Consequences of Prohibition
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Politics & Advocacy
From Albuquerque to Antwerp to Auckland, from Bakersfield to Berlin to Buenos Aires, in some 232 towns and cities across the globe, tens -- if not hundreds -- of thousands of members of the international cannabis culture took to the streets in the annual Global Marijuana March to demand an end to marijuana prohibition. Demonstrations ranged from handfuls or dozens of people in small American towns to more than 20,000 in Toronto.
musicians at Antwerp GMM demo, with ENCOD ''Freedom to Farm'' t-shirt
Marches now take place on every inhabited continent and in small towns and large cities across the United States, which accounted for 118 of the 232 cities listed by organizers. Marchers hit the streets in 66 European cities, a surprising 21 Latin American cities, and 11 Canadian cities, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Israel and Japan.
The vast majority of Global Marijuana March actions came off peacefully and non-controversially, but there were dozens of arrests at the Nimbin Mardi Grass celebration in Australia, more arrests in Buenos Aires, and in Eastern Europe, both the Russian and Bulgarian authorities cracked down on marchers, although in Prague, thousands marched and smoked without significant hassle from the police.
The ugliest scene was in Moscow, where police waded into the crowd, beating demonstrators and arresting around 30 people, with four organizers being immediately tried, convicted, and sentenced to 10 or 15 days in jail for holding an illegal rally -- Moscow authorities refused to issue a permit at the behest of the Federal Service for Control of Drugs and Psychotropic Substances -- and "promoting drug use," a crime in Russia.
Official attitudes in Russia, where the federal drug warriors called for a "tough response" to the rallies, was reflected in press coverage. "Marijuana Addicts Willing to Rally in Moscow" read one newspaper headline the day before the rally.
Similarly, if less brutally, police in Sofia, Bulgaria broke up a crowd of 400 marijuana marchers gathered in the city center in support of marijuana legalization. The marchers lacked a permit, police said. But in Prague, some 1,500 people held a march and pot party without police harassment.
Hungarian march poster (from kendermag.hu)
"So far Canada has the gold medal for attendance," laughed Emery. "Toronto was the world's largest Global Marijuana March, and a couple of weeks ago I spoke at the 4/20 rally in Vancouver, which was also the largest in the world. I'm a real magnet for large crowds," he crowed.
For Emery, the marches send an empowering message to people around the world. "The Toronto march got huge coverage, probably more than any other single event," he told the Chronicle. Emery was especially thrilled that the official Chinese news agency Xinhua picked up the story and quoted him saying: "It's incredible that 20,000 people are meeting only 100 yards from the legislature to demand that marijuana be legalized, to celebrate our culture and to defy the law with almost open sanction of the entire City of Toronto."
"If you're reading this in China and thinking, hmmm, Tiananmen Square was a mass action defying the government -- to me, that's the biggest accomplishment of all," he said. "Hundreds of millions of Chinese can read about us, and that's really inspiring. I'm happy that message got all around the world. People are seeing that they can defy the government and get away with it. I really don't understand how the press in a censored nation like China ended up printing that line, but I'll take it."
In Australia, the Nimbin Mardi Grass festival, a three-day event, drew 10,000 people, with police "arresting" 109 people, although 60 of those were busted for marijuana, which results in a ticket, not an arrest. Police also set up roadside drug tests and irritated festival goers by riding their horses among the crowd. But while police complained of the festival's "sinister side," festival organizers reacted with ridicule. In a Tuesday press release, festival organizers noted "Police miss opportunity to arrest thousands!" While dire police press releases dominated weekend news coverage, organizers noted that the festival had "one assault, 10,000 people -- no wonder so many police prefer the mellowing affect of cannabis at festivals."
The police should just stay away, organizers argued. "There is no evidence from cannabis users that the presence of the police or the Winnebago is going to make anyone stop smoking pot. And, ten thousand at MardiGrass being so peaceful is surely the best possible example of how cannabis does not create psychosis or pose the health risk [Australian politicians] John Howard, Pyne and Abbott keep trying to say it does. While they have been blaming cannabis for mental health problems, they should have been watching the ice age coming. Still their own revenue raising drugs, alcohol and tobacco, remain the most damaging physically, mentally and socially," they concluded.
Toronto march (courtesy Cannabis Culture)
If the American Global Marijuana Marches were relatively quiet this year, so was the controversy that sometimes dogged them in the past. Some drug reformers have been critical of the marches, arguing they perpetuate negative stereotypes of marijuana users and don't advance a carefully-crafted political agenda, but this year, while there is some doubt about the marches' utility, there is little effort to discourage them.
"We've been all over the map on this issue," said National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law (NORML) founder Keith Stroup. Although officially retired, Stroup can still be found most days at NORML's downtown Washington, DC, office. "There have been years in which we have ignored the marches. The thinking was if they're not well-promoted and you don't get large numbers of people, you can leave the impression that only a handful of hippies care about this issue. We didn't want to reinforce negative stereotypes," he told the Chronicle.
"On the other hand, there is something impressive about this kind of grassroots activism," Stroup continued. "We certainly are no longer discouraging our folks from participating. In fact, part of the reason we changed our annual conference from the spring to the fall was to avoid conflict with state and local activists, many of whom wanted to celebrate 4/20 or the global march. Having our conference in the spring forced them to choose between the conference or the local events. This year, with the changed schedule, we probably had more state and local affiliates participating than ever before."
NORML associate director Paul Armentano told the Chronicle a dozen or so NORML chapters organized and coordinated local marches. "Our Bakersfield chapter had a big march, and we've also heard from Indianapolis and Boston and six or eight other chapters," he said.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), the student drug reform group with chapters on more than 100 campuses, does not take a position on the marches, but its field director, Micah Daigle, is not particularly enthused by them. "The Global Marijuana March was not even on my radar screen," he told the Chronicle. "I'm working with the chapters to try to change campus policies, and I've never found these marches to be too helpful," he said.
But SSDP won't get in the way of chapters that do want to participate, Daigle said. "Our chapters are autonomous, and we like them to take the initiative. If they want to organize around a march like that, then great. But I've always thought rallies and protests should be part of a larger campaign, and these loosely organized marches I've never found very helpful. We're also not a purely marijuana-focused organization, but if our chapters want to do something with this I encourage them to do so."
Joep Oomen heads ENCOD, the European drug reform umbrella group, and helped organize the Global Marijuana March in Antwerp. For Oomen, such events are part of a toolkit of tactics for activists. "Nobody can claim to have the single best way to make reform work," he told the Chronicle. "It is a combination of things, and the Global Marijuana Marches are an important factor because they can show people there is more to be afraid of from prohibition than from a tolerant alternative."
See you on the streets next year.
Permission to Reprint: This content is licensed under a modified Creative Commons Attribution license. Content of a purely educational nature in Drug War Chronicle appear courtesy of DRCNet Foundation, unless otherwise noted.
Comments
Political Kidnappings
I am being harrassed threatened and politically kidnapped- repeatedly.
The last time was April 19, where I was forced to miss my plane to Philadelphia where I was to be in front of the Liberty Bell at 12 noon on 4-20-2007. They kept me for 6 days with no charges and tried to get me addicted to christian drugs they would not tell me what these drugs were or side affects. I have contacted many people and no one has returned my calls. They wold not let me read the documents they wanted me to sign.
My relatives have defended the city of Brotherly Love for 3 centuries. They also served at Vally Forge. Today our country is overrun by religious fanatics that seek to force dogma on all citizens.
My rights and healthcare have been freely given to illegal aliens.
The Prince of Pot & the Toronto Marijuana March
-- 20,000 Toronto people with nothing better to do, all wanting
1) ...to watch their beloved mexican Wrestler Mark Emery in person before he disappears into the murky bowels of a US prison for decades.. Because the next opportunity they will get a look at him under the sun of freedom will be with their grandchildren, mid century. Most felons do not use a megaphone, Everybody loves a clown,, even if he doesn't know he is a clown- unless of course hes emotionally ill and 20,000 cruel people came to mock him..
2) ...to maybe get some free marijuana from their Prince of Pot who boasts he is not a drug king pin, but is mysteriously connected to hundreds of tons of the stuff ... curious... Mr Emery is well known for throwing drugs out into the crowds like Santa Clause himself tossing free candy to kids who still believe in him. Big difference here is Santa Clause doesn't have to get written permission from his bail officer to travel to Toronto
3)...to attend a refreshing rally for something useless for a change- all those tragic vereral diseases and starving African marches have become way too intence for Toronto- They would collectively prefer to get ripped, meet chicks, shout mindlessly as if it was a sporting event, leave a considerable pile of garbage behind and go home and watch themselves on the 11 pm news
and Mr Emeys gloat that the Chinese national newspapers quote him..he mistakes their fascination with him as a freedome fighter- when in fact they are holding him up for nridicule as a bad example of
" See what happens when you let dope take over society? " and they quote a millionare dope fiend capitalist mutant who breaks the law and laughs at spending the rest of his life in jail,, this is a joke of crime boss go9ing down -not a historic turning point for the freedom to be stoned
The people of China have learned their lesson about funtime- all- the- time -dope if you will, the hard way- Recall their flirtation with opium .. \
cannabis seeds- $10 each- whew !!! t
he cops did the 420 society a favour by hauling that weasal Emery away
In reply to The Prince of Pot & the Toronto Marijuana March by Anonymous (not verified)
Toronto Marijuana March
Who let you out of your cage?
Maybe the 20,000 people who dared to be public have a point.
Get real and maybe get an education while you're at it.
Marc Emory is a hero not a villian
I have followed Emory since we both began publishing about Drug Policy is the late 80"s. He has been both creative, resourceful and an humanist throughout. To call Emory a weasal . . . I just cannot relate to such a myoptic and short sighted criticism.
The answer to the problem, is of course, found in the MERP Project.
=========
Drug Policy
The MERP Project
The Marijuana Re-Legalization Policy (MRP) Project
http://www.newagecitizen.com/ReLegalization01.htm
http://www.newagecitizen.com/editorial_on_the_marijuana_re.htm
How Continuing the Drug War could make Nuclear Terrorism a Reality
by Professor Hemp
http://www.newagecitizen.com/Editorials/v8n1NuclearTerrorism.htm
=========
Also wanted to correct the "4 decade" thing.
I began an event called "Interntional Drug Policy Day" in the early 90's. Dana, who I have know for at least 18 years, began the Million Marijuana March a few years later and I have since stopped promoting IDPD, though I could be convinced to rejuventate the event. At any rate Dana has only been hosting this event for about 16 years. I wish he would focus more on Marijuana than Ibogaine, however, I applaud his efforts as they appear to be gaining some traction, despite the "monied" drug reform organizations who I view with growing skepticism.
The oldest reoccuring Marijuana event is, of course, the Hash Bash, which always takes place on the first Saturday in April. It begain in 1972 after John Sinclair was jailed 10 years for a single joint. Talk about political imprisonment. It was John Lennon, former Beatle member, who organized a benefit that led to Sinclair's release. I have know JC for about 18 years as well.
All great people that we all owe a debt of gratitude. And the best way to pay back that debt is to work for the total legalization of Marijuana for ALL adult Americans and people throughout the globe.
Bruce W. Cain
Editor, New Age Citizen
Photos! May 5, 2007 Global Marijuana March
Global Marijuana March is also called the Million Marijuana March. It went global in 1999.
Dana Beal helped organize New York City marijuana rallies and marches for many years before that. For more info see this wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Marijuana_March
PHOTOS! Also, posters, flyers, and banners. May 5, 2007 Global Marijuana March (GMM):
http://gallery.marihemp.com/2007
http://gallery.marihemp.com/2007gmmflyers
Many more photos and reports linked from the publicly-archived messages here:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mmmworld
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mmmworld/messages
MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/ecommm
Wikia: http://cannabis.wikia.com/wiki/Global_Marijuana_March
City lists:
2005-2007: http://www.globalmarijuanamarch.org
The 2005 and 2006 lists at the above link have many report and photo links. See also the many 2005 reports, photos, and videos linked from this 2005 city list:
http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/y/mmm2005map.htm
Over 400 different cities have signed up since 1999:
http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/y/mmmall.htm
Google News results. Media reports on the 2007 version of the yearly spring offensive of marijuana marches, rallies, and events worldwide from April 20 through the first half of May. This page is mirrored at these locations just below. If one isn't working right, then try the other:
http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/y/e/mmm2007.htm
http://corporatism.tripod.com/e/mmm2007.htm
Minneapolis marchers rained on, still march.
About a hundred people showed up to a wet and cold Washburn Fair Oaks Park near Downtown Mpls., to listen to speakers and bands and show support for the 9th Annual Global Mj March. As the festivities progressed so did the rainfall and even some lightning which prompted a quick departure for some, yet some 70 or more people lingered, and took part in a water logged "parade" along the route to Loring Park. Passerbys waved and cheered and nodded their approval, passing cars honked there horns to the chants of "we all smoke and we're good folk" as led by longtime activist Chris Wright. Once the throng reached Loring Park a strange thing happened the sun appeared the temps rose and the crowd grew, it wasn't long and the voices of many retold the facts, marijuana's safe, and in some cases neccessary, as evidenced by the presense of longtime medical marijuana activist Darrell Paulsen who suffers from MS. So yes Minnesotans stood up against the war on marijuana use and hopefully our politicians took notice that we all smoke and we're good folk.
Uzz Baldrin
Producer
MNC
myspace.com/themnc
Seattle big Looser
I hopped several ferries and drove many miles in order to participate in a march aginst prohibition of marijuana. I checked the puter but did not find info. for Seattle. Decided to come anyway. Printed out flyers and handed them out at the piers and pike place market. Was amazed at the people in Seattle, they completely ignored me and would not look at me or take the flyers so i asked politely if they were vetrans. The vetrans were willing to accept a piece of paper so i handed out 180 copies. I feel great in doing something important for all American's, freeing marijuana from prohibition. I'm disgusted with our government officials for catagorizing marijuana in the same class as crack/poison. It is a herb with medicinal properties and should be treated as such.
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