Smoke for Life

"I became more educated as I became involved," says Abel. What he discovered was that the government has nothing to gain by its legalization, and major drug companies like Unimed -- manufacturer of Marinol, a synthetic marijuana -- have everything to lose if they are forced to compete against a natural herb that could be sold as a health store remedy.

"As musicians and artists, it's kind of our job to point out things that aren't good and bring the awareness to them and talk about those issues," says Banossian. "In its purest form and its best form, music itself has been responsible for getting people to think, and to change the way they think."

Michelle D'Lorri

At last year's benefit, Earth Citizens' Brin Abel (left) rocked while spoken-word artist Alonso rapped

Details

Saturday, January 24, from 4:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Tickets cost $10. Call 305-374-1198.

Tobacco Road, 626 S Miami Ave., Miami

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More About

• Leon Banossian
• Jamaican-born Brin Abel
• National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
• Marijuana
• Illegal Drugs