ON THE COMMON, THEY LIKE THE GRASS

6 Are Arrested at Pro-Marijuana Rally

The distinct odor of burning incense - among other things - hung in
the air over Boston Common yesterday afternoon during the 2008 Boston
Hemp Fest.

A large crowd gathered, its members enjoying the warm, sunny weather
and the diverse offerings of food vendors as they debated political
ideas or simply relaxed on the grass.

"I tell you, it's eclectic. From getting things like nice tie-dye
shirts to getting, like, say, falafels and things like that," said Lee
Litif 44, of South Boston, who was decked out in tie-dyed clothes
himself, along with sunflower-rimmed sunglasses. "It's utopia; it really is."

Litif was happy to express his support for an upcoming ballot question
that would decriminalize marijuana possession in the state.

"No doubt. I'm for legalization of marijuana. Legalize gay marrage and
legalize abortion, regardless," he said.

Supporters of both Question 2, the marijuana measure, and Question 1,
which would eliminate the state income tax, were out in full force
with literature, stickers, and even free fresh fruit to try to lure
people to their side.

Arthur Torrey, a libertarian from Billerica, was handing out
literature to passersby from a booth. Across the way, a group of
socialists were handing out their materials.

"We agree on a lot of social issues," he said.

A number of people were smoking marijuana and some could be seen
inhaling substances from balloons. Police reported making six arrests,
but officials last evening did not have specifics on the charges.

Police were not visible walking through the crowds, but flashing blue
lights on the perimeter of the Common reminded everyone that they were
in the vicinity.

Before providing information on the arrests, Officer James Kenneally,
a police spokesman, said the Hemp Fest was "rather orderly."