Hazy outlook: Trying to get the lowdown on the International Holistic Health Cannabis Convention 2010 Halloween Harmony and Harvest Festival (you try to say that real fast) is like playing a game of find the roach in the back seat of a crowded Camaro circa 1975. The event was scheduled for the Pontiac Silverdome Oct. 29-31, but it will definitely not happen there. Apparently some fear and loathing among the financial backers of the convention, and a less-than-friendly attitude from Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard that made getting various permits more onerous, put the kibosh on things there. There has been some word circulating on the Internet that it will take place at Cobo Center, but as of press time that was far from certain. At this point, organizers may be rethinking the nature and scope of what they want to do, not to mention when and where. Stay tuned in here for further news.

National outlook: Although the question of actually legalizing marijuana in California is on the Nov. 2 ballot, lawmakers there aren't waiting to see what happens. Last week Gov. Arnold 'Terminator" Schwarzenegger signed a law downgrading the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction. That means as of Jan. 1, 2011, petty possession is punishable by a $100 fine and no criminal record. California voters could render that moot on Election Day, but either way the Golden State continues to lead the pack in liberalizing marijuana laws.

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