EVENT COINCIDES WITH NEW LAW

Those attending the 38th annual Ann Arbor Hash Bash Saturday will
likely be in a celebratory mood, organizers say, because the event
lands on the day Michigan's medical marijuana law goes into effect.

"The Hash Bash started as a smoke-in, and really is a smoke-in," said
Adam Brook of Detroit, who will serve as emcee for the 19th time.
"However, speakers take on current political question of the day.
This year, it's medical marijuana."

The law was passed by voters with 63 percent of the vote last
November, and Michigan Department of Community Health offices will be
open to accept applications of Monday.

Medical marijuana patients will be able to go through a registration
process and obtain a state ID card.

"I expect to see a lot of patients who'll come out to see what they
can learn about this new law," said Brook, a former Ann Arbor entrepreneur.

The Hash Bash this year begins at 11 a.m. with a protest at the
Federal Building on Liberty Street between Fifth and Division. The
crowd will then walk over to the Diag on the University of Michigan
campus for a noontime "Hour of Power" - the official Hash Bash. The
day finishes on Monroe Street for the Monroe Street Fair, featuring live music.

Brook said attendance will depend on the weather, but in any case,
the event brings in thousands of people to the area.

"This is largest event in the country not supported by its local
chamber of commerce," he said. "My whole year is based on the first
Saturday in April."

For information on the Hash Bash, call 313-406-7575.