other 75% or so of the population that are not cannabis consumers, many of whom are nervously looking over their shoulders at California and quite skittish that if they vote Yes on a MMJ bill they will be voting to more or less legalize. Of course, that IS what we want, but as Stevie D said a few nights ago at our city's town hall meeting, it's all about baby steps. We have to start off with something cautious and inoffensive enough that the majority of non-users will agree to it. Then, once they've got some sort of positive law on the books, it can be liberalized a few years down the line as people see it in action and become more aware and less afraid. If you try to pass something too radical at the start, you'll just be voted down and that doesn't serve anyone. GYO scares people outside of the movement, and bills without GYO are far more likely to garner endorsements from law enforcement, which makes a big impression on those who are otherwise on the fence. "Well, if the COPS say it's fine...I guess it is."

A different perspective:

Jan 17 2010, 1:07 am

Because, "Aussie Dude", no one is going to listen or be willing to learn from a movement or, in this case, an organization that is perceived to have no credibility. Now, of course, many of us know the MPP knows what they are talking about and doing in Washington, but were not the ones they are trying to convince and impress. Obviously, everyone wants to move on but proactive steps must be taken within the MPP to do so (i.e. Getting rid of Rob for, at least, the time being). Read my previous post.

aussie dude

Jan 17 2010, 12:22 am

For christ sake rather than bitching why the hell isnt anyone going to do, or doing for that matter anything to clean up this mess so you can get on with educating people on the pros of legalizing marijuana

George Strait - Twang

Jan 16 2010, 11:02 pm

When I get off of work on Friday after working like a dog all week
I go to meet the boys for a cold one at a little joint up the street
They got a jukebox in the corner full of old country tunes
Feed it five dollars worth of quarters is the first thing I always do

Chorus:
'Cause I need a little twang
A little hillbilly bending on some guitar strings
Some peddle steel whining like a whistle of an old freight train
To get that foot stomping honkey tonkin' feeling going through my veins
I ned a little twang, twant, twang

Well, I like a lot of kinds of music
I try to keep an open mind
Depending on the mood to strike me
If I'm gonna stay till closing time
So when I wanna lift my spirits to get me feeling worth a dang
I know I'm gonna have to heart it
'Cause I gotta have some Hank to hang

Repeat Chorus 2x

I need a little twang, twang, twang

Word to the Wise

Jan 16 2010, 10:29 pm

I worked for Marc Emery and he is even worse - a total asshole if you are a guy - if you are a teenage girl he will love you - a lot of his money went to buying blow jobs in his office and "massages".

Straight up - he thinks with his dick and has made many many enemies with his deluded bullshit - especially with those of us who do not think he is a god - you should have seen an interview he did recently calling on his followers to show more "devotion" - striaght up cult shit. - It was on a program called "The Standard"

I worked for him twice. big mistake.

Johnny Bravo

Jan 16 2010, 9:01 pm

Makes me laugh that this all happened at the pub I assume he was intoxicated on ALCOHOL, which leads to even more reasons to legalize and stop the fight between the ranks, to do with Rob's behavior if something bad happened thats a police matter if not then get back to work, it ain't legal yet!

the truth

Jan 16 2010, 8:10 pm

Umm, the MAN, you are a moron. Everything you said is completely wrong. It is physically impossible to overdose on marijuana. The only real problem with pot is the fact that smoking does cause cancer but does have real healing properties to it. Why legalize it? Why not? Taxes will bring about reform and more good in society. There will be less heavy drug usage, which will lead to less violent crimes over drugs. Ergo, a better world for all. Unfortunately, marijuana will need to be controlled just like alcohol. You cannot go for a joint on your lunch break and still be as productive and responsible while at work. It does reduce reaction time and that can be very dangerous in certain trades and jobs. Most people cannot drive normally while high on pot, so it will need to be an impaired driving charge just like alcohol. But why it should be legalized is so that everyone like you can know exactly what it is, and what is does, so that we can all make informed decisions about using it or not.

the MAN

Jan 16 2010, 6:37 pm

you guys are so stupid. why legalize marijuana? everyone knows that its bad for you. causes cancer. etc, it killed my grandfather. he overdosed on Marijuana 2 years ago. WHY LEGALIZE? there have been tests by the government proving that marijuana is highly addictive, causes cancer, can alter your mind forever. WHY? if this.... devils drug is legalized in the United States of America then.. we are all going to hell. & chances are the world IS going to end in 2012! all because of some simple STUPID choice. JUST SAY NO!

I think we have a winner

Jan 16 2010, 5:01 pm

"Is the irony lost on everyone that this whole debacle revolves around the overuse of alcohol and the subsequent bad decision making it led to?"

Not Alanis Morissette

Jan 16 2010, 4:29 pm

Is the irony lost on everyone that this whole debacle revolves around the overuse of alcohol and the subsequent bad decision making it led to?

umm

Jan 16 2010, 2:53 pm

One final thought.

Fear is the only reason Cannabis is not legal.

So until people know the difference between the STRONG Sativas, and the mild smile making indicas, and or crosses, the prohibitionists will not shed their fear.

Education is the answer.

Shamanism Colleges in every state. Please!

Stop the ignorance. Wake up to reality.

umm

Jan 16 2010, 2:49 pm

I understand the seriousness of misconduct. But lets not let the prohibitionists use this "possible" scandal to cast us all to hell for gods sakes.

Enough of the drama.

I was watching this movie, and was surprised at its content. It was done in 1946, and its a little slow at getting started, but if you watch it, I think you would agree, it is inspiring in its own way... Hints, allegation and things left unsaid. ♥

YouTube - The Razor's Edge 1946 pt7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls_X8yYYQus

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 2:21 pm

8==========D

Cleaning house

Jan 16 2010, 2:18 pm

@Um: I think you're giving the prohibitionists too much credit. One of the important ways that reformers distinguish themselves from your average prohibitionist is that we really do care about decency and ethical behavior. That's why most of us believe so passionately in ending marijuana prohibition. That people here are emotional about this episode -- and clearly too emotional in some instances -- shows we believe in our cause and its righteousness.

If you don't believe me, see if you can find any prohibitionists expressing any reservations about Drug Free America Foundation's shameful child-abusing, Straight Inc. legacy.

Most of us expect those who lead the cause for marijuana prohibition to also serve as examples in their personal lives. After all, they represent us -- largely decent, compassionate, responsible citizens.

I'm not necessarily coming down on either side of this issue, but let's not pretend these issues are trivial. How we respond to crises like these defines us and our cause.

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 2:16 pm

HT the drama queen machine. I hope that this rag goes bankrupt.

umm

Jan 16 2010, 2:08 pm

Honestly, education is the only way to legalizing Cannablyss...

Start Shamanism Colleges across the USA!!!

umm

Jan 16 2010, 2:05 pm

Could it just be that the prohibitionists are making this into something it actually isn't to condemn a great cause?

Just a thought. Divide and conquer is one of the warriors quotes you know.

The Dude

Jan 16 2010, 1:44 pm

"I, for one choose not to assume the Board is made up of a team of idiots who would turn a blind eye to a real scandal. They are a group of highly intelligent and successful people who reviewed and investigated the incident and chose to keep him in place because they were made aware of the real story and determined it could be dealt with with proper sensitivity training, new guidelines and policies."

Or... the board knows that if Rob goes, Peter Lewis's money goes, and so goes their board and numerous splinter groups' MPP funds, so it really doesn't matter how inappropriate he behaves with women. Keep the perv or dissolve... hmm, what shall we choose?

I love the idea that, gee, it's just two adults who hooked up. No. It's one "adult" who is the executive director of a group that files taxes as a corporation, the person who controls the other adult's full time pay and benefits, one who would not be attractive enough for any adult to screw without the trappings of money, access, and power, seizing the opportunity to have sex with a subordinate so drunk she could not drive home, and, if your telling is accurate, knows the drunk subordinate is just days fresh from a breakup with another one of his management-level subordinates. Even Dennis Rodman wouldn't chase that rebound.

AND it's all in the context of scores of women in the movement reporting on similarly creepy behavior over the past fifteen years.

So folks, do you support MPP? It's clear Peter Lewis doesn't support MPP; he supports a serial sexual harasser who happens to run MPP. If he won't support MPP without Rob, it seems clear that he doesn't support you, the cannabis consumer.

Oh, but wouldn't it be terrible is MPP (& SSDP, SAFER, etc.) collapsed because of the scandal? Would it? Would it be so awful for these groups to have to survive on the donations of actual real-world cannabis consumers instead of one aging billionaire? Perhaps if it had to respond to the concerns of people with less than three commas in their bank account, we wouldn't see initiatives in Arizona and Nevada that ban home growing.

There are fabulous, wonderful people working at MPP and the subsidiary groups. They do not deserve to be tarnished by Kampia's reputation. But as someone else posted, the fish rots from the head.

ray

Jan 16 2010, 1:44 pm

I didn't read one thing in the article that actually said what was so bad that he did. High Times...get a life.

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 12:47 pm

Right on...who cares indeed...obviously the people that are still grinding their axes...

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 12:33 pm

Looking at all these heated comments i ask myself: Who the fuck cares about this bullshit?

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 12:26 pm

>>>Rob will be ousted as soon as Peter Lewis dies, anyway.

can we be that optimistic?

I would disagree with the suggestion to donate to MPP because it's a huge corporation and Kampia is only one guy.

Kampia micro-manages every policy and strategic decision that MPP makes. the people who have worked with them know this. all decisions are made by him and loyalty is valued above competency and productivity

if you want to donate, why do a little volunteering with the local groups in your area. You'll get an idea of who is doing the best work pretty quickly, then you can reward those people directly with your cash instead of sending it to the capital of the Empire 3000 miles away.

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 11:52 am

Let this be a lesson to all who are not celibate.

This is why the Catholic church frowns on pre marital sex. Because MOST people can not handle the emotional repercussions of a breakup once they get a taste of good sex.

Now I am a Catholic, but I believe their approach to celibacy is faulty.

If they would just come out and say what I said above, people just might be a bit more willing to listen to them.

HU210

Jan 16 2010, 11:11 am

Didn't HT become a music rag after 911. That in and of itself should show how little spine as well as the true colors of this publication. I wont be buying HT next month. Just SKUNK and Weed World. HT can rot on the newsstand.

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 10:48 am

Where are these allegations about hush money coming from? This is completely false and I think started because someone suggested it in comment and everyone else ran with it as though it were fact. Also, guy from NCCPN, your timeline claiming your grant money was spent as hush money is completely screwed up. By September, all of the "MPP 7" except Bruce had already left and been replaced by folks who mostly were not told about this incident, and Nydia, the outgoing grants manager, left in August to attend graduate school. There is no way you could have spoken with her or any other "departing leader" about your grant in November unless you were for some reason contacting ex-employees. I don't know why MPP reneged on your grant money (maybe something to do with those e-mails they sent around in November showing they still needed to raise $1 million of the $2.35 million that was their fundraising target for the year), but I know that none of those who quit even received severance pay, let alone "hush money". Many of them had to leave DC because they could not afford to live in the city on unemployment pay.

Also, if you don't like what MPP is doing, don't donate to them. But if you don't like what Rob is doing, don't let that stop you from donating to MPP. This isn't a corporation; Rob isn't getting rich off your donations. Budget cuts will not reduce his salary or cause him to be fired; it'll mean salary freezes for the rest of the staff, internships being cut, and program cuts that will handicap MPP's ability to fight for legal progress. If you disagree with the way MPP is waging that fight, by all means, don't donate. But if you're upset about who is at the helm MPP, don't cut off your movement's nose to spite its face. Rob will be ousted as soon as Peter Lewis dies, anyway.

dumfuks

Jan 16 2010, 10:28 am

Its easy to see that ignorance and stupidity reign here at the HT site. I would be more than willing to bet that most if not all of those who have posted negative comments. Have NEVER lifted a finger to carry the heavy load of cannabis legalization.

rational animal

Jan 16 2010, 9:58 am

You are all missing the point. If money from donations meant to reform marijuana laws were paid to shut this girl up and make her go away, then consensual sex or not, Rob has to go. He put MPP at risk with his behavior. We all agree it was innapropriate. A 48 year old boss getting pushy with a drunk employee more than half his age? C'mon people, follow the money. If our donations were used as hush money, Rob's gotta resign bottom line.

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 9:39 am

If this was simply an isolated incident of Rob having consensual sex with an employee, why did the all of the department managers unanimously ask him to resign?

mpresutah

Jan 16 2010, 8:55 am

No piece of ass is worth the fall

experience w/ MPP

Jan 16 2010, 8:50 am

>>>workaholic nature of the organization

that's laughable. That's an insult to anyone who's ever worked in the private sector. The work ethic at MPP and DPA is far, far below anything I've seen working an entire career in the private sector.

If they're working so hard, how come they have 38 staff and only knocking off one state per year?

People I've encountered and worked with from DPA and MPP would be shocked at the work ethic within any high tech firm, law firm, financial services firm, etc.

And it comes from the top down. Several years ago MPP paid the full amount of money for signature-gathering for 2 referendums in Nevada and Arkansas. Unfortunately they used a corrupt friend of Kampia's, Billy Rogers to run the signature-gathering. They didn't get enough sigs due to, at best, blatant bungling and incompetence.

In the "real world", an executive team that squandered that much capital with nothing to show for it would have been fired within days.

Kampia loves the self-aggrandizement of having 38 employees kissing his ass, female and male. He adds ever more employees instead of sweeping the country with a series of decrim and medical MJ referendums.

Ever since they abadonded the medical patients of Arkansas, and now file referendums that don't allow patients to grow - bypassing all the poor and middle class patients who can't pay $400/ounce at a dispensary - I give my money to Americans for Safe Access or other local groups with more accountability and better professionalism.

kinder

Jan 16 2010, 8:35 am

The sky is falling,the sky is falling.........No wait a sec.
It's just a bunch BULL SHIT being dumped again.
I would duck but,i'm standing in about 4'7" of it!!!!!!!!!
Let's talk about the U.S. the feds the lies and why are there MAJOR U.S. TROOP DEPLOYMENTS WHERE DRUGS ARE MANUFACTURED.Let's talk about the real PUSHER MAN.

Big Donor

Jan 16 2010, 7:39 am

The Marijuana Policy Project will not receive another dime from me as long as this guy is still in charge. Message to the board: It's time to ket him go.

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 7:26 am

@Anonymous, something about the story you tell doesn't ring true. Bruce Mirken, for one, would not have left MPP if it was indeed as simple as two adults engaging in a consensual affair. I can understand the girl and her ex-boyfriend quitting, sure... but 3 or 4 other people? Come on. That seems doubtful.

A different perspective:

Jan 16 2010, 4:50 am

Whether or not there was an non-consensual affair, I think Rob should be removed from his position either way. This incident isn't just a question of moral/immoral actions, but, more so, about retaining credibility and trust in the public and political "eye", which Rob obviously falls under the definition of a "liability".

I understand he has done significant work for said organization, however, given his past and more recent actions, he simply cannot (and should not) be entrusted with the responsibility of representing the organization.

In addition, the whole sexual "scandal" aside, Rob's refusal to heed lower-employees request to "back off" flirting with co-workers also had repercussions. Obviously, Rob didn't have to heed these request on any legal plane, however, it is clear that he does not care much about keeping a positive/respectable work environment at the bottom of the organization's "totem pole" which is a quint-essential to efficiency output. Yes, the gentleman, Rob, is very well educated and works well the Board, but, on the other hand, that does not give him the immunity to treat his inferiors disrespectfully. Character is what you do when everyone is not looking; clearly, Rob has very little.

This organization, MPP, is dealing with a highly sensitive issue, Marijuana Legalization, everyday and any accounts of discredibility their political opponents can find they will use against them.

Scandal or not, this guy, Rob, is bad for the organization on many fronts. He made his choice. Get him out of there. If he really cares about the causes of the organization he will continue to contribute even out of office. If he should go long enough (at the Boards discretion) without any questions about his character coming up and can be safely determined as no longer a liability then, maybe, he could be reinstated. But in the meantime, take a hike Rob. I'm positive there are many young, well educated, and qualified candidates who are hungry for an opportunity and could probably do a better job than this man has. Or, at least, a more respectable one.

yeah right

Jan 16 2010, 3:28 am

You ever think that people are all over this because of the man's past history?

It's a pattern of behavior. I'd like to see him go, regardless just for the initiatives he pushed in Nevada and Arizona. Bad initiatives for no good reason.

And that's just a small piece of it. Read the comments here and elsewhere. The chickens have come home to roost as they say. You can write an essay but the past history, you will never be able to dig out of it. If MPP doesn't dump him how can they go on? They already get tons of crap for some of the things I mentioned. Can you imagine now? Heard their website is now overrun with negative comments from people who use cannabis. How can a cannabis reform group go on that doesn't have the support of cannabis users? How can the org go on when they don't support cannabis users? NORML supports cannabis consumers, MPP has never done that. They support private monopoly of cannabis. Thank the lord for Richard Lee and California, we don't need MPP's money no more. Money can by you some friends but it won't buy you good will or respect.

j40912

Jan 16 2010, 3:16 am

takes me back to the clinton years *sigh* man i miss the old days sometimes

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 3:02 am

Jeeez, nobody made this big of a deal when David Letterman did the exact same thing. In fact a lot of rallied behind him.

Are we all so uptight that we think that a little bit of hanky panky doesn't occur at just about any company? They're just a couple of warm blooded consenting adults who got a little amourous one night, and one of them felt guilty the next day. It happens, and though it's not the most professional thing to do, its not illegal and MANY higher profile leaders have been guilty of similar indiscressions, took responsibility and continued to lead their companies (or their country, as in the case of Kennedy and Clinton for example).

And ladies (I'm a lady too) don't be such sensitive weaklings and boo-hoo when somebody bats an eyelash at you. If it makes you feel awkward, get a spine and tell them to bug off. I get hit on all the time by all sorts of people and it's no big deal. I laugh in their face and tell them to take a hike. Guys hate rejection and most cower in embarrassment when you get a verbal smack down in response to an unwelcome advance. When we stop ACTING like victims, they'll stop treating us like one. Don't be a victim. You have a voice. Use it. Tell them to stop -- believe it or not, most will.

Hey, you can't blame a guy for trying ... if all guys end up being terrified to ever ask a girl out on a date because it will be deemed inappropriate or get them in trouble for harrassment, then that will leave a lot of sad and lonely people in the world. I really don't want to see a world built on fear and imposed isolation because everyone's too afraid to take a chance. Don't freak out if a guy shows a bit of interest. Be flattered. If you're not interested back, say no thanks ... and move on. If he is one of the rare idiots who won't get the message and continues to bug you, then give him the 'come to jesus' conversation with warning that he's making you uncomfortable and you're going to report it ... most of the time IT WORKS and they lay off. Try it sometime. But quit being a passive, quiet doormat who silently sits there because you're too afraid to tell them to get lost.

And if you made a decision to sleep with somebody and regretted it later, deal with it. We've probably all done it at least once. But don't go dragging a bunch of other people into a disruptive scandal because of your bad decision to go along for the ride. Sometimes it really does take two to tango.

I'm not dismissing that sometimes some losers just never get the message and won't stop bugging you. And there are certainly times when some assholes get forceful and even rape. Those guys should be castrated. And if any of those jerks ever come near me, they better know I would consider my actions to be justifiable homicide. Not a warning dudes, I'm serious as a heart attack, so don't even try it. Hell hath no fury like this bitch right here if you cross the line... I'm just sayin'...

But as a woman, I know that there are also a lot of guys who will back off if you explicitly tell them to in no uncertain terms.

So, embrace your power, use your voice, speak up and stand strong. Quit being a victim ... the male ego is pretty fragile and if you break it, they'll run away with their tail between their legs. No guy wants to be rejected or humiliated, so let 'em down easy first, but if they persist, then feel free to deliver a more severe verbal lashing until they get the message and move on.

HU210

Jan 16 2010, 2:44 am

Well put anno @2:23 am. Everyone should read this post!!
Especially fuckin HIGH TIMES!!

anonymous

Jan 16 2010, 2:23 am

I am active with the cause as long-time volunteer and supporter of MPP. I have always been impressed with the laser sharp focus and workaholic nature of the organization and think they do great work. I personally know a few of the people involved in the "protest," including the girl who is the subject of this so-called scandal, and I can tell you that even she said that their relations were consensual. This is why there are no criminal charges being filed.

I got what I believe to be the straight story from a very reliable inside source whom I absolutely trust would not give me a prepared spin job. What MPP won't tell you, most likely because they are trying to protect the privacy of those involved, is that the girl in question was already dating another employee of MPP. My source indicated that they had only been broken up a few days before the incident with Rob occured. For her own reasons, she decided to tell her ex boyfriend that she (concensually) hooked up with Rob and her ex was understandably upset about this... this is why HE quit. Its always hard to learn of an ex's sexual adventures when break-up wounds are still fresh and emotions still on the sensitive side, and he reacted accordingly.

Because of her own embarrassment over the controversy it caused with her jilted ex angrily stirring up hatred for Rob among the other employees, the girl in question resigned as well. I can understand why she'd be embarrassed over her decision. That would make for some seriously awkward water cooler chats. But to assume she was forced or even coerced is an unfair assumption. She was single, willing and a grown adult capable of making her own decision to engage in consensual sex, or choose not to.

I can also understand why people would be upset with Rob for using poor judgement as a senior executive for hooking up with a lower-ranking employee - even though by her own admission it was concensual, he should have known it was not a good idea. However, poor judgement and criminal behavior are two very different things. If you wonder why the board didn't remove him, it's because it was decided that while his behavior may have been frowned upon, and his conduct embarrassing, it was not illegal, or even against policy for that matter, as already indicated. Of course, as a result of this "scandal" new policies have been implemented, which is part of management's action to remedy the situation moving forward.

As for why a there were 7 people in all (is that number even accurate? I heard at least one of them had planned her departure for months to go to grad school and her reasons for leaving had nothing to do with this incident, but I digress). Whatever the case, the ex boyfriend left out of anger and jealousy (predictably), and his closest male friends at the company left in support of him. I also heard that at least two of the others were already on thin ice with the company anyway, so they likely would have left for other reasons (either at their own will, or not) but this incident provided a convenient excuse to take the leap.

While there may be truth to Rob's language at times being questionable, inappropriate, and possibly even crossing the line to a place that makes some people feel very uncomfortable (which I am not defending - he could certainly benefit from the harrassment training to improve on that, which is exactly what the Board prescribed) ... to accuse him of the vile things he's being accused of (rape?!?) is way out of bounds when none of us really have all the facts, because none of us were there.

Hear-say from jealous ex lovers and disgruntled employess is not enough to convict. There are several sides to this story and numerous people involved in the final decision on how it should be dealt with. Do you really think anyone at MPP would stand by him if they really believed a rape occurred? I don't - I do give the people I know over there far more credit than that. They would never condone such behavior.

I, for one choose not to assume the Board is made up of a team of idiots who would turn a blind eye to a real scandal. They are a group of highly intelligent and successful people who reviewed and investigated the incident and chose to keep him in place because they were made aware of the real story and determined it could be dealt with with proper sensitivity training, new guidelines and policies.

Before I let some tabloid gossip, and negative slander from rivals & haters convince me that he should be crucified, I will trust that the Board and the employees who chose to remain and continue their work - with Rob at the helm - made the decision they thought was best.

MPP has done great work, and whether you like him or not, Rob has been the driving force behind that organization. So, I will withhold judgement until I see proof that he is guilty of something more horrendous than an isolated incident of consensual sex with an employee.

vote on the poll

Jan 16 2010, 1:39 am

Should Rob Kampia resign or be fired?
http://mikecann.net

Anonymous Female Reformer

Jan 16 2010, 1:00 am

Dave, Rick, and others:

Scandal at the Marijuana Policy Project? More like scandal with the marijuana policy people.

Sexual harassment, predatory behavior, abuse of power, and other major and minor examples of misogyny and outright abuse are a major problem throughout cannabis politics, business, and culture. All of it is swept under the rug -- even instances of domestic violence perpetrated by a well-known member of the community. Some of them are your friends.

Any woman who dares challenge the status quo, even just about the prevalent old boys' club and how women are treated on the base level within it, will find herself quickly blacklisted by the almost exclusively white men that make up the directorships and boards of most of the organizations and businesses.

You have barely scratched the surface. Dig deeper. Talk to every single woman you know involved in any way in marijuana politics, business, and culture. You will be enlightened.

urbanhippiecb

Jan 16 2010, 12:47 am

What the heck is this Kampia guy doing?? Respect the cause! You know the behavior is frowned upon, so act accordingly.. Buck up, resign, help get a new person in place, and bow out gracefully. This is the plight of marijuana supression, not a smarmy fight against social sexual adequacy!

Dude! Get Rick Steves in there. A family man and a responsible marijuana supporter!

snip & Smoke

Jan 16 2010, 12:17 am

They chop his dick off and make him smoke it like a joint! That'll get him.

DBag

Jan 16 2010, 12:12 am

No more donations from me to MPP.

perry parks

Jan 15 2010, 10:47 pm

At NCCPN, (North Carolina Cannabis Patients Network) I have volunteered both money and time to an issue that is critical. We have had enormous success this year. The entire staff of 4 is unpaid and our executive director lives on Social Security Disability. Every available cent is used to promote the cause.

This year, we were awarded a grant from MPP. This was not extra cash to help out, this was survival money..blood money..stretched to the limit. Then, in November, we are told we will get nothing..not one dollar of the 10 thousand approved.

Do you have any clue what this does to an organization eating at McDonald's and riding buses for transportation because you want to save every penny to further the cause? It is crippling..

I made personal calls to several of the departing leaders, including the one responsible for grants..begging for any part of the grant. Nothing! One was unable to comment but alluded to the personality disorder of Rob Kampia and the dollars spent to keep this episode quiet. I have to admit, I thought that was bullshit. Now I find that it appears not only possible, but highly likely!!

This is intolerable. I will not donate another penny until this issue is settled and it will not be settled with Rob Kampia still in the leadership position.

Can Kampia

Jan 15 2010, 10:13 pm

@anonymous 7:06 - Progressive Insurance is Peter Lewis's company, and Peter Lewis is generally acknowledged to be MPP's biggest contributor by a long shot. Peter Lewis could force Kampia out if he wanted to, but apparently he doesn't know (bullshit, everyone in the know knew the general allegations by September) or he's decided that Rob's long history of bad behavior and in this case alleged fucking of a young and highly intoxicated subordinate (and quite possibly using his position as Executive Director to get laid) does not merit firing him.

Even from a business point of view, being such a dickhead that 20% of the best people in the organization quit calls into question his ability to lead. If it was a dispute over which direction to take MPP, and there was a disagreement that led to mass resignations, maybe there would have been reason to keep him around. This wasn't a philosophical issue or a business problem. This was about Kampia being a scumbag and getting called out for it. Bravo to everyone who resigned and went on the record, and bravo to High Times, Dave Bienenstock and Richard Cusick for publishing this.

Kampia's inexcusable behavior is the problem here - *not* that the story saw the light of day.

Kushman

Jan 15 2010, 9:45 pm

If the employees just band together and give Rob a good beating, they'll probably feel better and I'm confident that Rob will correct his behavior. All he needs really is just a good beating, especially if it's done by women, to straighten out his behavior.

grower

Jan 15 2010, 9:01 pm

sounds like Robs a douche bag who just dragged us down his shithole. fuck you Rob

lost culture indian

Jan 15 2010, 8:43 pm

i cant believe growing a plant from the earth is illegal. what next you cant drive under the speed limit in the left lane in oklahoma, oh wait that just happend!!!

poppa b

Jan 15 2010, 8:38 pm

hey ... One bad bud does not spoil the hole pound ... don't abandon ship quite yet ... there is more to come from this one man show ... dookie about to hit the fan

anon.

Jan 15 2010, 8:35 pm

This has been a pattern of behavior with Rob, who viewed not only his staff but Students for Sensible Drug Policy women as his personal "stable" of available conquests.

It's particularly bad when someone who is doing good--ostensibly--abuses their power, with women who are in college or just out of it.

I just hope it doesn't hurt drug policy reform overall.

NCCPN

Jan 15 2010, 8:32 pm

For anyone wishing to fund great state legislation that looks like it will pass in 2010, go to www.nccpn.org and make a donation to the North Carolina Cannabis Patients Network. MPP let us down, don't you supporters out there. Send your donations in today or donate online through PayPal.
http://www.nccpn.org

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 8:29 pm

This whole thing is silly. We are getting into an era of reverse harasement where any woman can say that she was harased just as a form of revenge or resentment. This is not about harasment, this is about two people that had consentual sex, after work and not at work. Has he been charged with rape? NO because there where no laws broken. What happened may not have been professional but it certainly was not illegal. It is getting so bad that you cannot say or do anything without fear of getting fired in corporate America today. Just do your job and dont look at anybody or talk to anybody, seems to be where we are heading. Very sad.

Anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 8:01 pm

Seems like the mighty private corporation of MPP, partly owned by Rob Kampia, is just falling apart......

I just visited their blogs and there is a lot of angry stoners posting on all their blogs, especially the Nevada Tax & Regulate blog.....

Seems like the cover has been blow wide open on MPP, especially with what they are trying to do in Nevada & Arizona........it's an outrage!!! Think there is even some stuff about it on the HT blog.

At the end of the day, it's not about MPP or any organization, it's about freeing marijuana for everyone.

In the meantime, I'll stop donating to MPP since I now know why Rob was pushing so hard for a party at the Playboy Mansion.....

medical patient

Jan 15 2010, 7:58 pm

there are many state-level medical MJ organizations to support - for those who wish to support patient growing of cannabis. which is no longer advocated by MPP.

If you look locally you'll probably find some people who could really use your donation.

DBag

Jan 15 2010, 7:47 pm

Things are pretty quiet over there. Is Rob busy with his dick up everyone's collective butts?

Evan

Jan 15 2010, 7:44 pm

This article is full of facts. All quotes and past events. The reader can decide what he or she wants for themselves. Not reporting this would be a disgrace to journalism. It is clear something shady may have happened. This article does not accuse, but simply points to the facts that look shady.

I agree whole heartily that this article is a good thing. Discussion and public dialogue consisting of of truths can never be a bad thing.

This is a time where this movement may have to pick between what is right, and money. I already made my decision. No one should be above getting in trouble for this, I dont care if it means half of the movement collapsing and us rebuilding as a fully volunteer movement. Thats the true way to do it anyway, grassroots.

HT Contributor

Jan 15 2010, 7:31 pm

Rob is getting behavior modification training? Like at PetCo? It worked for my Chihuahua. But seriously, sexual harassment is gross. Apparently repeatedly telling Rob, "No!" and offering him a biscuit hasn't been effective so far in making him less lecherous.

The Dude

Jan 15 2010, 7:15 pm

*** BREAKING!!! Rob Kampia Sex Scandal photo leaked! ***

http://bit.ly/72u6sj

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 7:06 pm

why? what's up with Progressive?

Can Kampia

Jan 15 2010, 6:32 pm

420Lawyer: This is a business and a political movement, not a court of law. "Innocent until proven guilty" isn't the standard, and hearsay - especially hearsay that is weighty enough for seven senior staff members to walk away from their jobs - is grounds for throwing him out on his ass.

As for the people ceasing donations to MPP, don't forget to drop Progressive Insurance while you're at it.

lil tim

Jan 15 2010, 6:26 pm

Weed makes people horny.

HU210

Jan 15 2010, 6:22 pm

This dosen't supprise me from HT. This is the rag that endorsed Obama. A politico who said nothing and did nothing favorable for weed, still isn't. HT acting like cops. Imagine that!!

Mark the bugler

Jan 15 2010, 6:22 pm

Issaiah 10; 1-2

Woe to those who make unjust laws to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights.....

Pretzel79

Jan 15 2010, 6:11 pm

Get back to the business at hand HT!
Ezekiel 47:12

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

The Dude

Jan 15 2010, 6:10 pm

My wife is pretty hot, but she never gets sexually harassed. Could that be because she's not a victim? I guess there is real sexual harassment and that is certainly regrettable (I lost a job at a gay bar one time when I really needed the money but didn't want to *ahem* the boss. I was kind of a victim at the time though.) I'm really convinced that most sexual harassment is of, by, and for victims who want something and the basic cultural leaning, much like the woman getting the kids in a divorce, is nothing more than raw sexism.

the real facts

Jan 15 2010, 6:05 pm

This is a hatchet job and it's not even a good one. You've been sitting on this info for months..the least you could do was get your facts straight.

James Crosby

Jan 15 2010, 5:38 pm

Screw MPP. I have known that they are sketch for a long time now. With a bankroll of several million dollars a year, an agenda to monopolize the legalized cannabis market (like in Arizona / Nevada), and MPP masquerading as a non-profit when really they file their taxes as a Corporation, who could support MPP anyway? They are so sketch when you look at them close. What they are doing in Arizona / Nevada is trying to monopolize a legal cannabis market. Don't support what MPP is doing in Nevada / Arizona, or you'll have no personal growing rights under a legal system!

Tom

Jan 15 2010, 5:36 pm

This whole thing just smells like a hatchet job.

Jeeze

Jan 15 2010, 5:04 pm

Anon, your delusions are going to give drugs a bad name. Maybe you need some lithium.

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 4:49 pm

Looks like we got some MPP cheerleaders over here trying to do damage control.......

Very sneaky MPP.....aka Marijuana Monopoly Project

For those not aware, MPP is trying to monopolize the marijuana markets in Arizona and Nevada by keeping it illegal for you to grow your own and force us to buy from their accredited dispensaries!!! DO NOT SUPPORT THEIR PROPOSED LEGISLATION!!!!

Shame on you MPP!!!!.....and to think this whole Rob Kampia scandal is just the icing on the cake.....

Rhayader

Jan 15 2010, 4:39 pm

Thanks for the dose of moderation, 420Lawyer. Let's not get the pitchforks out quite yet people. MPP has done some great things for this movement. That doesn't excuse harmful actions, but we shouldn't be so ready to jump to conclusions.

420Lawyer

Jan 15 2010, 4:32 pm

1. Innocent until proven guilty
2. Do not stop donating to an organization that does so much for the movement because of the possibility of one bad egg.
3. Hearsay is not admissable evidence
4. I suggest sexual harassment training for the organization. Other companies do this when there is a problem and MPP should be no different. After all, it IS still just another business.

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 4:10 pm

Point of clarity: Neil was not among those who left over the summer. He was fired several months before any of this happened.

Not surprising

Jan 15 2010, 4:00 pm

MPP is an organization built upon deceit, as Kampia and Green have reportedly long been open and proud that Kampia stole donor lists from NORML back when they used to work there. This is how the MPP exists in the first place.

To the remaining honorable MPP staff: You should take a stand against Kampia and Green. Appeal to the board and seek to get someone reputable and professional like former MPP’er Bruce Mirken to replace the current leadership. If Thomas or Earleywine are still on the board, they need to act. From afar, they seem like good and decent people who need to step in and take over now. Maybe Thomas and MPP lobbyist Aaron Houston could be caretakers until things are straightened out.

To other drug policy reform groups: Unite against Kampia and Green. Appeal as a coalition to Peter Lewis regarding the situation and the endless antics of Kampia and Green. Don’t allow MPP to be part of the drug policy reform movement until those two are gone.

To the media and blogs: Dig deeper. Talk to former employees and activists. There is more out there with Kampia and Green involving items like a very large grant given to an attractive activist close to Kampia who didn't seem to do much anything for it. Kampia actually moved to the city she lived in for a few months. Shady stuff in the least.

Kampia and Green are vile and pathetic creatures with very long track records to prove it. Would be nice to see some Karma in action.

bloomdude

Jan 15 2010, 4:00 pm

Just posted at CelebStoner:

The incident in question took place on Aug. 7 in Washington, DC. According to one of the "MPP 7," Kampia offered to drive a female employee home after a group of MPP staffers had drinks at Union Pub at 201 Massachusetts Ave.

"They ended up at his house and sex ensued," one of the MPP 7 tells CelebStoner. "She was a subordinate non-management employee. There's a question about how consensual the sex was. He should've kept his hands to himself. You don't do that. It's all part of an ongoing pattern of fairly blatant sexual harassment.

"Rob has a long-standing habit of inappropriate behavior among woman and employees. Many quit. There had been some complaints and attempts to deal with this in the past. I can't work for people I don't trust or respect. Rob Kampia is a dishonest creep."

Diane Fornbacher recalls the time when Kampia made a move on her at the home of a DC marijuana activist. "Rob was lascivious," says Fornbacher, who has worked for the DPA and NORML, in an exclusive interview with CelebStoner. "He patted his lap. He had a hard-on. He inched closer and closer to me and he leaned over and smelled my cleavage. 'You look great,' he said. I didn't realize until then what a dickhead Rob was.

"He's a pig, a worm and a disappointment. He thought he was untouchable. It's about time he got called on this. I don't think he's capable of cleaning up his act. There needs to be a change of guard and a complete dismantling of the MPP. This is very devastating to the movement."

http://ow.ly/1n5SFl

drug policy reformer

Jan 15 2010, 3:41 pm

Question to some of the SSDP people commenting here: Will you still hold fundraisers at Rob's "mansion"?

Anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 3:39 pm

"I don't understand people saying Aaron Houston should be put in charge. He's a nice guy, but he isn't one of these moral people who left, either."

You shouldn't assume that just because someone stayed at their job, in this economy, that that is a tacit endorsement of what went down. It's likely that even many staffers that stayed were probably horrified and very angry about this, and worked inside to see justice done and failed, but chose not to leave for their own reasons, either economic or other.

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 3:38 pm

I see that this thread has been edited with regards to comments directed at the genius who decided to post this thread in the first place.

SF BAY AREA

Jan 15 2010, 3:33 pm

I for one don't need Rob K. or MPP to help with my pot policy problems. when its time to vote i'll be there to vote. hopefully everyone is there to vote too. MPP Should be renamed "Men with Personal Problems". I've been a member of NORML for much longer and their board leaders there know whats really going on. Not just playing puppet for some guy trying to get laid. This doesn't sound like its Mr big shots first time dipping in company ink. I worked at a super market were the head manager was sexually harassing our co workers. The only thing HR did was send him to some harassment class once a week. After that he didn't stop he kept doing it so i changed stores. later on he transferred to my store and still harassed all the girls. my point is that Rob K. wont stop even with the behavior classes. even if this guy was ousted he would hit on ladies at the new job.

HempTrader

Jan 15 2010, 3:05 pm

I knew Neil Levine from back in the Jesse Ventura days. Big loss. We called him Pitbull for a reason. I think he would never leave MPP.

Kiki

Jan 15 2010, 3:03 pm

To the staffers who resigned because of this guy's harassment: there are laws you can take advantage of regarding sexual harassment in the workplace. Please pool your resources, hire a lawyer, and sue this guy for your lost wages and damages. You have a strong case against him considering all the previous complaints.

This has hurt MPP's image and the useful activism it performs.

Blechmeister

Jan 15 2010, 2:57 pm

The fish rots from the head: Peter Lewis.

Mark the bugler

Jan 15 2010, 2:48 pm

thanks Rhaydar

Rhayader

Jan 15 2010, 2:41 pm

I dug up an interview Bruce gave to drugtruth.net this past December:

http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/node/2685

Here's what he said about his departure:

"...this isn’t something I want to spend a whole lot of time dwelling on but, because of things within the organization. I’ve just come to the decision, after eight years it’s time for me to move on. I’ve got a couple of other irons in the fire that, some of which the details are still being worked out, so I can’t talk in a great deal of detail. But I am certainly hoping to keep at least some connection to this move, more that the effort to change our insane drug laws."

Well that certainly doesn't rule out a departure because of Rob's behavior, although it's not positive proof either. At least it sounds like Bruce is going to find another (hopefully prominent) position within the reform movement. It would be a true shame for his advocacy to fade.

Hempful

Jan 15 2010, 2:36 pm

To 'Rhayader': It appears Bruce Mirkin was too stand up of a professional to be associated with Kampia anymore. To give up one of the highest paid jobs in the marijuana law reform movement in this economy must say something about how bad it was for MPP employees in the know.

looie one eye

Jan 15 2010, 2:35 pm

the legalization movement has a real chance of TRANSFORMING the cannabis laws -- soonish as it happens.

with net working here, there and everywhere, there is no need for suits, petty formalities or incapable leadership.

we need substantive orgs that flow like a . . . . .

we need to SMASH the 1970 nixon hippie hating controlled substance act way yesterday.

please let's de-fang the dea also and so forth.

peace

Mark the bugler

Jan 15 2010, 2:34 pm

hey Moral Majority:

That was me posting anonymously. Forgot to type my screen name in.

It does appear that Bruce is no longer communications director, but I'm sure I heard him speaking for MPP recently. Maybe he's got a different title now as of Jan. 1? I haven't heard anything about him leaving and if he did leave, it fits his character by doing so quietly, so this is an interesting developement. Keep us posted.

Paranoia

Jan 15 2010, 2:34 pm

@Oh, Really...is it maybe time for a visit with your therapist? This sounds like some personal problems.

Hempful

Jan 15 2010, 2:32 pm

To 'Female Reformer'...apparently you didn't have what Kampia really wanted...

My male roommate from college, interned at MPP for 3 days before he quit...he consistently used the word smarmy to describe Kampia, and this was over 4 years ago.

Male Reformer

Jan 15 2010, 2:26 pm

With guys like this at the wheel, it makes it look bad for all the real progress that has been made. Even as a man myself it looks bad to the public, and thats who the refom is for "THE PEOPLE". To tell you the truth judging by this mans actions and professionalism, I don't feel confidant that he would make great decisions for what needs to be accomplished.

Rhayader

Jan 15 2010, 2:24 pm

@Moral Majority: Wow, I hadn't realized Bruce Mirken was gone, although now that I think about it I haven't heard anything from him for some time now. That's really too bad, I thought Bruce was one of the most likable and charismatic MPP personalities. He did a fantastic job in his TV interviews.

oh, really?

Jan 15 2010, 2:22 pm

A few of these attack comments on HT sure does sound like Alison Green posting to me. Grow up, dictator crony. Wait for the full story to come out. Alison Green, your time in the spotlight is coming.

Daniel Johnson

Jan 15 2010, 2:18 pm

Awesome! A full blown sex scandal in a major pot group! We have legitimacy! Hopefully the mainstream media takes this on, but it'll only happen if the juicy details are brought out in full, the "he put his hand on what and did what and said what" kind of stuff. Pictures? Video? Come on, run with this, maybe if Keith Stroup or Allen St.Pierre would get off their high horses and grab a few teenage asses in public maybe NORML could become a household name again ;-)

really?

Jan 15 2010, 2:12 pm

"Ongoing investigation?" Ha! HT has never been afraid of editorial hyperbole. What if anyone were to take you seriously? Damaging the cause of reform is only desirable to those profiting from pot being illegal.

We're such a high-minded group sometimes, aren't we?

Longtime activist

Jan 15 2010, 2:08 pm

we deserve better than this!

How many modern companies, sports teams, etc, are run by the same guy for 20 years? Very few. it breeds a malignant atmosphere - a king-like, exulted individual is the result.

Too much power!! It's not good in any organization. We all know checks and balances are needed.

Especially in an organization that SHOULD be the focal point of large-scale grass-roots efforts. a king-like leader model is not the right choice. Accountability will suffer, the organization won't be nimble and agile in responding to changing conditions, etc. am I the only one here who went to business school?

Drug policy reform is now a multi-million dollar affair, this organzation needs professional leadership to excel.

Not 1950's caveman leadership

Moral Majority

Jan 15 2010, 2:05 pm

Yes, Bruce Mirkin. If you look at the website someone named Kurt Gardinier is their Communications Director now. I'm simply shocked and sad, but not surprised. I submitted a grant to the MPP (didn't get it), but I thought Nydia was great to. I know everytime I needed a straight answer about anything, I would email Bruce. He always replied, and he was sweet as pie. As a donor, I spoke with Salem a bunch of times, and she was great. And I emailed Neil once about a bill in my state, and he personally called me within a half hour and gave me great advice, from the office at 9 p.m.!!!!!!!!! I

So, so sad these people are gone. But good for them!! I pray there OK. They will all be in my prayers tonight. I'm so sad by this, I think I'm going to have a little sacrament right now.

Mad At MPP

Jan 15 2010, 2:00 pm

Sounds like MPP is just trying to sweep it under the rug. Political damage control. lots of people sound mad about this. A simple investigation wont do. this guy has to go. At least bring in someone who can focus on getting the marijuana laws and legislation changed not just who he is going to sleep with next.

Female Reformer

Jan 15 2010, 1:56 pm

As a young female drug policy reformer who has worked as an intern at the Marijuana Policy Project under Rob's leadership, I feel that I have a unique perspective to share. I also know Rob very well and am friends with he and several of MPP's current and former employees.

I just want to say that this story does not accurately reflect the atmosphere at MPP nor should it reflect on the great work they have done to advance marijuana policy reform.

This finger pointing and speculating is not helpful to our movement and I think we should all keep our eyes on the prize, which is ending marijuana prohibition. Less drama, more policy change please.

chan

Jan 15 2010, 1:53 pm

Who would want to fuck Rob Kamplia? He must have a charming personality because he's one weird looking dude.

Guitarman

Jan 15 2010, 1:52 pm

@Mark the Bugler. I had to laugh. Well-meaning musicians with leadership abilities have been trying to reform marijuana laws for decades. We're getting close, let's keep our eyes on the ball, folks!

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 1:52 pm

"The quoted ex-MPP employees are only repeating hearsay."

The full investigation will likely go into the climate of sexual harassment that the ex-employees are talking about, which seems to encompass years of behavior and much more than this one instance. The quotes say that least some of them did have direct experiences with inappropriate behavior from Rob.

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 1:50 pm

Sadly, I have to report from my own experience that this is OLD NEWS to many of us ladies that are involved in drug policy reform. Rob not only acts inappropriately in his created MPP realm, but with ladies involved in drug policy reform in general. No wonder DPR is composed vastly of men. Bright, ambitiousness, compassionate women have left the field because of these sorts of actions by Rob and other men in the movement.

Rhayader

Jan 15 2010, 1:50 pm

@Thanks:

Here's a link to the MPP blog post that includes Aaron Smith's response near the bottom of the comment thread:

http://blog.mpp.org/tax-and-regulate/victory-in-the-golden-state/01132010/

JUST A DAD

Jan 15 2010, 1:49 pm

I don't know about everyone else, but I wouldn't want any of my daughters jobs to be threatened by some creep boss who thinks its ok on a good day, to do this kind of nonsense. He's lucky I can't get my hands on him myself. If this is his way of running the orgonization, then count my support out. I would rather win the legislation battle another way!

Thanks

Jan 15 2010, 1:47 pm

Please post a link to the MPP blog...

Littlefella

Jan 15 2010, 1:36 pm

This guy is scum! sexual harassment! Abusing his athority of power! CAN'T ANY ONE STOP HIM OR IS ALL THE OTHER BOARD MEMBERS DOING THE SAME AS HIM?

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 1:35 pm

to Moral Majority:

are you speaking of Bruce Mirkin? I think he's still there.

I hadn't seen Nydia in a while, now I know why. i Always liked her.

Sad2C

Jan 15 2010, 1:33 pm

As a long time reader I find HT's willingness to tattle on MPP over other peoples' grievances regrettable. What are the facts of this story? The quoted ex-MPP employees are only repeating hearsay.

If the point here is to reform marijuana laws, the bickering and infighting isn't helping us much. There will always be those with an axe to grind and giving some disgruntled ex-Mpp employees a medium to denigrate Mr. Campia (and MPP by extension) displays the kind of low standards and lack of forethought displayed by the ex-employees themselves.

What competent HR person doesn't google applicants and prospective employees? If I read the kind of comments quoted here about an applicant, I'd never call him/her back.

Sorry HT, your lack of respect and willingness to behave like Perez Hilton reflects badly on your ethics and mission. In any case, the moral high ground will never belong to a magazine selling ads with naked women draped all over them (look into the mirror, gentlemen.)

Let (s)he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Mark the bugler

Jan 15 2010, 1:32 pm

Quote from Aaron Smith of MPP:

"Lastly, as for the “scandal” brought up in the recent High Times article… The incident in question occurred more than five months ago and was thoroughly investigated and addressed by MPP’s board of directors. Nobody ever alleged that Rob or anyone had done anything illegal or even in violation of our organizational policies.

As a result of the incident, MPP now has new policies in place that are working well. If I were to say anything more than that, I would be reflecting on something about which I have no personal knowledge.

It is certainly disappointing that these articles have come out, but the truth is that our work is supported by tens of thousands of people around the country and we’re moving forward and will continue to focus on the fight to reform our marijuana laws."

Moral Majority

Jan 15 2010, 1:28 pm

How sad, and thank G-d this came to light. My monthly donation to MPP will now be cancelled. I know a lot of the people there, and there good people, which is why this is so sad. For them, and the movement.

I don't understand people saying Aaron Houston should be put in charge. He's a nice guy, but he isn't one of these moral people who left, either. Looking at the website and the articles, the department heads who are not there anymore are Salem, Bruce, Nydia and Neil. I've had the pleasure of knowing all of those people, and let me tell you, that is a massive talent drain that Rob drove out of our movement. He should be fired just for that. I am not surprised those people left. But I am very sad. They should all be brought back after Rob is fired.

Rhayader

Jan 15 2010, 1:27 pm

Hey all, just FYI, Aaron Smith posted some words about this whole situation in the latest MPP blog entry comments. I'll copy them here verbatim without comment:

Lastly, as for the “scandal” brought up in the recent High Times article… The incident in question occurred more than five months ago and was thoroughly investigated and addressed by MPP’s board of directors. Nobody ever alleged that Rob or anyone had done anything illegal or even in violation of our organizational policies.

As a result of the incident, MPP now has new policies in place that are working well. If I were to say anything more than that, I would be reflecting on something about which I have no personal knowledge.

It is certainly disappointing that these articles have come out, but the truth is that our work is supported by tens of thousands of people around the country and we’re moving forward and will continue to focus on the fight to reform our marijuana laws.

dbcooper

Jan 15 2010, 1:17 pm

my donations will stop until Rob is replaced. My thoughts and best of wishes go out to all people who find themsleves being treated inappropriately.

dbcooper

Aficionado

Jan 15 2010, 1:08 pm

MPP should just be scrapped......

They are only interested in changing laws in order to control and monopolize the cannabis market.

None of their proposed legislation allows for any "grow your own" therefore keeping it illegal to grow for yourselves and will be forced to buy from their "state accredited" dispensaries.

I'm not signing any legislation that does not allow the growing of personal medication, even if its recreational!!!

420 Activist

Jan 15 2010, 12:59 pm

Another strike out for the Marijuana Monopoly Project.......

These guys have been losing support across the country with their flawed proposed legislation to monopolize medical and recreational cannabis in several states.

Their hearts are in their wallets which is why the MPP (a private profit driven corporation) is losing so many supporters......

MPP should have known better than to try to trick voters into signing a piece of proposed legislation that would give them the monopoly over the whole state.

You guys deserve what's coming to you with this BS you're trying to pass in Nevada and Arizona.

I want my donations back!!!!!

The Dude

Jan 15 2010, 12:51 pm

Don't expect Peter Lewis to introduce any non-sexual work environment at MPP any time soon... (http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1995/08/07/205140/index.htm)

===
On another subject of close personal interest, he believes that romantic relationships in the office are going to occur no matter what the rules, and are perfectly okay just as long as they don't interfere with his most sacred goal, the efficient workings of Progressive. He has, in fact, danced around this thought in Progressive's annual reports, which are both as informative and oddball as Lewis himself. "Intraoffice romances just happen," he says, "and I've had them, both inappropriately and appropriately."

...he contributed heavily to the Dukakis campaign in 1988 and was a major donor to the Democrats during Clinton's run, giving more than $250,000. That kind of money got him a limousine ride in Cleveland with the candidate, during which Lewis helpfully offered his advice about the womanizing issue: "I told him that if there'd been, say, 27 women since he got married, he should just state that was the case, say it was 'juvenile behavior,' and put this problem in the past."

...In the late 1960s, for example, Lewis shared lunch with a female Progressive employee and "felt overwhelmed by the need to have an extramarital experience." Was she willing, he asked, to go to a motel and do it with him? "She was and we did," he writes.

...In one passage, Lewis describes his then-office--"a palatial penthouse designed to reflect and indulge my hedonism and appreciation of contemporary art"--and says his decision to hold a particularly important business meeting there was a way for him to "show off my success, symbolize my position, and emphasize my ample supply of testosterone."
===

Birds of a feather.

longtime volunteer activist

Jan 15 2010, 12:48 pm

>>>FYI, most of the HT staff does not support the running of this story

Thank god the editor did! Shame on you. Anyone that's tried to work with Kampia over the years knows how petty and vindictive he is.

The opportunity cost of poor leadership from such a pivotal and well-funded organization is huge! Especially with the dictatorial management culture of the organization.

He is more than happy to torpedo any reform project over a petty personal issue and has done this MANY times to MANY people.

I've always wondered why Peter Lewis stuck with the guy, even after millions were incompetently wasted on failed projects in Nevada and Arkansas.

Instead of making a change then, Mr. Lewis poured another $10 million in over the next few years.

Mark the bugler

Jan 15 2010, 12:44 pm

I'll gladly replace Rob if there is an opening.

I'm 51, am a successful musician and businessman with proven leadership skills.

I am internet savy and celibate. I have created and maintain 4 websites. I post regularly on TOPIX and other cannabis discussion forums.

I fire everyone and anyone who does anything to remotely disrupt the business at hand. IMEDIATELY and without regard to how far away they live and how much it will cost to get back home. Ask any of my employees. I can be nasty. Like Burt Young in "Back to School": "I can be nice or I can be nasty. I got 2 kids. One kid I put through college and the other kid I put through a wall".

I also pay them more than they have ever made or can expect to make in their lives. This gets results and QUICKLY. Or else I find someone else. I can also be nice.

If I were in charge of MPP, cannabis would already be legal nationwide. Because I cut through all the bullshit and get to the point.

deep thought

Jan 15 2010, 12:39 pm

Is this what you donated money for MPP supporters?

"when and how much money that was supposed to be used for cannabis law reform was diverted to pay off employees who brought sexual harassment charges against Kampia"

Your hard-earned dollars meant to free the weed being used to quiet whistleblowers? Paying for cover-ups? Talk about not helping the cause...

Longtime volunteer activist

Jan 15 2010, 12:28 pm

I guess this explains why they keep hiring so many people instead of paying for referendums that actually change the law - Rob gets more action this way.

believe me, we already knew he was arrogant, his ego is legendary and has been damaging MJ reform for years.

I hope Mr. Lewis has the sense to bring someone else in and flush him.

Mark the bugler

Jan 15 2010, 12:26 pm

regarding this issue, I posted a reply on the latest thread at MPP. Lets see what happens.

Mark the bugler

Jan 15 2010, 12:20 pm

I posted a reply on one of MPP's threads (the latest thread) demanding an explaination. Let's see what happens next.

Jan4Hemp

Jan 15 2010, 12:12 pm

Rhayader writes "Does anyone here want to speak to what actually happened? It seems like there's quite a bit of supposition going on -- I don't recall reading the word "rape" in the HT story, or any other specifics. What are we talking about here?"

Indeed...if MPP's board of directors cares about the truth and their credibility, they need to release the information of what happened, when and how much money that was supposed to be used for cannabis law reform was diverted to payoff employees who brought sexual harassment charges...and did so agreeing to keep silent.

A hot, white, anti-septic light needs to be cast on MPP, their board of directors and how did Peter Lewis' money get spent.

Sounds like a prime investigative job for the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Massachusetts Cop

Jan 15 2010, 11:53 am

I support my local N.A.M.B.L.A. chapter.

Massachusetts Cop

Jan 15 2010, 11:52 am

I swear i'm not straight! I love dongs!

Rhayader

Jan 15 2010, 11:49 am

Don't feed the trolls, people.

I'm going to avoid excoriating Rob until we know more facts. It certainly sounds troubling, but then again so did the Duke Lacrosse incident, which turned out to be nothing. I have no idea what actually happened here, nobody seems to want to provide specifics.

Alan420

Jan 15 2010, 11:36 am

Massachusetts cop i am a pothead and resent that statement that most potheads go after little boy.Well COPS are just men with little pricks and whom got beat up during their dorky youth and now want to get back at all the people who hurt them isn't that right Massachusetts Cop

rational animal

Jan 15 2010, 11:29 am

There's a big difference between ads that use images of females to sell products and what is alleged in the story. The former could be viewed as salacious, unpleasant to some and even possibly sexist, while the latter is, allegedly, a potential pattern of predatory and criminal behavior that cannot be ignored and shouldn't be swept under any rug, even a hemp one.

umm

Jan 15 2010, 10:59 am

What I find disappointing is the fact that the media, and soaps, and the movies on tv etc., ALWAYS makes stars of the dregs of society. People salivate to watch someone get crucified. If this garbage is true and not a conspiracy to discredit a much needed organization, it is disappointing.

On a lighter note, Coast to Coast last night talked briefly of the legalization of up to one ounce in California! It truly is past time to do so for every state. As it is now, we are not united, and I find it sad. We should be united in these states and just Legalize.

Anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 10:55 am

I don't know exactly what happened, but I can't imagine that seven employees would have left over sex between two consenting adults.

Mark the bugler

Jan 15 2010, 10:51 am

I would hope that even the staunchest prohibitionist would be able to decipher that Fox News - should they air with predictable great glee this unfortunate (and foolish) developement - that they would be able to seperate these 2 totally seperate issues and not demonize cannabis because some guy wants to get laid.

Oh and BTW, this developement - if it is based in fact and not a Republican prohibitionist plant... this developement should end once and for all the notion that cannabis inhibits sexual desire and function. On the contrary.....

Tyler420

Jan 15 2010, 10:46 am

The story is already out whether HT covers it or not, so why blame them? High Times has a responsibility to the pot community to report on what goes on. To condone or turn a blind eye to female activists being mistreated would make them no better than him. And there is a world of difference between having a somewhat risque advertisement on their website and committing serial sexual harassment.

It is an obvious and ridiculous fallacy to say that because this one person is accused of sexual misconduct that somehow "all pot smokers are perverts." Sure, Fox News may choose to skew it that way, but how is that different from any other day? That's a reflection of their ignorance and bias. The movement has too much momentum now to be stopped by one lascivious loser. The movement will survive just fine without Rob Kampia.

Rhayader

Jan 15 2010, 10:41 am

Does anyone here want to speak to what actually happened? It seems like there's quite a bit of supposition going on -- I don't recall reading the word "rape" in the HT story, or any other specifics. What are we talking about here? Inappropriate language? Groping? Rape? Consensual sex between co-workers? There's a whole continuum of behavior that could be considered "sexual misconduct" and I'm not clear on exactly where Rob's actions fit in that continuum.

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 10:36 am

The real story is not in what happened, but the subsequent cover-up and minimizing of it. Alison Green is equally culpable. Kampia and Green should both step down from their positions.

Ken Wolski, RN

Jan 15 2010, 10:30 am

It's entirely appropriate for High Times to report on this issue. It's far better to hear this from an organization inside the marijuana law reform community than outside it.

When predatory sexual behavior extends to subordinates in an organization, it is unethical and should not be tolerated.

When the predator's position places him above meaningful disciplinary action, then the staffers who leave the organization in protest are to be congratulated.

thcbear

Jan 15 2010, 10:25 am

Go grow some herb you stupid fuckers. Who cares about hightimes or MPP? Nothing they do is going to affect the future legality or ganja. Pot consumers will change the law through constant civil disobedience and thats it.

MJ Martyr

Jan 15 2010, 10:23 am

Anyone who has had contact with Rob K (personal or professional) knows that, with his arrogance and lack of moral fiber, he wouldn't even make a trustworthy pot dealer, much less the head of the best-funded marijuana policy organization in the world. I have had such contact and, as a result, I cut off any involvement or support of MPP several years ago.

It is high time that MPP hire some grown-ups to lead that organization. I don't believe any of the 20-somethings that they still have on staff (the ones who didn't resign over Rob's inability to control his dick) should even be in the running. In fact, a new Director might do well to show some of them the door also.

Two questions:

1) If I'm not mistaken, MPP does not have a Board of Directors -- it has a Board of Advisors with no real power. If it had the former (a traditional B of D with ultimate authority for the organization), Rob would have been gone a long time ago.

2) Has the person Rob tried to rape filed criminal charges? Have others who have left MPP in disgust over his inability to keep his dick in his pants filed criminal charges? In both cases, I do hope so.

Maybe if MPP's money bags finally decide to jettison Rob K., the organization can get coverage on some media outlets besides Faux Snooze. Talk about a lack of credibility ....

Rhayader

Jan 15 2010, 10:21 am

@Jan4Hemp: I didn't criticize the fact that HT carried the story. I criticized their tone and their apparent glee in breaking the story. There are plenty of ways to break a story, and this seemed more than a little immature.

It's not just Kampia

Jan 15 2010, 10:00 am

There's another well-known person in the movement who hangs out with Kampia who pulled pretty much the same thing a couple of years ago at a conference. And I could tell you hair-standing stories about the behaviour of a major pot martyr facing extradition. There are some pretty ugly people in this world. You know what they say about don't get to know your heroes...in my case it's true.

Green Demon

Jan 15 2010, 9:48 am

If they did anything wrong...It will just show that smokers and activist, can be Scumbags also...It is TRUE, there are Bad Apples in every crowd.

Just remember, just because YOU think a person is COOL, Does Not mean that person will not HARM you.

Proceed with caution!

Jan4Hemp

Jan 15 2010, 9:39 am

Rhayader...If High Times can't inform the cannabis community about a reckless sexual predator at the head of the best funded pot law reform group, who is supposed to?

It hardly look like HT is wrong when Kampia acknowledges his problems apparently by agreeing to go to the David Duchovny School For Uncontrollable Perverts to keep his overpaid job in Washington DC.

The truth hurts and Kampia needs to be shown the door ASAP before he does any more damage to an otherwise productive marijuana law reform movement. MPP's board of directors also needs to be changed in a major way as well.

Responsibility starts at the top.

MassCann

Jan 15 2010, 9:35 am

OK, let me get this straight...Long hair & tie-dye equals Bad for Reform. Serial sexism, harassment, and "No" really means "Yes" equals Good for Reform?

Like I told Rob's cronies when they came to achieve the inevitable in Massachusetts and then claim credit for 20 years' worth of on-the-ground reform work: Go away, please. If you leave, you will not set reform back one bit. We can do it just fine without you.

MarijuanaLobby.org

Jan 15 2010, 9:30 am

We are mad as hell and frustrated as (independent-of-MPP) we are supporters ourselves and our movement does not need this press and what a downer for that gala celebration they had the other evening — all for naught.

I cringe at the thought of Fox News?!? and any other mainstream outlets picking up on this later today, how will the Headlines read?

Should the MPP take immediate steps to promote Aaron Houston to the Director? As to regain respect from it members (lost) and employees lost, they lost quite a bit of their backend talent over this too by the way…

The Movement can not afford any loss of momentum if we can reasonably expect any sort of change, anytime soon…

And to all the immature douche bags posting disingenuous comments about this subject, grow up-you- this is your future… The United States Economy Needs Marijuana Legalized Too for your futures. The losses could be huge: Women, your girlfriends, Moms and Daughters AND DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS are wired and going to be REALLY pissed when they hear this news about senior MPP staff conduct.

Our gut tells us there will be more women coming out about Rob and when High Times next publishes the entire story!?!?! Argh what to expect in that news article....

We are better than this…

Poll: Should Rob Kampia Resign?
http://marijuanalobby.com/2010/01/14/poll-should-rob-kampia-resign/

CannabisOracle

Jan 15 2010, 9:28 am

While reading about Kampia finally getting called out for his many years of creating a hostile work environment is truly disturbing--and the possibly bigger story is the failure of the board of directors to act accordingly, having to wait for the senior staff to resign in moral outrage--what cannabis consumers and activists also want is an accounting of the millions of dollars wasted by Kampia in states like AK, OR, NV, AR, FL, IL, MN, MA, etc....where precious financial resources (hundreds of thousands of dollars) were spent on useless consultants, lawyers, public relations firms; lawsuits against MPP for breach of contract...and very high salary compensation levels.

If a so-called liberal billionaire like Peter Lewis donates one more single penny to MPP, at least with Kampia employed there, he should be shunned by the ACLU, Guggenheim, Princeton, MoveOn.org and all of the other 'progressive' institutions that he massively funds.

Rhayader

Jan 15 2010, 9:13 am

@Paul: Kampia was never "placed in power" at MPP -- he co-founded the entire thing. He essentially IS the Marijuana Policy Project.

I don't like the sound of this, but I'm going to reserve judgment until I hear some details. If we're talking legitimate sexual abuse and victimhood, it's a real problem. If he simply went home with a consenting employee, that may be professionally improper but it certainly isn't a heinous act.

And I have to say that High Time's salacious tone and tabloid zeal is pretty disappointing here.

Another Notch

Jan 15 2010, 8:26 am

As a female working in the marijuana movement -- who was once subjected to Rob's sexual swings (and does not feel subjected to anything via banner ads, please...), I thank you for bringing this story to light. For years now I have averted my eyes and clicked delete whenever an MPP email or headline came through the spam filters. Maybe they will do what needs to be done now and I will be able to take this organization of marijuana supporters seriously once again.

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 8:14 am

High Times is a DEA!!

Paul

Jan 15 2010, 7:20 am

and do you think the girls in the adds would be there had the photographer tried to grab a handfull of boob? do you really think he would still have his job?

Paul

Jan 15 2010, 7:13 am

did anyone ever consider that he might have been placed in that position by someone who knew he was a disgusting creep to undermine the cause?

Paul

Jan 15 2010, 7:08 am

no, if he's so bad that the qualified, hard working people of his office have to quit because there so disgusted with him.... you have to remember that he holds a position of power. If he was cheating on his wife with a willing counterpart, I wouldn't care, but as the boss, he can't go around making unwanted sexual advances towards his employees. And since his organization deals with a subject that's very close to all our hearts, wouldn't we want someone who takes his employees a little more seriosly??

Mike

Jan 15 2010, 7:00 am

Rob Kampia should be ashamed of himself and should immediately resign from MPP. That is disgusting behavior on his part. That kind of person we certainly do not need.
MPP does not exist anymore in my view until Kampia is out..
SHAME ON YOU ROB!!!

susierr

Jan 15 2010, 6:41 am

This is really a shame. This happens every day to countless women, happened to me in a law office and I had to quit my job. I don't think there is a cure for this type of predator. At least he admitted to most of it. The bottom line is WE NEED POT LEGALIZED and his behavior is hurting this cause.

Mobius

Jan 15 2010, 6:27 am

SHAME on High Times for acting like mainstream media.

You're only hurting the cause.

Legalization, by ANY means necessary.

i own you

Jan 15 2010, 4:23 am

yeah stop hating on the guy for gettin his dick wet! grow up

The Dude

Jan 15 2010, 3:46 am

The reason people should give a flying fuck is that we're finally getting majority support for legalization nationwide in the Gallup poll because support among women has gone up 12 points in four years.

Sexual harassment (or worse) is wrong, period. It is troubling that it was tolerated this long solely because one man has access to a billionaire. It is disturbing that some people here think not addressing the issue or reporting the story is helpful to a cause that desperately needs female support.

brianide

Jan 15 2010, 2:45 am

seriously who gives a flying fuck if he banged some co worker dont hate the player hate the game...why fucking hold back the effort of legalizing buds just because he got his dick wet...fuck you 4 that left i hope u die a horrible death

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 2:12 am

If High Times is so concerned with sexually exploiting women, then I'm not sure why I'm being blasted with a LegalBuds.com ad that depicts a girl naked except for the marijuana conveniently placed on her private areas as I write this. As a drug policy activist and someone that is concerned with women's rights, I never once before this story ran wondered to myself why there are phone sex ads in the very last pages of the magazine.

Beth Soloe

Jan 15 2010, 1:56 am

I know a lot of these people mentioned.. this is very disturbing.. and at the same time.. explains a lot.. but i think rob is right.. bringing light to it doesn't help the movement any.. only hinders it.. if mpp won't release him as director.. then that's their choice and they'll have to lie in the bed they make and settle for half wits as employees who will put up with bs.. it's a shame.. those were awesome activists who quit

hello

Jan 15 2010, 1:54 am

Why's are some bashing on High Times over this? Good on them for reporting it and not covering for a friendly. You want it swept under the rug? So that the next time it's worse than this one? I see this as a possible blessing in disguise. We don't need this kind of crap, of course. But it's not HIGH TIMES fault. Look at the dude who did it. And why I say it might be a blessing in disguise. California 2010, we don't need Rob Kampia donor's funding. And you really think anybody that is supporting or even considering supporting legalization is going to be "well because that one guy who smoked a joint had issues, we can't legalize it."? No. Only the folks in the minority left will care. And they are irrelevent. We need principaled leaders in the movement. Weed one out, another 100 with better values are right there, brother.

Springfield Smoker

Jan 15 2010, 1:42 am

Great job for writing this one. Now those ass holes who oppose us will just say "look at that pot head thats in charge of all the other ones, he has no morals. so that must mean no pot heads have morals." we have now lost a lot of leaning women supporters. they think that all people that smoke pot are pervs now... once again, great job for hurting the movement that much more.

The Dude

Jan 15 2010, 1:10 am

Innocent until admitted guilty, you mean:

(Washington Examiner) What happened next is in dispute, but Kampia acknowledged in an e-mail to staff that it was something involving him that he regretted, and that it caused staff defections.

"I'm very sorry -- both personally and professionally -- that they're leaving MPP. Their decisions are **due to something that happened outside the office a few days ago involving me**," Kampia said, according to an e-mail obtained by The Examiner.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/blogs/yeas-and-nays/81590192.html#ixzz0cerLZgq8

Something that happened outside the office that was serious enough that seven people were willing to walk away from some of the few full-time-and-benefits salaried jobs in drug law reform. Something involving someone known in the community to be a serial sexual harasser who organizes fundraising parties at the Playboy Mansion.

I know there must be some irony reading this story beneath an advertisement of a naked woman covered in fake weed. Marijuana law reform needs to leave behind the old boys network of the 20th century and provide a welcoming environment for the women who are going to be instrumental in overturning this prohibition just as they did the last one.

Now, everyone remaining at MPP and all the groups receiving their funding must live with the knowledge that the money only exists because Peter Lewis prefers to keep this man in charge, that sexual impropriety and abuse of authority are irrelevant, and that important celebrities and politicians in the reform movement must now consider how closely they wish to be associated with MPP.

Rob Kampia - the Bill Clinton of marijuana law reform...

Kush303

Jan 15 2010, 1:06 am

whata freak he looks like a chomo

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 1:05 am

to hypocrites- the women in these adds chose to have those pictures taken. Also they were paid.

The females working at MPP do not chose to be objectified and are not paid to get hit on they are paid to work towards ending marijuana prohibition.

MarijuanaLobby.org

Jan 15 2010, 1:03 am

Maybe it is time to promote Aaron Houston to head the MPP. HE IS AWESOME AND TIRELESS FOR THE CAUSE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzLlGqVhFBY

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 1:02 am

It's too bad when such an important cause is dirtied by a handful of sick individuals. Thank you for writing this article. Hopefully something will be done about it.

hypocrites

Jan 15 2010, 1:01 am

if HT editors want to talk about objectifying women, maybe they should take a look at the banner ads surrounding this article.

legalizer

Jan 15 2010, 12:59 am

too bad you got beat by the examiner...

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 12:45 am

I will be sure not to buy that/those issues.Or anymore products advertised in HT

ned2no

Jan 15 2010, 12:13 am

what's with all the in the know comments that won't say what he did?

anonymous

Jan 15 2010, 12:05 am

David, thank you for writing this article. What Rob did was sickening, and I applaud the staffers who left in protest.