Pubdate: Sat, 14 Sep 2002
Source: Boston Herald (MA)
Copyright: 2002 The Boston Herald, Inc
Contact:  http://www.bostonherald.com/news.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/53
Author: Laurel J. Sweet
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

GRASS ROOTS PROTESTERS TO RALLY FOR LEGALIZED POT

A smokin' time is guaranteed today when the 13th annual "Let Freedom Grow" 
love-in for the legalization of marijuana lights up Boston Common.

In addition to bands and a hemp fashion show, the free six-hour pot pep 
rally, starting at "high" noon, will feature scheduled appearances by Green 
and Libertarian parties candidates for governor and U.S. Senate.

"The majority of Massachusetts people who go out and vote support the 
decriminalization of marijuana," claims Bill Downing, president of the 
Georgetown-based Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition.

For the record, "We don't encourage anyone to smoke marijuana," Downing 
said yesterday.

"We just think responsible adults who smoke marijuana responsibly shouldn't 
be penalized."

Boston police will be out in force on the Common grass.

Last year, about 23 revelers were busted on drug charges.

"The people who get busted are the ones who aren't careful," Downing said. 
"They want to make a public demonstration of the lack of support for our 
cause."

Support won't be too lacking.

As in years past, Downing said "tens of thousands" are expected to show up 
today.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager