Alaskan news reporter Charlene Ebge (also known as Charlo Greene) lit the Internet ablaze Sept. 22 when she announced that she was the CEO of the Alaskan Cannabis Club and quit her job during a live news report.
She went out with a bang.
Ebge’s final story for the Alaskan news station KTVA was about the Alaskan Cannabis Club. She ended her story by saying “Now everything you’ve heard is why I, the actual owner of the Alaska Cannabis Club, will be dedicating all of my energy toward fighting for freedom and fairness, which begins with legalizing marijuana here in Alaska.”
After that amazingly unexpected declaration Ebge signed off (for good) with the line “and as for this job, well, not that I have a choice but f**k it, I quit.”
Overnight, Ebge’s public status went from everyday news reporter to crusader for the legalization of marijuana in Alaska.
Ebge posted a YouTube video shortly after the incident explaining why she quit and how she believes it is imperative that people protect their freedom by fighting for legalization.
The video urges Alaskan citizens to vote yes on Ballot Measure 2 on Nov. 4. If it passes, Alaskan residents 21 years and older will be able to legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana.
“I’m making it my life’s work to uphold what America stands for truly: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Ebge said in her video.
Along with the YouTube video, an Indiegogo campaign that began after her live resignation raised the goal of $5,000 within two days to help sell Alaskan voters on legalization. The Alaskan Cannabis Club Facebook page took a political turn, proudly stating “No marijuana, big mistake #YesOn2.”
Was this the right way of going about her goal?
Ebge definitely accomplished her goal of creating a conversation about the topic of legalization, but the less than professional way she quit her job could certainly be used as fodder for those who are against the legalization of marijuana.
Perhaps it doesn’t matter how Ebge started the conversation, as long as she was able to do it. Now people all over the internet are discussing the pros and cons of legalization, and are beginning to question the century long prohibition on cannabis.
For now, there is only talk. We’ll have to wait until Nov. 4 to see how the people of Alaska really feel about the issue of marijuana legalization.
