Thousands rally for marijuana legalization at annual Hash Bash in Ann Arbor

[marmar]

from Detroit Free Press:


As speakers at Saturday’s 42nd annual Hash Bash at the University of Michigan Diag called for the legalization of marijuana, Ralph Worick’s green and white-striped flag fluttered in the blustery chill.

“I think we should decriminalize cannabis period,” Worick said as he steadied the white plastic piping that held the flag, which also had large and small marijuana leaf images similar to stars, high above the crowd. “My flag represents the United States of Euphoria.”

Worick, who lives in Portage near Kalamazoo, is 56 but has been smoking marijuana since he was 11. He said he has been in the pro-marijuana “movement” since 1975, and he’s brought some type of flag to the event every year since 2003, although he noted that last year’s Bob Marley “Freedom” flag just seemed to confuse people.

Worick’s long-term commitment to legalizing marijuana was reflected in the range of speakers at the event that drew an estimated 3,000 people, according to University of Michigan Police spokeswoman Diane Brown, who noted that there were a few calls for ambulances as well as some enforcement for marijuana possession and citations issued for illegal sales not necessarily affiliated with marijuana. Brown noted the potential for an eventful day because of the mixture of crowds attracted to the Hash Bash, those watching the Final Four game featuring the Wolverines men's basketball team and a large gathering of Native Americans in Ann Arbor. ...................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.freep.com/article/20130406/NEWS05/130406025/Thousands-rally-for-marijuana-legalization-at-annual-Hash-Bash-in-Ann-Arbor

[Initech]

2. Don't bogart that joint!