MARIJUANA RALLY DRAWS THOUSANDS

Event On Common Backs Legalization

While concerts, sporting events, and other activities were postponed
yesterday in the wake of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and
Washington, more than 10,000 people gathered on Boston Common yesterday to
support the overhaul of marijuana laws.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition hosted its 12th annual Freedom
Rally despite a request from Mayor Thomas M. Menino to reschedule the event.

''The mayor thought it would be appropriate given the tragedy that
happened,'' said Carole Brennan, Menino's press secretary. ''But they
didn't postpone it.''

Organizers said the purpose of the rally, which has seen blatant drug use
and numerous arrests in the past, is to protect rights of freedom and
privacy, and to promote a grassroots movement aimed making marijuana legal,
especially in health-related cases.

Boston police, both in uniform and undercover, were out in force at the
Common yesterday. As of early evening, police said 23 people had been
arrested on various charges, including drug possession.

Last year the event attracted 40,000 and resulted in 69 arrests.

Wearing hemp necklaces, pro-marijuana T-shirts, and black armbands of
mourning provided by the event's organizers, the crowd listened to speeches
about legalizing drugs, particularly marijuana for medicinal purposes, and
to the music of local rock and hip-hop bands.

Scheduled guest speaker Woody Harrelson, one of the stars of the television
show ''Cheers,'' had to cancel his appearance because of the closing of
Logan Airport.

But that didn't seem to bother those in attendance, as many people signed
petitions endorsing a marijuana decriminalization bill, while others simply
wandered through the scores of vendors.

''I am happy we went on with it,'' said Bill Downing, coalition president.
''There's a great sense of community here. It seems to help renew people's
spirits.''

Though the decision not to postpone was met with mixed feelings by
coalition board members, Downing said, most agreed that people needed a
break from the constant television coverage of Tuesday's terrorist attack.

''People are really getting tired of watching it,'' said Downing, adding
that terrorists will not obstruct the rights of Americans to demonstrate.

Michael Cloud, Libertarian candidate for US Senate, said the billions of
dollars used in the war on drugs would be better spent on Massachusetts
Port Authority security and other measures to keep the United States safe.

''Every cell harboring a nonviolent drug offender could harbor rapists,
murderers, or terrorists,'' said Cloud. ''Let's put our resources toward
the violent criminals.''