Pubdate: Sun, 22 Mar 2015 Source: Trentonian, The (NJ) Copyright: 2015 The Trentonian Contact: http://www.trentonian.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1006 Author: Scott Ketterer MARIJUANA PROTESTERS LIGHT UP ACROSS THE STREET FROM NEW JERSEY STATEHOUSE TRENTON - More than 100 people descended upon the New Jersey Statehouse to protest laws they feel are unjust. The laws they're upset with? Marijuana laws. So far despite a medicinal program in the state of New Jersey, the crowd expressed their displeasure by coming together to exchange ideas and, to smoke. For a little more than two-hours various speakers told the crowd about how far they had come, but how much is still left to fight for. While a portion of the attendees were supporting medicinal marijuana, nearly everyone was in support of full legalization of the substance. Distinguished speakers like former Philadelphia Police Captain Ray Lewis spoke of his time as a patrolman. Among issues Lewis encountered on his beat were a large number of domestic disputes, all of which were alcohol fueled, he said. Not one of the thousands of calls were fueled by marijuana, Lewis told the crowd. The former Captain is well known in the ranks of activists. He has spent time among the Occupy movement and more recently headed down to Ferguson, Mo., to protest peacefully. Peaceful protest was the name of the game at Saturday's event. Only one arrest occurred during a march to the statehouse organizers said. However the arrest was because the person had an open alcohol container and was drunk according to Ed Forchion. There were about a dozen New Jersey State Police on hand at the statehouse, but no one at the protest across the street was arrested. Instead, the crowd lit up in unison at 4:20 p.m. and engaged in civil disobedience peacefully. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom