For many more MMM links, reports. UPDATED LINKS:
http://www.geocities.com/tents444/mmmlinks.htm  and 
http://members.fortunecity.com/multi19/mmmlinks.htm 

 

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-----High Times MMM 2003 report compilation begins-----
http://www.hightimes.com/htsite/news/content.php?page=news_03050821

2003 MILLION MARIJUANA MARCH
Voices around the world call for an end to the persecution of cannabis smokers.

Story by Peter Gorman

A total of 229 cities in 35 countries, including 134 in the US, took part in the fifth annual Million Marijuana March on May 3, letting their voices be heard against the war on marijuana. Some of the protests included thousands; others had as few as four participants, but from Abbotsford, British Columbia to Capetown, South Africa, from Dallas to Moscow, protesters gathered to call for an end to prohibition and the evil it produces worldwide.

HT.COM BONUS: Check out HIGH TIMES' extensive coverage from the marches in New York and San Francisco.

The march, held annually on the first Saturday in May, is the brainchild of longtime Yippie activist Dana Beal, founder of Cures Not Wars. It has been growing each year since its inception as an ad placed in HIGH TIMES by former Publisher John Holmstrom in 1998. At the time, “activists were being stepped on by all directions,” Beal says. “Even here in New York we were just banging our heads against [former mayor Rudolph] Giuliani and not getting anywhere. So we had to take a new direction, and that direction was to take the protest against the pot laws worldwide.”

Asked how he felt it went this year, Beal laughs. “It was a huge phenomenon. It was everywhere, and every year it’s getting bigger. It’s very impressive.”

Early reports from a number of the marches around the country and around the globe are in, and we are pleased to post them.

From London, Shane dropped a note to say that that between 20,000 and 25,000 attended that city’s MMM. “The March and Festival went fine and free,” he wrote. "We had 11 sound systems and three live stages. We also had 140 stalls, a Cannabis College, a hemp tent, and a kids’ area.” There were also signature-gathering drives and legal initiatives in circulation. London did produce three arrests—bobbies nab three—a result of too many police in attendance, but Shane added that except for that, there were “no problems, just a lot of people.”

From Reno, Nevada, Michelle Buck reports that 60 people took part in the MMM despite the weather being cold and windy. Key speaker on the day was Superior Court Judge James Gray of Orange County, CA, who, according to an AP wire story, said, “the Drug War has cost billions of dollars and resulted in the United States having the world’s highest incarceration rate—with no end in sight to rampant drug abuse.” Judge Gray, who has been interviewed twice by HT, has long supported controlled distribution of marijuana to adults. “We have made an illness into a plague. [This is] a failed and hopeless system,” he told the gathering. “I believe people should be entitled to do what they want to their bodies, but that they should be held accountable.”

According to Michelle, there were no problems except for perhaps a couple too many curious police officers, and that all in all it was “a nice gathering.”

From Barcelona, Spain, where marijuana is grown for smoking and hemp is grown to make US paper money, Ernesto Blume from Canamo magazine wrote that the march had an average of about 100 people throughout the day, all of whom had a good time with no problems.

From Mexico City, capital of a country with a long history of marijuana use, Tito wrote that 1,500 tokers took part in the day’s events and that everything went well. “In this new democratic era of our country, the media is starting to touch subjects that really matter to the people and the authorities don’t want to be looked on as repressors. Even a political party participated in the march, so we are really happy with the results.”

The event, which featured speakers and music, was covered by more than half a dozen papers and radio and television outlets.

From Tucson, Arizona, Mary Mackenzie reports: “Another beautiful day in paradise for the Tucson Third Annual Global March to Liberate Cannabis. According to ABC we were 75 strong, but CBS counted us at 200. We made the 6 and 10 o’clock news broadcasts just after a 1,500-pound pot-bust story. Both sides of the story: a bust, then us, the ‘antiprohibitionists.’

“Mary Burton from Scottsdale drove down with a photo of her departed sister, Darcy. ‘I wanted her walk in the March and to tell everyone that marijuana helped her live her last days with dignity,’ declared Mary, a retired schoolteacher.

“A young father with CMV retinitis, his wife, and son came out to meet AZ4NORML and promised support. He is the first speaker signed up for 2004.

“Whitedog, one of Tucson’s best-known medical-marijuana providers and my former cohost on Hemp for Victory TV, passed on April 21st due to Hep C and liver failure. He was represented by a family who knew him well with a dedication to him on their sign, and the Tucson Hemp Community will host a memorial service for him on Thursday, May 22, at 7 PM.

“Officer Friendly approached me before the march, just to make sure ‘we were on the same wavelength.’ Now I know we are not on the same wavelength, but assured her that while she would be protecting our rights to free speech, we wouldn’t disobey traffic signals. Though it’s been suggested I did, I did not invite the Tucson Police Department to the rally. The City Council is currently debating giving the police authority to approve protests and marches in the future. We are fighting this with the peace advocates.

“As we gathered to march, the audience began commenting on our event with constant horn-honking, cheers, hoots, and hollers. And the street continued—including a Tucson fire-engine crew that drove by honking their support—as we walked 1.5 miles to De Anza Park where we were entertained by Kevin McCalix. McCalix told the story of being stopped for speeding while traveling 5 miles over the limit two years ago. His car was searched without his consent and a pipe confiscated. The court postponed his case on three different occasions, forcing him to drive six hours each time to appear. He has been singing ever since about the continuing harassment of cannabis consumers.

“David Euchner, the chair of the Libertarian Party in Pima County, spoke about the next election and echoed AZ4NORML’s focus: It’s all about the vote. He registered voters and reminded everyone that if you value the privacy of your own body, even the Green Party will let you down.

“As a reward for the marchers I handed out Gertrude and David’s Hemp Bars and the last of the Hempzels we had.”

From Germany: Reports came in from six cities.

In Flensburg: “For the third time the Hemp & Action Day took place in Flensburg, in unison with many hemp actions worldwide. Participation was not high, yet of a good quality, and we were able to reach a great many people by passing along information about cannabis and hemp.”

In Bremen: “Two hundred participants, down from last year, came to the rally this time, which ran all day and into the evening when a MMM party was held—with live bands—at the Cinema Café. The only police incident occurred when two teenagers had a joint confiscated for public smoking.”

In Cologne: “How the event has grown each year! Club Cannabis spent a little money this year and put out an information table in the Fuessgaengerzone and the response was surprisingly large—even if not everyone understood what and why we were protesting. We got a chance to discuss the cannabis issue with straight citizens, many of whom decided to participate with us—which is obviously one of the reasons hemp legalization is taking a long time to arrive, but then with education we expect things to change slowly. Signatures for a ‘Dutch’ situation were collected, and a good time was had by all.”

In Berlin: “The Global March for Cannabis Liberation ran altogether well. We met at 2 PM in the city center and handed out handbills, posters and plans for our HANPARADE2003, which will be held on August 23 this year. There was music and cannabis cake and hemp goods for sale, as well as information from other groups. The crowd estimate was over 500 and looked every bit of it.

“During the evening there were three pro-cannabis concerts, which filled the café where they were held. All in all we were very satisfied with the day, with the only drawback being that the sun didn’t shine as much as we would have liked.”

In Loud Brook/Hessen: “Thirty cannabis friends, along with plenty of passersby, took part in the Free the Hemp MMM demonstration despite sporadic stormy weather. The protest, put on by the Green Party, demanded medical-marijuana delivery models along the lines of those in the Netherlands’ coffeeshops; an end to marijuana arrests; and equal legal status for cannabis trafficking and the selling of alcohol.

“To make our point we read political letters calling for an end of cannabis prohibition from federal ministers, and heard from patients who would benefit from legalized medical marijuana. Between the speeches and letter-reading was plenty of pro-cannabis music.”

In Frankfurt: “Over 1,000 visitors, despite poor weather conditions, speaks for itself on the success of our event in Frankfurt. Opponents numbered zero! Hemp initiatives were signed, flyers passed around, and speakers educated those not already in the know. Moreover we increased support from the public for our upcoming events: the July Smoke-In and the August Hemp Parade. All in all it was a great meeting and party and all we can say is thanks for coming! We are making progress!”

From Abbotsford, British Columbia, Tim Felger reports that only six participants showed up for the MMM, but “that was to be expected. We’re already tired up here in Abbotsford from the case we’ve currently got in front of the Canadian Supreme Court on cannabis reform.” Felger noted that the MMM was limited to the activists getting together and smoking a joint at 4:20 to participate in the global cannabis day. “Our attorney said we’d better not do any more than that, because we’re already not paying our legal fees, and he didn’t want us to do anything that would incur any more that he knows we’ll never be able to pay,” said Felger. “Still, small as it was, it was great to be part of the MMM.”

From Dallas, Paula noted that 20 people showed up in Dealey Plaza, the place where John F. Kennedy was assassinated, for the MMM. “We were on Elm Street, being warned by someone selling JFK trinkets that panhandling was against the law in Dallas. I explained to her that we weren’t panhandling, we were protesting. And the police never did bother us. I think the fear of them though kept a lot of people who promised to come from showing up. Still, we were up from just three last year, so that’s something. And we got a lot of honks from cars passing by and got a chance to educate a number of people on the cannabis issue, so it wasn’t a failure even though we didn’t have a large turnout.

From Washington, Toni, the MMM DC-area coordinator wrote to say that the event went well. “At peak we had close to 60 people, though perhaps only 30 went on the actual march portion of the event. We had representatives from other organizations come, and even some people handing out hemp pretzels. The only problems we had were minor ones with the sound system, but we had good weather, so people just chilled, got informed, and enjoyed the event. We had no arrests and no noticeable police presence. So all was good and we’re looking and hoping for a bigger march here next year.”

From Huntsville, Alabama, Corey wrote that “the global Cannabis Liberation March in Huntsville was successful. Below is a summary of our action review and lessons learned:

WHAT WENT RIGHT::

“1) We had a fairly good turnout for our small community. Thirty or so protestors stayed most of the entire rally, and all were fired up and enthusiastic.
“2) We had a large sign airbrushed with a weed leaf and the word Legalize. It was prominently displayed in front of the county courthouse for the entire afternoon.
“3) Participants came prepared with drums and music.
“4) There was no police intimidation at all. We had video cameras armed and ready and the bicycle cops couldn’t pedal away fast enough.
“5) The parade permit was requested well in advance and approved without incident.
“6) We were able to meet some really cool people who want to participate in a greater capacity in preparation of future events.
“7) Everyone had fun.

WHAT WENT WRONG:

“1) I only asked for one box of flyers from the Cures-Not-Wars folks, and we ran out way too soon.
“2) We did not get the media coverage I had hoped for.
“3) Some old drunk showed up early in the morning while we were setting up. He was clearly looking for a fight. He tried to rip up some literature. He was warned about how easy it can be to slip and hit your face on the pavement when you’re that intoxicated and belligerent. He left peacefully… and quickly. I saw him watching us later in the afternoon, but he didn’t approach with all the protesters present. Next time I think I’ll just call the cops.

WHAT WE CAN IMPROVE NEXT YEAR:

“1) We could use a lot more flyers.
“2) Supplement Cures-Not-Wars flyers with locally produced ones.
“3) Get a band.
“4) Notify television-station newsrooms of the event well in advance and repeatedly the day of the event.
“5) Provide food or food vendors.
“6) More signs and some large, professionally produced banners. They are not expensive and have a big impact.

“Here in north Alabama the government is routinely handing out brutally excessive sentences for marijuana. It’s sometimes difficult to convince people to take a risk and start standing up for their rights. The support we received from the Cures-Not-Wars people was a tremendous help.”

From Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, Kate Stepanski reports that the MMM “pretty much turned into a party where people were dancing, playing frisbee, eating, telling their stories about starting to use marijuana and why they are good citizens, and listening to music. There were about 50 in attendance and everything ran smoothly. The police didn’t even show up.”

From Ljubljana, Slovenia, Tina wrote to say that they had the week off and that the MMM has been scheduled for Saturday, May 10. She promises to report to HT following what she anticipates to be a well-attended event.

From Flint, Michigan, Rev. Happy reports that attendance at this year’s march was down slightly, to about 80, something he attributes to the tone of the era. The good Reverend suggests that given that even some of the attendees appeared too frightened to get out of their cars—at least one policeman was apparently hassling people—“I say SARS masks are the perfect advertising for this movement because it outlines the paranoia. NOW AVAILABLE: SARS masks with pot leaves on front, $4.20 each.”

He went on to say even though the thousands expected didn’t show up, the local media helped reach out and spread the word and that “thousands are now tuned into the events that shape our policies to the benefit of freedom and liberty.”

From Boone, North Carolina, N8 writes that “the march was a success. It was a gorgeous day with a smaller-than-expected turnout of about 25-50 people. Our chant, courtesy of Jean Marlowe, was ‘one, two, three, four, we don’t want this ganja war; five, six, seven, eight, open up the prison gates!’

“We enjoyed great performances from Bum’s Lie and Paranoid Outlaw, and our rally even made it onto the second page of the local paper, The Wautauga Democrat.”

From Des Moines, Iowa, veteran activist Carl Olsen wrote that attendance at his rally was down too. “I think we had 100-150 people, less than half what we had last year. The lower turnout might be attributed to May 3 being one of the few, bright, sunny days this rainy spring. There were no arrests and we had a good time.

“As I was leaving I found about a dozen beer cans in the Iowa capitol’s visitors’ parking lot where I parked. Next year we’ll probably say something about alcohol, since it is a violation of state law to possess alcohol on the capitol grounds. Just another reason we need legal pot…

“The Capitol police were friendly and we enjoyed talking to them. State Representative Fallon spoke to us about the difficulty he has had finding cosponsors for his medical-marijuana bills.”

From Colorado Springs, Colorado, Bob Melamed reported a small successful gathering of 100-200 people who listened to Jonny and the Jukes, and heard Melamed and Joe Peitri talk on legalization. “There was an information booth and numerous medical users were in attendance. Police were friendly and cooperative.”

On a personal note, Melamed reports that his wife went into labor that same evening and that they now have a new son. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Melamed!

From Missoula, Montana, John Masterson from Montana NORML reports that “despite wind and rain, a group of about 50 dedicated Missoula activists marched from the university to the Missoula courthouse on May 3 to demand an end of the failed public policy of cannabis prohibition. The march was organized by the Montana chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

“On the steps of the courthouse, Masterson told the dedicated, shivering crowd that ‘the time has come to end the war on the construction worker who chooses marijuana over martinis. End the war on the college student who smokes a joint with friends and giggles over Ren and Stimpy cartoons. And for God’s sake, end the war on the sick and dying who obtain relief from this benign plant.’

“Many attendees carried green flags in the familiar shape of oversized cannabis leaves, many of which were decorated with slogans such as ‘Legalize it!’ and ‘End the Prison State!’

“Masterson also outlined Montana NORML’s plan to run a ‘deprioritization’ initiative, which would instruct local authorities to make small-time cannabis crimes their lowest possible priority. Efforts are underway to pass a similar measure in Seattle.”

From Hamilton, Bermuda, Queen Selassie of the Rastafari Embassy writes that “the rally turned out to be a lovely picnic on an ocean front park. There were approximately 50 people in attendance beneath large, colorful, tie-dyed sheets, and the cannabis leaf flew from the trees. Sweet reggae music was enjoyed, and a petition to decriminalize ganja now has almost 3,000 signatures. A new petition for legalization already has 900 signatures, and it is expected that there will be a forum with government representatives later this month and a march on Parliament in mid-June.

“This was Hamilton’s first year of participation in the MMM and with this being an election year in Bermuda, activists are trying to get the political parties to look at the cannabis laws.”

From Moscow, the Moscow team wrote to say that their MMM was held on Sunday, May 4 as a Smoke-In for Human Rights. At noon, about 20 activists gathered on Pushkin Square in the center of the Russian capital, where they smoked up while posting stickers and distributing a petition to legalize marijuana and the MOZG harm-reduction magazine. Members of the reggae band Jah Division were in attendance, and passersby joined the festivities as well to listen to what was being said.

“At one point, Dima, an activist, was passing out literature and asked to leave his spot, an underpass, by a policeman. He refused and the policeman was joined by others until there were eight cops to the one activist. ‘Then we explained to them that legalization meant state production and supply of drugs, therefore controlling the drug trade. They understood it the way cops would we able to open their own shops and sell drugs, which actually cheered them up. But they still thought it unrealistic, so they asked us to leave the underpass, and promised that next year they would smoke with us.’”

From Finland, Sky reports that there were four MMM demonstrations around the country, in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere and Oulu. The Helsinki demonstration, 400-600 strong, was shown on the Finnish national broadcasting company during their main news report, and local channels included the demonstration in Turku as well.

“Arranged by the Finnish Cannabis Association, the march was a colorful and relaxing parade through the Finnish capital. Following the march there were speeches in the afternoon sunshine, and in the evening a concert drew more than 1,500 people and a number of bands and performers.

“In Turku only 150 marched, but they were joined by a great deal more in the park celebration, part of it due to the World Championship Ice Hockey games going on in Finland now. The whole center of Turku was covered by the Green Panthers’ Green Light-License to Hemp and Stop the Drug War posters, and the local radio helpfully announced the event. The local newspaper, Turun Sanomat, interviewed the local representative from the Free From Drugs organization, which is very influential in Finland.

“In Tampere, a group called Hamppukaupunki (Hemp City) arranged their first demonstration ever, and drew 150-200 young people for their MMM march. Police escorted the drumming crowd through the center of town. As it grew, the crowd spilled over from the sidewalk into the street, snarling traffic. Nonetheless, a good time was had by all but a few put-out drivers.

“In Oulu, local activists also arranged their first hemp march but this one was done by sudden inspiration, with no advertising but phone calls, and still drew more than 150 people. Local police generally treated participants like criminals, bringing in three dogs to sniff people before they could join the rally. On the other hand, the police had warned the organizers to pass the word of what they were planning, so that people would have time to discard anything incriminating. As a result no one was arrested, and a good time was had by all.”

From Dunedin, New Zealand, Duncan Eddy sent along the write-up from the local paper, in which it was noted that “Police did nothing to stop protestors smoking cannabis in the foyer of the Dunedin Central Police Station on Saturday.

“About 20 people, led by protest organizer Duncan Eddy, walked into the police station at 2:45 PM smoking cannabis joints as part of Dunedin’s J-Day… to protest against cannabis laws.

“They were met by Senior Sergeant Bruce Ross, who appeared briefly behind the reception desk and refused a statement offered by Mr. Eddy.”

An additional 50 protesters were gathered outside the station and they too were lighting up. Altogether about 300 people were estimated to have attended the rally, including about 70 who carried a large fake joint to the police station at the end of the 4th J-Day MMM rally.

Mr. Eddy was quoted in the paper as saying: “We have just had a few hundred people sitting here and smoking cannabis in the grand tradition of civil disobedience. There’s been a really good feeling here.”

One young mother who had brought her 20-month old daughter to the rally said she was protesting the “repressive and oppressive” cannabis laws. “You make rules in society to minimize harm. The harm of arresting people for using marijuana is so much worse than the harm of using it,” she said.

The rally was aimed at getting the police involved in the debate on cannabis law reform, but Sgt. Ross said he was not interested in getting involved with that. He said he felt that simply ignoring the protesters was the best way to deal with the situation at the time.

From Montpelier, Vermont, word from the Ramabahama network said that turnout was limited to a dozen folks who enjoyed some live music and conversation on a lovely spring day.

-----end of High Times article-----

 

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