Rally Promotes Legalization Of Marijuana

Signs read “Hemp Hemp Hooray” and “Pot Is Fun,” and the aroma of marijuana smoke hung over a crowd of more than 5,000 people at the 25th annual Hash Bash to promote marijuana legalization.

“Everything’s cool. It’s a beautiful day. Everyone’s getting high,” said John Sinclair, a long-time Ann Arbor marijuana activist.

The rally at the University of Michigan featured speakers who tried to differentiate marijuana from other drugs and alcohol, with some focusing on its use to relieve conditions such as arthritis pain.

Police said 63 people were arrested at Saturday’s rally, most for possession of a controlled substance.