IS THE PARTY OVER FOR THE HASH BASH?

Law would toughen fines to help end Ann Arbor pot rally

Ann Arbor -- Two state senators want to trash the Hash
Bash.

Republicans Beverly Hammerstrom and Mike Rogers, who represent
districts bordering Ann Arbor, have co-sponsored a bill to prohibit
local communities from enacting drug ordinances with penalties softer
than state law.

The move comes about a month before the 28th annual Hash Bash,
scheduled for the first Saturday of April. The internationally known
event, which promotes the legalization of marijuana, draws about 5,000
people, many of whom openly smoke marijuana.

The event created clashes with police in the early years, but has
become a quiet gathering of young and old advocates of the drug.

Both lawmakers said their bill is out of concern for teen-agers who
think it is OK to attend the Hash Bash.

The city levies a $25 fine for marijuana possession. It's the only
city that deviates from the state law, which calls for a $100 fine and
up to 90 days in jail.

James Millard, owner of Pure Productions, an Ann Arbor store that
specializes in hemp clothing, called Hammerstrom's and Rogers' bill
"ridiculous."