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WORLDWIDE WRAPUP OF THE "2001 SPACE ODYSSEY"
FILED 06/01/2001
Reports from organizers from around the world. Was your city represented? If not, make sure it is next year!
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Propot activists, protesters and partiers came together for the worldwide "2001-The Space Odyssey," in a mass display of ire and desire for change in the War on Pot. May 5th was the fourth global protest, first begun in New York City by Cures-Not-Wars. With a very few notable exceptions, the day went peacefully, as one would expect from a bunch of folk who imbibe recreationally, or medicinally, in marijuana.
Many of the organizers and participants graciously took time to respond to HT's questions about the various events, as well as reporting their event particulars to Cures-Not-Wars, and http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.cannabinoid.com/.
Albuquerque, New Mexico--An estimated 600-800 people braved the cold, meeting at noon at the University of New Mexico. The crowd began marching at 1:20 PM up to Nob Hill and back along Route 66. "As the crowd progressed along Route 66, walking on each sidewalk flanking the roadway, they were preceded, as in Biblical days, by a column of smoke. Although the lead marcher carried only a flag bearing the Rasta colors, a pot leaf, and the word "marijuana," the troops behind him were armed with blunts, which they brandished with bravado. Cheers, honks, and whistles were heard coming from everything within sight as they passed," organizer Richard E. Haley Jr. wrote HT.
The Freedom Fest in Roosevelt Park kicked off at 3:00 PM. Speakers included Rob Taylor from Albuquerque's HempTV, and former Libertarian Senate candidate Bruce Bush. "The very best part of Freedom Fest was when Bruce Bush (up to give a short synopsis of the recent legislative battles) announced that our nemesis, the living falsehood, Ron Godbey, was defeated in his attempt to wrest control of the New Mexico Republicans from John Dendahl, friend of our governor and mutual supporter of drug peace. The vote wasn't even close (3 to 1)," Haley wrote.
As to police presence on the day, Haley noted that "They were quite mellow, but this is probably because at the 420 celebration (which also takes place at Roosevelt Park), they came down like a ton of bricks, arrested 25 people, barricaded the entrances to the park, (for public safety), and generally caused a lot of trouble in the neighborhood. The neighbors complained about their actions. The city attorney had to apologize for them."
Amsterdam--There will be a street rave on June 2 in connection to the May 5th events.
Asheville, North Carolina--Organizer Jason Klein reported to HT, "Yes, we had an event, and a mighty fine one at that! Nine hours long, held in front of the official buildings of the City of Asheville and the County of Buncombe. In attendance were speakers, bands, several hundred people, and a magnificent hula hoop girl.
"The police were very well behaved, numbering about 4. Of special note was the caliber and diversity of our speakers. Mickey Mahaffey is a local activist who is especially interested in the experience of Asheville's "homeless" population. He's publicly advocated his belief in ending The Drug War, and he's also running for mayor of Asheville. Our featured speaker was Stephen Gaskin--and what a beautiful speaker he is! Also, two dear friends of mine told the crowd about their dramatic experiences of persecution, and I spoke about industrial hemp.
"We held a march protesting the construction of a new, minimum- security (Drug War POW's) jail, in the middle of our downtown. Vendors sold tie-die dresses, glassware, and hemp-based baked goods. The information table for the sponsors of the event, Community of Compassion, collected hundreds of letters that will be forwarded to local representatives in the NC Assembly, urging their support for AB 1240, a bill that would authorize the study of Marijuana for medical use."
For more information about the day's proceedings, see:
http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.citizen-times.com/news/06497536.shtml
Athens, Ohio--"Our rally May 5 was a hit: Big turnout for Mother's Day at Ohio University," organizer John Spofforth told HT. "Four OU students and four fellow members of my Unitarian Fellowship rallied with me from noon-4:00 PM at the Athens County courthouse in uptown Athens, one block from the Ohio University campus gate. Each of us 9 had one or more large posters. I wore my "Drug Peace Patriot" hood (painted, stenciled grocery-bag mask). Passersby took photos. A grand, sunny, celebratory day! No member of OU's recently certified student group Students for Sensible Drug Policy stood with us.
"Although just 9 protesters turned out, they utilized the opportunity, handing out, 300+ posters and 100+ postcard palm cards to passersby including Moms! No police presence (the sheriff's building is one door west of the courthouse). No harassment, speakers--we ralliers spoke with many passersby--or entertainment. Our table was filled with six feet of cannabis library books (Grinspoon et al), and magazines and info of NORML, Marijuana Policy Project, Lindesmith- Drug Policy Foundation, and ACLU. It was a good rally."
Atlanta--"The event of course was presented by the Coalition for the Abolition of Marijuana Prohibition, Atlanta CAMP," http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.cannabis2000.com/, reported Paul Cornwell, organizer of the event, and head of Atlanta CAMP. "There were about 200 hardened, veteran demonstrators at the Atlanta March who began the march from the newly built and yet unoccupied Federal Building at the crossroad of 10th and Peachtree Streets. We then proceeded in a slow and unified group down Peachtree Street to Woodruff Park, the center of the city's business district, and the Georgia State University area. Local residents all along the route and in the park joined us for a three-hour "Reefer Rant &Rave" featuring two local DJs, DJ Sin and DJ Swivel. Groups participating were Georgia Green Party, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.greens.org/georgia/, Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition, and the American Cannabis Society. Everyone got down! No arrests and no hassles. Other than the APD complained about how slow the march proceeded. We replied that we were moving as fast as JUSTICE!
"The event's size was heavily impacted by a three-day Budweiser/Cuervo fest promoted by SFX labeled Midtown Music festival, however there was a "marijuana alley" located on site, marijuana lays were everywhere, so was the smoke. The Black Crowes, Offspring and Bob Dylan played. The Crowes announced our event from the stage on Friday, the night before. "The 10th Annual Great Atlanta Pot Festival has been scheduled for September 8th in Piedmont Park (over which a five-year federal case was fought; we won). Tentative affirmation by the "ORIGINAL P" to play (four of the original members of Parliament Funkadelic minus GC)."
Auckland, New Zealand--"We ended up doing two days as it rained really hard in the morning of Saturday, 5th May so we postponed to Sunday," Chris Fowlie of NORML NZ, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.norml.org.nz/, and The Hempstore Aotearoa, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.hempstore.co.nz/, wrote HT. "Then it became sunny and heaps of people turned up so we brought in some DJs to entertain those who had shown up.
"Sunday was a blast, with about 300 people (probably closer to 1000 over the day), no police, and plenty of smoking. The only arrests in New Zealand were two people in Dunedin for drawing with chalk on the footpath! Overall we're really happy with how things turned out, and although May is harvest time here so plenty of buds, the weather in May is too unpredictable to organize an outdoor event. Next year we plan to move our main rally to February and have something else (indoors) for the international celebrations in May."
Austin, Texas--The M5 Coalition, an organization dedicated to "sharing information about effective family-oriented alternatives to the failing war on drugs," sent HT this report: "The day was filled with scattered showers, scattered sunshine, and occasional clouds of cannabis smoke. About 250 people showed up in Austin for the Space Odyssey, Millennium Million Marijuana March for a New Drug Policy, call it what you will. The day was beautiful, but the rain scared a lot of people away. We marched without negative incident to the Capitol building in downtown Austin, for a silent vigil in honor of the civilians and police officers who are murdered so needlessly in the name of the war on drugs.
"After the vigil, we moved on to the William B. Travis Building for an hour-and-a-half long rally, including national activists Sandee Burbank from Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse, www.mamas.org, and Kevin Zeese from Common Sense for Drug Policy, www.csdp.org, and local activists Joe Ptak, from Cannabis Action Network, www.cannbisaction.net, Zeal Stefanoff, Brian Parret, from Hemp Advocates of Texas, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.utexas.edu/students/hemp/home.html, Cristala Allan (Native American Church), Alan Bean (speaking about the situation in Tulia) and more. As far as the cops go, we have nothing negative to say about them, they did their job, and made sure that no one hindered our freedom of speech. Good for them. They may have even been listening!
"Following the rally, we headed over to the Flamingo Cantina where we partied from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM with bands Rajamani, Jahlangalow and Grass, and raffled off a bunch of cool booty, including gift certificates from local music stores, to lots of glass ware, and a rock climbing trip for 2.
"Sunday, May 6, we held our first ever Drug Policy Awareness Forum where we discussed effective and family oriented alternatives to the failed war on drugs. About 100 people joined us and all of the speakers mentioned above were in attendance and gave presentations, except for Cristala Allan. Also present was Rick D. Day from Texas NORML, www.normTexas.org, who shared the results of the NORML Study done to asses the cost of enforcing marijuana prohibition on the great state of Texas. WOW! It's expensive!
"All things considered, our day was a big success. We had a blast, spent the whole weekend high as hell from some of the stickiest, stoniest bud any of us had ever seen. And oh, the cookies! "The most successful aspect of our event here in Austin was strength and determination that was built amongst our group of leaders and activists. We want the state of Texas to be the next state in the nation to wake up and smell the freedom that others are experiencing in states like Oregon, Hawaii, and more!! Thanks to everyone in every city and country who is working to make these events happen. We are honored to be making history with all of you!"
Battle Creek, Michigan--Organizer Harry Goddard managed to draw a good hundred people out, with the help of Jay Statzer. Local TV coverage of the gathering seemed to bring more people
throughout the day.
Berlin--Martin M., organizer of the event in Berlin, reported that not only was it a rainy day, but the police confiscated his Free Speech truck, containing all technical equipment, and that he's having trouble getting it returned. The day began at 2:00 PM "with some short speeches of hemp activists on the truck at Wittenbergplatz in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Then prohemp music (German lyrics about hemp legalization) and we distributed a lot of flyers. 3:00 PM was the start of the little march/rally to the Kudam at the Gedaechtniskirche with prohemp music, where we had more speakers, including a politician and a sick woman who fights for her legal treatment. At 4:00 PM, the official end of the Berlin Space Odyssey, police took our truck, including the driver."
Martin also noted optimistically, "it can only get better next year."
Boulder, Colorado--Musician and event organizer Jack J. Woehr sent HT this report of the easy-going day they had in the bandshell in Boulder. "We were denied a permit for 5 May at the State Capitol in Denver due to concerns about the concurrence of Cinco de Mayo, an important civic holiday in Denver. There were about 500 persons present. The normally quite civilized Boulder police, to whom our event was tame enough to be effectively beneath notice, showed up for five minutes to make sure our amplifiers weren't too loud, then left us to our own devices for the duration. There were several speakers, ranging from cancer patients discussing medical marijuana to political candidates expressing their criticism of the War on Drugs in general and marijuana prohibition in particular. "The event started off with my wife and I doing a duet of our Drug War ballads, including, "The Two Million," "The Ballad of Esequiel Hernandez," "Drug-Free USA" and "Prisons for Profit."
"Later there were DJs and some popular music bands. I'm positive that there is a core of dedicated activism in this issue, but also unsurprisingly, many of us are middle-aged. I spoke about the Zero Tolerance generation, not raised to be free citizens, but raised to submit blindly to the senile authority of a generation who in their own youth ran wild in the streets. My G-g-g-eneration. Pfaugh!"
Burlington, Vermont--"We had a wonderful day in Burlington," Robert Melamede, an assistant research professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Vermont, www.uvm.edu, wrote to HT. "The sun was shining. We had live music--the popular, local reggae band the Channel 2 Dub Band, followed up by another local band, Liverty. We had educational material available as handouts, and a street lined with educational posters. The Burlington police were, as usual, friendly and supportive of our Constitutional rights. Speakers at the gathering included: Dr. Joe McSherry, Dr. Bob Melamede and Denny Lane, head of the Vermont Grassroots Party, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.vermontel.com/~epgorge/vgrp.htm. The medical uses of marijuana and the need to become politically active were presented. During the course of the day we probably has 200 people, with a steady 100 at any one time."
Charleston, West Virginia--Jim Payne, who organized the event, described it for HT. "Saturday evening, May 5th a small band of people gathered at the State Capitol to celebrate the Cures-Not-Wars marijuana march. The marchers met at the Booker T. Washington statue. After a brief meeting and a few words by organizer Jim Payne and W.Va. NORML director Tom Thacker, the group then marched through the Capitol grounds to the boulevard along the Kanawha River and on to Ruffner Park, about 1/8th mile. "While the patrolling Capitol security guards did shoot lingering glances at the 15 or so pro-cannabis freedom fighters, no resistance was met from citizens or police.
Chico, California- "More than 250 people gathered at 2:15 PM, on May 5th, 2001, at the Chico State University of California free speech area, to prepare for speeches and a march on city hall," reported Pot Party member Jimmy Ogle. "Billed as "2001: The Space Odyssey" in fliers and press releases sent out by BAMM (Butte County Alliance for Medical Marijuana), and others, the march was promoted by the weekly CN&R, (Chico News and Review), http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.newsreview.com/chico/guides/visitors/ as a "march that will coincide with an international effort, choreographed by a group called the 5th USA Parliament."
Snips of digital CD videos of this and other events can be at http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.pot-party.com/ 200 helium-filled pot-leaf balloons, supplied by the Canadian Marijuana Party, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.marijuanaparty.org/, were passed out by a local Green Party member. Pot Party flags, placards and pamphlets were also carried and distributed, and many people were openly smoking joints and lighting pipes.
Exchanges of photo taking by the local police and parade participants, which centered largely around a foot-tall marijuana plant in a pot, started the afternoon activities, but no other police presence was observed. Next, speakers Sushie Rose, Susan Spangler and Pravda McCroskey took to the grass and helped facilitate more speakers, as victims of the Drug War were also remembered. Green Party central committee member Lars Logan read his poetry, and many others accessed the free speech opportunity.
By about 2:30 PM, the crowd marched into downtown and to city hall where Bonnie Metcalf, (Yuba Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Cooperative), spoke from her wheelchair. She was joined by other speakers at the statue of the hands by the city hall. The parade then went to the post office steps for about 15 minutes and marched back through town to the free speech area. Then at 4:20 PM, there was a benefit for BAMM at Moxie's Cafe'."
Christchurch, New Zealand--"It was the first city in the world to kick of the global event, being the "first to see the light," relates Blair Anderson, organizer of the Christchurch event. "You can catch some photos and a press item at http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.alcp.org.nz/. In summary, about 300 people turned up despite threatening rain, (it ceased just on midday, but remained dull and cold) The police made a surreptitious look-in, via a plainclothed desktype, who called back to his mates saying "doesn't look like much happening here," according to an astute witness. Otherwise zero police were visible, (notwithstanding that there was constant police video surveillance). After gathering for about 3 hours, listening to several guest speakers including MP Tim Barnett, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.timbarnett.org.nz/, who is, usefully, Chair of the House of Representatives Justice and Electoral select committee and known to be a pot liberal, although not a pot imbiber, a patient crowd assembled under the ANZAC war memorial, before marching to the botanical gardens to enjoy a cool and somber moment under a Canadian Redwood, as the rain came sweeping in from the east."
Anderson also described to HT the J-Day event in Wellington. "I also attended the Wellington J-Day (delayed from the weekend before. Brilliant weather this time round) The police presence was, for a short while, quite heavy on account that a male body had washed ashore only meters away from the venue a few hours before the event was to commence. It was a missing person, unaccounted for for about 6-8 days, but it appears there were no suspicious circumstances evident. Nonetheless, arrests occurred--without moral authority. The police did arrest three or four smokers, taking them away for processing, but the outcomes are unknown to me, although I am watching carefully. Apart from these minor police actions, they then effectively disappeared from the balance of the day. I must say that Wellington people were a lot more generous with, and managed a higher standard of pot than Christchurch, however."
Columbus, Ohio--Organizer Kenneth Schweickart wrote HT that he felt it, "a very positive event in support of a local decrim ordinance petition that attracted a football field length of marchers. Dr. Robert Fitrakis, Cannabis Kenny, and City Council candidate Greg Richey pumped up the crowd and there were zero arrests."
Detroit--Professor Hemp in Detroit reports, "In the morning hours the television news, Channel 4 or 7, did make short mention of the event. About 50-70 people gathered in Grand Circus Park in Detroit between noon and 1:00 PM. About 30 of the activists participated in a boisterous march while the remainder manned signs at the Grand Circus Park location. The marchers walked down Woodward Avenue past the FOX Theater and then proceeded towards the Eastern Market, which is about the only place you will find large groups of people in Detroit on a Saturday. In the course of the 4-mile march we passed by the Detroit housing projects. All along the march we were greeted with beeping car horns and cheers of support. Even some of the police squad cars that passed us by indicated support for cannabis relegalization. When we returned to Grand Circus Park activists were brandishing signs and engaged in discussion about the future of cannabis activism in Michigan beneath very warm and sunny skies. Activists stayed until 4:20 and I think everyone had a pretty good time at this modest event."
Dublin, Ireland--An organizer named Mick described their event for HT. "Three weeks before the 5th we decided to hold an event in bushy park Terenure, Dublin. Posters and flyers were produced, billing the event as a celebration of civil disobedience, and calling for the decriminalization of cannabis. The response to the flyers was amazing and the word spread quickly. More flyers were produced by self-motivated individuals, and the samba band had planned to come to the event before being asked. On the day [itself] we had 300 news sheets printed off, explaining about the global action and cannabis prohibition. We estimate 500 people came to enjoy musicians who jammed together to keep us entertained. The police presence was almost nonexistent. They were seen outside the park around 4 o'clock, drove a squad car slowly alongside the gathering, then left. One person was approached by the Guards and asked if this was a cannabis demonstration and then left. They returned at around 8:30 PM and asked the 20-odd remaining people if they were going home soon. The passersby were all very responsive and many were very supportive. We plan to try and make the event official and have bands and speakers next year. We are currently looking for support from concerned groups."
Durban, South Africa--"The day was held on the beachfront from 11:00 AM till 4:00 PM," organizer Justin Ballot, of the EZPZ New Generation Political Party, wrote HT. "We did not have a march, only a rally. There were 1,000 people over the day. Great for the first attempt. There were also 100 policemen in the beginning. After about 12:30 PPMthey all left and then kept a low profile. I handed out information, and spoke only on a personal basis answering questions. It was a fantastic event, and has sparked a national debate after I got national exposure on the Sunday night 8:00 PM news."
Eugene, Oregon--"Eugene had a great event about 300 marchers. The Eugene police disgraced themselves by trying to intimidate the political process and visibly videotaped the marchers. A complaint has been filed and a response has been received back," organizer Kris Millegan told HT.
The local newspaper, Eugene's Register-Guard, reported that the marijuana rally "started about noon at the University of Oregon's Erb Memorial Union. Then participants, some wearing costumes, marched over to the Free Speech Plaza outside the Lane County Courthouse at East Eighth Avenue and Oak Street." "This Drug War just doesn't work," Millegan was quoted by the Register-Guard on May 6. "We're talking about a plant. It comes from the ground and God put it there. Are we going to say God puts bad things in the ground?"
Halifax, Nova Scotia--"About 350 peaceful demonstrators marched about 1 km through the center of the city to the provincial legislature where they partook of the herb, chanted pro-cannabis slogans and spoke with the aid of a PA system. Police assisted with traffic control and in no way were obnoxious. Given the inclement weather, turnout was low and the event shortened," wrote organizer M. Patriquin to HT.
Helsinki, Finland--"In Helsinki the estimates of demonstrators are 500-1000 and there were more than 500 people in the Finnish Cannabis Association, 10th Anniversary party in the same evening," reported organizer Risto Mikkonen. "This was a first cannabis demonstration in the capital of Finland and the success was such that there's no doubt about making it again next year."
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam--A correspondent living in Vietnam sent HT the following report of a planned event. "The event, such as it would be, was postponed. Let me be clear: the event in no way will protest or a march. I am an American living in Vietnam, a guest on his best behavior as I like it here. I am doing some consultant work at a private hospital. All of their patients are heroin addicts. The director is a policeman. I have often had dinner with him. I was invited to research ibogaine for them by a board member, who remembered reading something about ibogaine a number of years ago, and about Dr. Stanley Glick. As I come from the Albany area, and he is with the Albany Medical College she recalled the article (which I have since found in a Vietnamese-language magazine) and thought it only natural that I would find out more about ibogaine. I was a little stunned by this request for synchronistically, I had a copy of Dana Beal's book, The Staten Island Project, with me. He had given it to me the last time we met and he said 'Here's something for you to read on the plane on your way to Vietnam.' Giving them information was easy.
It seemed natural to me then to organize a formal presentation of information on ibogaine to coincide with The Space Odyssey that Dana Beal was organizing. The center agreed, and further wanted to have iboga plants ready for the event. Even though they are trying to germinate some iboga seeds they acquired, to date they haven't germinated. From what I found out they may have to wait a few more months to see if they germinate at all. When the presentation goes off I have some papers on medical marijuana that I want to include. That's where it stands now."
Houston--This was a two-day affair in Houston, with rain putting a slight damper on things May 5, but still seeing an estimated 1,000 or more attendees. "I was quite proud Sunday when the DPFT presented the first Peter McWilliams Award, given to high school student Nick Peraino for his school paper editorial 'Stop The Madness'," reports organizer Dean Becker. "The Houston Event featured testimony from MMJ patient Lisa Laughlin, 16 bands, 12 comedians and most importantly a drug panel featuring a question and answer session with audience members. The panel was comprised of Susan Robbins, PhD; Buford Terrell, PhD and law professor, Jerry Epstein, head of DPFT and Steve Nolin, Pres. of Houston NORML. The panel was our best hour. "Because it rained on Saturday and there was a 70% chance of rain on Sunday, we did not meet our expectations. Estimates of overall attendance ranged from 5,000 to 10,000 attendees during the 2 days of our rally."
Hull, England--"Saturday began by us hijacking a union march in Hull," reports organizer Carl Wagner, Prospective parliamentarian candidate for the Legalize Cannabis Alliance. "I couldn't believe my luck, as there were only around 40 people. We --'big Caroline' and me--latched on the back with our scruffy 'free the weed banner' (only 4 banners, and ours was biggest) and got seen by thousands. I openly smoked in front of all, including the police who glared but did nothing. Next, the park. "When we arrived around 2:00 PM, there appeared to be nobody much around. It was cold and windy. By 3:00 PM there was approx 200 potheads in one group and several offshoots, buskers, acoustic musicians, juggler and a really diverse bunch of people, the majority staying 'til 5.30-6.00 PM. And all smoked openly. The police reaction was very low key, in fact friendly."
Indianapolis--Organizer Neal Smith, a.k.a. Skywolf, sent HT this optimistic report. "We had a small but energetic gathering. I think there were just too many other things going on that weekend within driving distance of Indianapolis that competed with our event.
"We had several good speeches, by Dr. R.J. Tavel J.D., and national NORML Board Chairman Steve Dillon. We gathered at Broad Ripple Park in Indianapolis, then marched to the store that co-sponsored the event, 'The Magic Bus.'
"Allied Cannabis Reform Effort gained several new members and collected some badly needed money. Indianapolis is not known for its rallies. They're almost always not well attended. Activism in Indiana is like fighting fire in hell. But we do manage to put a few fires out.
"No uniformed police were seen at any time. We also had no media. I think they're trying to ignore us, hoping we'll go away. They'll be waiting until hell freezes over!"
Ithaca, New York--Organizer Adam Hirsch described the day in upstate New York for HT. "It began with a gathering of about 100 people, where people just got up in front of the crowd and voiced their opinions. Then the march went through Cornell's Collegetown, where the march got a little bigger, and where the high enthusiasm of the marchers arose. Upon walking onto the Common's of Ithaca, the music of Buttah and Damn Brandy were played. The cop presence was minimal, and largely consisted of two cops standing towards the back, "just to make sure," said the lieutenant. The March in my eyes was a success, but it's very hard for a broke college student to get the word out, and to motivate college students and townies to get up on a Saturday afternoon to march."
Kansas City, Kansas--One of the organizers, Elyse Pixy Ganjamama, wrote HT that "this was our first year having a march. We had a protest in the morning with about 70 people. It was pouring down rain. We did get a little media though. We walked through the Plaza (a posh part of town) and rallied support. There was no police interference. Then the weather cleared up and we had a great educational, musical, cop-free, about a hundred people in the park, kind of a day."
Kelowna, British Colombia--There were an estimated 75 hard-core, fed-up pro-pot protesters who showed up, despite the harsh weather.
Kent Town, South Australia--"HEMP SA organized a Website Launch Party for our site, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.hemp.on.net/, on Saturday, May 5, as our contribution to, and commemoration of, the international Space Odyssey 2001/Global day against Cannabis Prohibition," James Danenberg of HEMP SA informed HT. Reporting they had no problems with law enforcement, Danenberg wrote, "We had beautiful weather, a fantastic venue (the Enigma bar- thanks Martin), with multiple screens and a video projector and fine music courtesy of the band Bigsmoke.
"Turnout was muted despite reasonable advertising and publicity. The small crowd numbering around 30 people who did attend were treated to a fine afternoon's entertainment, basking in the autumn sun. We achieved our goals however, and our plans went pretty much according to schedule, barring a lower than expected turnout. We got a considerable amount of coverage of the site in the lead up to the event however, including vision on one of the major networks news programs of the SA Attorney General surfing through the site and announcing it was legal. (Censorship of our site has been a major concern). We will be putting highlights onto our Website, including an MP3 version of a song specially written by Kingsley, Only Blooming Weed, to the tune of "Only Women Bleed" by Alice Cooper-as soon as we can. Stay Tuned!"
Krakow, Poland--From organizer Marek Warmuz comes this report to HT. "There was event in Cracow (Krakow) but not as big as we expected. We had some problems with [obtaining] permission from The City Major House and at last we decided to organize the event without permission but in smaller scale--a small unofficial happening, (hemp bazaar, speeches) on Krakow campus (50-70 participants). After that we prepared MMM After Dark Party in the UWAGA club with DJs, collecting participants' signatures--which we are gonna send to Polish Parliament--and free vegetarian food. "There were about 300 people at the party. I know that's not a big number but we are just starting. It's the first MMM in Poland so I feel positive about it. Five police, none with helmets or guns, assisted us during campus part, and there was no aggressive behavior from them. I think it's because of the support of us by the Left Wing Youth Party.
"But Polish reality doesn't looks so good. Since last year we have a new antidrug Law which is very restrictive. Even if I had 1 gram I could go to jail, but I think it will change in next few months cause SLD (Social Democratic Alliance) will win parliament elections (46% of public supporting). Next year we gonna be back with double power!"
London--This report on the postponed event in London was released by Shane Collins, the London Cannabis Festival Licencee, as well as Green Party of England and Wales, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.greenparty.org.uk/, Drugs Spokesman. "London March and Festival Postponed until 16th June due to waterlogged Park. Welcome to the wacky world of global warming. We have just had our wettest winter for 100 years and Brockwell Park, site of the festival is home to happy ducks. To have had the event on 5 May would be a mud bath, spoil the park for many months to come and our reputation for much longer.
When it is held, we will have 14 sound systems, 4 music stages, huge kids tent, 2 dance tents, Poetry, Speakers. About 40 people currently working on production and around 450 crew/sound systems on the day. This year we are going to charge 99p and with the postponement and good weather making preparations for 50,000 plus on the day. It's Sat. 16th June, tickets around $200 round trip from NYC, so why not come?"
Los Angeles--Organizer and HT Freedom Fighter Sister Somayah put together an event that drew 250 people out to a block party.
Miami--"It went great," reported organizer Steven Jacobson. "We had not a one, I repeat, not a one police officer show up. It was very cool and as a matter of fact, it was the most peaceful rally I have ever been involved in. People were dancing and kids were playing, music was going, [and] our posters were everywhere to be seen for miles."
Minneapolis--Chris Wright, organizer and member of the Grassroots Party wrote this report describing the day for HT. "Despite the hypothermia rain we had all day, the Minneapolis march at Loring Park went well. We only attracted 200 people due to the weather, down from the 1,000 we had last year.
"We had music by the Sweet Potato Project, speeches by Tim Davis, Leslie Davis, Eric Pakieser, David Collins, Rabbi Pedersen and myself. We marched south on Lyndale Avenue to 24th Street and east to Washburn-Fair Oaks Park. These marchers were the toughest of the toughest and they made our rally a hard-fought event. Lots of honking and cheering from the busy street to chants like, 'Hey Jesse, what you got, come on down and smoke some pot!' in reference to our governor, former wrestler Jesse Ventura. We had a sound system, music and speeches planned for Washburn- Fair Oaks Park but we simply declared victory at 4:20 PM and called it a day due to the rain. It was such a bad day even the cops stayed home."
Missoula, Montana--Though small, there was an event in Missoula, as described here by Angela Goodhope for HT. "Well, due to my lack of getting the word out soon enough, Missoula's participation included myself and the head of Montana NORML, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.montananorml.org/. My only excuse is that I had a baby on April 7, (at 4:20 am). Next year should be better. People here aren't ready to be spotlighted by the local authorities or something like that. All in all, contacts were made. The local green stores were receptive with putting up posters. Like I say, next year we will be big!"
Montpelier, Vermont--"A small group of folks gathered on the Vermont State House lawn to participate in the 2nd annual Montpelier edition of the Million Marijuana March," organizer Rama Schneider wrote HT. "This event was held in conjunction with over 125 other organized rallies held across the US and Europe as well as countries such as South Africa, New Zealand and India. The purpose is to advocate for and educate about ending the cannabis prohibition. Windy, cool, but generally sunny weather greeted people as live music for entertainment and speakers for information filled out the afternoon.
"Despite a disappointingly small crowd (only a couple dozen) the day did have major positives. The first is most folks who came brought their children, reflecting the drug and alcohol free, family friendly atmosphere of the gathering. Secondly, a list of contacts was gathered of people willing to help with next year's march. Another plus was the presence of Healing Hemp, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.healinghemp.com/, a Stowe, [Vermont] based wholesaler/retailer of hemp based products. We look forward to more business participation in 2002. Important too was the pre-and-post event news coverage. A 10-paragraph story in the local newspaper discussing the march and its goals was run several days prior. Two out of three major network affiliates (CBS and NBC) stopped by the event to do interviews, and both stations ran well-balanced stories on the nightly news. Worthy of note in both cases is that they focused on the message.
Special thanks goes out to the musicians and speakers who made the day; [State] Rep. Fred Maslack (R-Poultney), spoke on current legislative initiatives; Dr. McSherry, talked about the medicinal benefits, and the musicians who included the Pickled Beats and Phil Carr. There are more I haven't mentioned who have the right to brag about their work and participation."
Nashville, Tennessee--Howie and Marivuana Leinoff got 150-200 pro-pot protesters to converge on the parking lot of the Woodland Street Bridge. Then with a huge 12-foot puppet, the Green Lady, that took three people to carry, they crossed the bridge to rally on the steps of the State Court House, across the Cumberland River escorted by one police squad car.
"In a way, to have the police car there with us was a victory. Last year, I made numerous calls to the police and mayors office, seeking a permit, but I just got the run-around. At the time of last year's march, the police would barely acknowledge our presence. I recall one officer driving by and waving. Another officer drove by us at the parking lot on a moped! It was almost embarrassing. But this year, we were enough of a threat to have one whole police car escort our group of 150 or more," reported Howie. The crowd then made their way to Shelby Park for music and relaxation, "and just plain hanging out."
Nuremberg, Germany--"Over 700 people came out to march through the historical city of Nuremberg," writes Emanuel Kotzian, the spokesman for drug politics for the official youth organization of Germany's Green Party. "Our march was led by four policemen, all of whom joked with us. Very cool. Our speakers included Werner Graf, the speaker of the Green Youth in Germany, and Ines Eichmeuller, Chairwoman of the Green Party here in Nuremberg, both of whom called for a radical change in drug politics. Following our demonstration we held an exhibition on cannabis, mushrooms and other smart drugs, very pro-legalization, and followed that with an amazing party attended by about 500 people. We feel so positive that we are already planning our next event, Regensburg, and of course plan to repeat the happening in Nuremberg next year.
New Orleans--"We had about 350 marchers steadily throughout the newly lengthened and improved route, but that number swelled to roughly 600 when the march turned down Bourbon Street," reports participant and regular HT contributor Ashley Fearless. "There was overwhelming support from everybody we passed, and even from the NOPD, who let Dana Beal's son, Brian, drape a pro-pot banner over a patrol car at the street party that concluded the event. How beautiful is that?
"Speakers included attorney Gary Wainwright, Florida activist Kevin Aplin, Dana's son Brian and organizer Chrystal Job. There was even a Mardi Gras Indian in Rasta colors. Hopefully, he'll bring a bunch of his feathered and beaded friends next year. Anyway, this will be a New Orleans tradition from now on. Last Saturday of Jazz Fest every year, at 8:40 in the evening."
New York City--For details on NYC's raucous and riotous event, see: News/2001_05/notwar.html.
Nimbin, Australia--Rebelart reports from down under that, "there was a MMMarch in Nimbin, indeed. The tiny village of Nimbin quite possibly hosted the biggest End Prohibition demonstration on earth on the first weekend in May, due mostly to the fact that the MMMarch is part of the annual Nimbin Mardi Grass Cannabis Law Reform Festival Forum and Rally, which is the biggest Protestival in the Southern Hemisphere and due also to the fact that the entire Protestival was broadcast live to the web at http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.nimbinmardigrass.com/.
"A cyber audience and a couple of smiling policemen watched as the MMMarch rolled up outside the Nimbin H.E.M.P. Embassy, with the peacebus, www.peacebus.com, in the center of thousands of people rolling joints to the sound of feral drums and didgeridoos. Graeme Dunstan, Max Stone, the Plant'em and the Undatoka urged the crowd to show their defiance of the illogical laws by lighting up at exactly 4:20 PM. When the smoke had finally cleared, even the old local tokers agreed that it was the most joints they'd ever seen simultaneously ignited in the main street of Nimbin and that's saying something!"
To learn more about Nimbin, go to http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.nimbinaustralia.com/.
Oberlin, Ohio--Reporting no police presence, Oberlin College student and organizer Jesse Kanson-Benanav wrote HT. "I think it went extremely well. We had a few campus bands play, one called "untitled" which played a lot of classic rock and roll. Another band, called Sodomy and Garfuckel, played Simon and Garfunkel covers but with a punk sound. They were great. Kanson-Benanav and another student, Blake Rehberg, both spoke, and are working to put together an Oberlin chapter of NORML.
"All in all it was a fairly successful event," wrote Kanson-Benanav. "The worse part was that only about 60 to 100 students showed up in total. This is extremely sad for a school that rates number five in the Princeton Review's top "Reefer Madness" schools. By building coalitions with other groups on camps like the Oberlin Action Against Prisons, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.oberlin.edu/~oaap/, and by securing adequate funding from the school early enough, we are confident that we will be able to advertise well enough draw over 500 people to next year's event."
Omaha, Nebraska--Organizer Paul Tripp wrote HT with this report. "We got about 20 people holding up signs at Gene Leahy Mall, an outdoor park in downtown Omaha. The police sent 2 plainclothes cops to make sure we didn't break the law. They were fairly cooperative since the Parks Department had already granted us a permit. This year's turnout was much better than last years, when we all went home with only 2 people showing up. We didn't really have any speakers or entertainment this year. We were glad to get a march off the ground so that we can plan something bigger for next year."
Oslo, Norway--Two weeks after Norwegian police reportedly banned the May 5 pro-pot event in Oslo, where last year there were serious altercations between police and protesters, 2500 marched peacefully through the streets of Norway's capital. For more information, (in Norwegian), NORML Norway's Website. http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.normal.no/
Paducah, Kentucky--The official report from one organizer, Cher Ford-McCullough reads in part, "We called in to Gatewood Galbraith's radio show on WVLK in Lexington. Gatewood's live interview with patient Eddie Smith regarding his medical use of marijuana for AIDS/cancer, was simulcast from the stage. The end of the interview signaled the beginning of the march. The 40 or so marchers held their banners high, chanting loudly 'Educate, Don't Incarcerate' and 'No Pot, No Peace'. Our route took us past the DEA office, McCracken County jail and courthouse, police station and the Federal courthouse. The marchers were inspired by the overwhelming public support we received in the form of honks, waves & yells. The police presence was obvious, but subdued. And a couple officers even picked up some educational materials for themselves. We rallied back at Dolly McNutt Plaza and the event continued with the sounds of Totem Soul, Sixth Floor & Teddy Woodward. The music was interspersed with our awesome speakers:
Kathy Lyons, Gatewood's 1999 gubernatorial running mate from Murray, KY; Kay Lee, grandma and founder of The Journey For Justice from Florida, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.journeyforjustice.org/, and Eddie Smith, MJ patient and rabble rouser from Utica, KY.
"Throughout the day a couple hundred KY residents showed up for info. And, many stayed to help tear down & load up. Thanks to the crew from Puff 'n Stuffs and to the Murray State students. Many new contacts were made with Kentuckians anxious to get active. Shortly after 4:00 we were joined by 100 or so members of the Viet Nam Veterans Motorcycle Association. (The rolling thunder drew a roar of welcome from our crowd...) "Local ground support and Abe Lincoln's golf cart provided by: James Bud Agent 420 a.k.a. Brian McCullough. Information booth and media coordinated by Paula Pioneer. Emcee and event host: Cher Ford-McCullough. Sound and tech services provided by: The Music Zone. Video documentation provided by: Randall Cromeans. Thanks to Gary from Take Back. Kentucky Media in attendance included The Paducah Sun, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.paducahsun.com/, who ran favorable pre and post articles, Channel 6TV(WPSD) and The Peasants Press."
Palm Springs, California--"At the Palm Springs forum, we had approximately 350 people over the 3 hour period," reports organizer Larry Swedlow. "This was the first marijuana event ever held in the area. We had 13 speakers, 3 musicians and 7 organizations set up information tables. Lots of good contacts were made and hopefully the groundwork laid for a continuing movement to end marijuana prohibition established in the Coachella Valley."
Paris--"More than 500 people gathered for our march here, with as many as 2,000 passing the stage during the event, which was unauthorized by the police," writes Farid Ghehioueche, from Paris. "Nonetheless, no arrests were made and just five policemen were present. During the afternoon, people smoked without a problem. Some hemp products were distributed (beer, sweeties), books and posters were sold and leaflets distributed. On the stage, DJ's spread music to the crowd.
Among our highlights, the new mayor of the 2nd arrondissement of Paris was there and gave a speech against prohibition, saying that "the war on drugs has missed its objectives, it is time to take another policy. Give the rights to the consumers to have quality, to have information about the products."
Also, Jean Pierre Galland, chairman of the CIRC (Research and Information Committee for Cannabis) who was just sentenced to 300 days in prison--or a fine of about $15,000 US if he doesn't want to go to jail--gave details about the long struggle he had to launch the CIRC and all the risks he's taken speaking out on drugs, especially cannabis.
And Michel Sitbon, an editor who has been under pressure from the justice department regularly, launched an appeal to the crowd to write new laws since "the politicians don't want to take their responsibilities" regarding drug law.
Philadelphia--"The Million Marijuana March (MMM) in Philadelphia was held at Ninth and Market Streets in front of the Federal Building on May 5 from 2:30 to 5:00 PM," Penn State University Professor and HT Freedom Fighter Julien Heicklen reports. "The weather was perfect. About 50 people participated for the whole event, plus there were a number of passers-by who stayed for various periods. The event was covered by Philadelphia TV stations 3 and 10, by Pennsylvania Cable Network, and by an independent group that was making a documentary."
"There were no police present at the beginning of the event. I was the first speaker. After my speech, I smoked a marijuana cigarette. Just after I finished smoking, police arrived led by a plainclothes officer, while [HT Freedom Fighters] Jim and Cheryl Miller were speaking. The plainclothes leader of the police contingent approached Emily, the event coordinator, and said that he had no problem with the event, and that usually participants in demonstrations were not a problem. However he said that occasionally passers-by cause a problem, so that he and his men would remain off to the side, and that if there were any problem, Emily should let him know. The police stayed to the side in an unobtrusive way, and never interfered or threatened us in any way". "After Jim and Cheryl, HT Freedom Fighter Diane Fornbacher and then Ken Krawchuk spoke. Then we had open mike and a lively discussion, including two participants who came from Montreal, as well as passers-by." For more info, (and a great photo of the good Professor partaking in an obviously enjoyable toke), please visit: http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.cannabinoid.com/
Prague, Czechoslovakia--Despite a misleading newspaper article misdirecting folks to the wrong location the morning of the event, and even though police tried to shut it down by blocking the use of motor vehicles needed to carry sound equipment into the park, organizer Michael Polak reported that, "our confrontation with police delayed preparations, but we nonetheless had a grand celebration."
San Francisco--For those in the know, the new millennium technically began January 1, 2001, thus it was altogether appropriate that San Francisco's annual "J-Day" cannabis rally on May 5, 2001, was dubbed the "Millennium Marijuana March." (MMM) Held downtown in the United Nations Plaza, the MMM drew thousands of cannabis users and supporters spanning every generation, race and social class. The diversity seemed a microcosm of San Francisco itself.
This rally theme was validated by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, who declared May 5, 2001 to be "Cannabis Freedom Day," issuing a certificate of honor in recognition of the outstanding service of cannabis activists in the City and County of San Francisco. The City was more than represented by progressive District Attorney Terence Hallinan, who had testified on behalf of medical-marijuana provider Ken Hayes, acquitted in his landmark Sonoma County "caregiver cultivation" trial in April 2001.
Hallinan charged up the crowd by flatly stating he does not care about the Feds or the California Attorney General's policies regarding medical marijuana, that he will continue to enforce Prop. 215, which legalized medical pot statewide in 1996.
He also reminded everyone, "There's no other county in California that makes medical marijuana available like San Francisco." Ken Hayes himself spoke of his trial, noting that all 12 jurors decided that, "899 (cannabis) plants are OK!" Hayes had faced felony charges until the jury found that he could be a caregiver for the 1200-member cannabis club, CHAMP, of San Francisco.
The MMM ran behind schedule, and as the magic moment of 4:20 arrived, the Pot Pride Parade was not quite ready to commence. Reggae-flavored band The Toyes compensated by playing their classic cannabis anthem, "Smoke Two Joints."
The parade/march received a full police escort with dozens of SFPD motorcycles blocking off several streets as over 2,000 cannabis supporters marched down Market Street, past bewildered tourists, until finally congregating on the steps of City Hall. While some of the cars in the backed-up traffic honked in frustration, most were signaling their support as the marchers chanted in call-and-response fashion, "What do we want?!" "Equal rights!" "When do we want them?!" "Now!"
Tampa, Florida--"The Tampa Millennium March and Hemp Festival had a light turn out on a very windy day that had us fighting to keep our tents, tables, and brochures from flying away," reports Michael Palmieri of FORML. "We were also overshadowed by the Cinco de Mayo festivities and the USF graduation ceremonies, so media presence and exposure was next to none. Very little police present as well, with no arrests or citations issued. The bans Lost Dope and The Activated Motivated First Amendment Blues Band kept the small crowd entertained, while between sets speakers from FLCAN, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.jug-or-not.com/, FORML, CAMM, FIJA, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.fija.org/, The Florida Green Party, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.greens.org/florida/, and others voiced their opposition to the War on Drugs. There was also an open mic where everyday individuals were given their chance to voice their grievances against the war! Overall, it was a small, successful event."
Tel Aviv, Israel--"We had a great event in Tel Aviv in Hayarkon Park on May 5th from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM," event organizer Wachtel Boaz wrote HT. Boaz, founder and chairman of Israel's Green Leaf Party, reported. "There were between 1200-1500 people from all over Israel who had great time listening to reggae, dancing to trance music with a four-DJ line up. We had only 3 speakers, myself, as the party chairperson, a standup comedian and a drug user.
"This is the third time that the event took place in Israel and was definitely the largest so far. There were three undercover cops who filmed the entire event but did not disturb the celebration. "The Green Leaf party is growing stronger by the day--people here are sick of normal politics that brought us nothing but wars and occupation. Our party is a fresh approach to politics--reconciliation, love, compassion, social and medical justice and human rights [are] what we call for. We are also becoming very active in environmental issues, conducting demonstrations and lectures on the issue. We conduct a picnic rather then a march because we do not need a police license for it. Next year we plan for the first time to march in Tel Aviv."
Thunder Bay, Ontario--Located in Northwestern Ontario, just north of Duluth, Minnesota, the Thunder Bay event was organized by Doug Thompson. "We had about 45 to 50 people at the march in Thunder Bay," participant Kevin "Doc" Larson wrote to HT. "There was no police presence noticed, (a couple of cruisers drove past and waved). Doug was the only speaker. The march was only about 3 blocks, but we got our word [out] to the public. People were driving by, honking and waving." For more details, please see the report by Kelly Leydier for the Chronicle-Journal.
Traverse City, Michigan--There were also an estimated 100 in attendance. John Leithauser spoke on the effects of US Drug War policies on Colombia, and professional drug counselor Jeff Boggs told the crowd the US Drug War is a failure, urging other drug counselors to join him in speaking out. Adam DeVaney addressed the issue of industrial hemp.
Tucson, Arizona--"Thanks to Tommy B, my roommate, we engineered our NORML, MMM banner to hang on the south side of the Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering Building at the U of A about 11:00 PM," wrote Mary Mackenzie, vice-president of AZ4NORML, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://www.come.to/az4norml/. "We gathered at 1:30 PM in the shade, finished making posters and loading up our water wagon, began our march at 2:30 PM. The Police had contacted me three times in the preceding week, and they were right on schedule, two cars, at all times, constantly in front and around us, but, NO confrontations at any time. We received much attention, horn honks and cheers and we picked up a handful of supporters while we completed our one-mile march. The police also heard our support. Our Rally began at 4:20 PM on campus of the University of Arizona, with Glaucoma Jim, a patient and activist from Phoenix active with the Oakland Club, who is working on our next initiative for the 2002 election. His message is: Arizona is going to force the state to take care of its sick, because so far, Arizona is NOT living up to the laws we passed in '96 and '98 and pot is still a felony.
"Drew Foster, the president of AZ4NORML, was back in town for the festivities, his court case has been moved to June and we heard exactly what transpired in Colorado. Troy's Bucket opened the music with ska punk, then Bob Bushkin, a noted Libertarian, spoke about our Constitutional rights being rescinded in the name of a war. Robert Anthony Peters and Travis, of the Libertarian Party, our Hosts on campus, spoke on the laws and our rights, or lack thereof. Kimberly Swanson, the Goddess of Hemp in Tucson, sang the National Anthem with the history of hemp interspersed with the national anthem. Top Dead Center, Tucson's own Grateful Dead cover band, played until White Dog, the founder of the Tucson Hemp Clinic, and Timothy Cox, another patient, spoke on the need for patients to have a place to go, to be social and relate to others like the rest of us do on a daily basis. Ostracizing and segregating the sick is not healthy and AZ4NORML will continue to work with the city to establish an above board, in the open clinic. Absolute Fucking Saints rocked us on outta there at 9:00 PM.
"Our march was 35 strong with two babies in strollers and I estimate that 200 walked into our rally and picked up literature, and left some donations or signed up for future info and meeting schedules. All concerned consider this a success. All media were faxed and Friday, May 4, 12:35 PM, I was interviewed by Richard Dugan of KTKP in Phoenix on a live radio show and Saturday, May 5, I was interviewed by KGUN 9 TV and they did a fine segment about us on the 10 o'clock news."
Turku, Finland--Ritso Makkonen reported that, "In Turku there were 300-400 people in the demonstration, and the music and speech happening in the park after the march. Newspapers gave smaller numbers but the activists gathered for example 250 names to an open letter for legalizing hemp.
"Newspaper publicity has been good especially in the Turku where there was a big public outcry when one local activist showed his home cultivation in the local newspaper. Then all of sudden the editor of the newspaper gave his support for freedom of speech also on this matter and called for more open discussion.
"Anyhow this heated debate had certainly got people curious to come to see the parade. Also police presence was raised from the last year when the number of people participating was a big surprise for the organizers and the police. National TV channels were quiet about the issue this time but different radio stations gave their support for 'the cause' and also told about the happenings."
Washington--The official press release for the upcoming event in the US capital reads: "The Fourth of July Hemp Coalition is proud to present the 32nd Annual Rally, Parade and Picnic to End Marijuana Prohibition on Wednesday July 4th, 2001 in Washington DC. The purpose of this demonstration is to give the people of our country a chance to peacefully voice our grievances with the government's policy of Marijuana Prohibition and the War on Drugs. The location and time for this demonstration have been chosen because of the historical significance of Lafayette Park (People's Park) and Independence Day.
12:00 PM Rally-High. Noon until 3:00 PM in Lafayette Park, near Farragut West Metro 3:00 PM -Parade from Lafayette Park to Ball Field (23rd and Constitution Ave. NW) 2:00 PM until Sunset, Concerts and Picnics will be held at the Ellipse and on the Ball Field Lawn. (23rd and Constitution Ave. NW, near the Foggy Bottom Metro)."
For more details, please visit their Website, http://web.archive.org/web/20020208021130/http://fourthofjuly.org/
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by Preston Peet, Special to HighWitness News
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