One of the many things that we are thankful for here at Marijuana Politics is that we get to work with Russ Belville, who was just named as The Weed Blog’s 2015 Online Activist of the Year, along with fellow activist extraordinaire Tom Angell. Russ is one of the most prolific bloggers and tireless advocates today and his blogs here at Marijuana Politics are really a must-read for the cannabis community.
Not only is he passionate, but Russ does his research, ensuring that his arguments are backed by facts. Russ has debated the top prohibitionists and isn’t afraid to debate other cannabis law reform advocates as well. Despite living in progressive Portland, Oregon, Russ has been greatly impacted by his upbringing in Idaho, remembering what it is like to live under draconian marijuana laws.
Here’s what our friends over at The Weed Blog had to say about Russ and Tom:
Online Activist of the Year – Tom Angell and Russ Belville. I think these guys have won this award the last two years too. They are on the internet daily. I swear neither of them sleep. Tom ‘The One Man Marijuana Prohibition Wrecking Crew’ Angell is in just about every major marijuana article I read online. He also writes for Marijuana.Com, and I quote his articles quite often. Russ ‘The Hardest Working Man In Marijuana’ Belville is relentless. If you follow him on Twitter, you will see that he never shies away from a meaningful debate, and is quick to challenge a prohibitionist which is something that I have always admired. Both of these men are very deserving of this award, and very deserving of support ($!) from anyone that can help as far as I’m concerned.
As an Idaho refugee, he always thinks about the members of the cannabis community that aren’t fortunate to live in cannabis-friendly locales. Placing a premium on the need to end cannabis prohibition for everyone, Belville has often clashed with activists that aren’t pleased with various legalization laws, such as Washington State and proposals, such as the recent battle in Ohio and the current debate over California’s legalization proposals. Russ doesn’t shy away from supposedly controversial statements, willing to take on the biggest players in the movement. The cannabis community is lucky to have Russ Belville and we are proud to call him a friend and colleague here at Marijuana Politics.
Besides following his blogs here on Marijuana Politics, you can also check out Russ Belville’s personal site, his online show over at Cannabis Radio and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
