The Advocate Series: Lance Lenau
Lance Lenau is the Communications Director of Mid-Mo NORML, the Communications Director of Missouri Cannabis Industry Association, and the Social Media Manager of Missouri NORML. Lenau was one of the top signature gatherers for New Approach Missouri, and is dedicating his life to educating about and advocating for medical marijuana.
“I decided to become politically active to legalize medical cannabis after my own diagnosis of HIV in 2011,” Lenau says that he had experimented with cannabis when he was younger, but learning about the medicinal benefits of marijuana and facing his own treatment plan spurred him toward advocacy and to the front lines of the fight for patient access in Missouri.
“I joined Mid-Mo NORML in January 2017. After the New Approach Missouri campaign narrowly missed the November 2016 ballot. I sought out my local NORML chapter and they were assisting the New Approach Missouri campaign in the collection of signatures.” When Lenau speaks about New Approach Missouri and the campaign for Amendment 2 his eyes light up and a thin smile spreads from ear to ear. He wears his experiences like a badge of honor, not for in a ploy recognition, but as a souvenir and proof of his dedication. “I faced intimidation while petitioning for the campaign, the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter, all while juggling my own health in the meantime.”
Lenau speaks softly, and at times it’s difficult to hear him over the hum of others in a crowded diner, but his hands and face fill in the blanks. He talks about the importance of pursuing full legalization and continued activism from Missourians.
“I consider myself both a cannabis activist and an advocate for other seriously ill people who need medical cannabis, too. It means the world to me. It means more than just making Facebook posts. It means actually putting the work in.”
As Lenau talks about the implementation of the new medical marijuana program and discusses the ability for patients to grow at home he becomes more vibrant and excitable. He talks about the process for patients to apply and discusses what’s next for Missouri in the years to come.
“I’m most excited that we were able to join 32 other states in legalizing cannabis. Patients will now have access to cannabis, without the fear of arrest and prosecution. Law enforcement can now focus on more pressing matters in our state. The toothpaste is now out of the tube and there is no way of putting back in. I see a more prosperous future for our state. More resources will be freed up in regards to law enforcement and the patients will have another natural option for treatment. (I want) to stay engaged with Missouri NORML and legalize the adult use of cannabis statewide. We will get there. It is only a matter of time. My ultimate goal is to help end the failed experiment of marijuana prohibition.”
photos by Chris Smith