MARIJUANA MARCH SMOKES UP CINCINNATI

Cincinnati's Worldwide Marijuana March was held in front of the
Hamilton County Courthouse May 3.

A smoky assembly of spectators, activists, vendors and dealers
gathered to share their thoughts and opinions on the illegality of marijuana.

I'm not going to rant about the absurdity of some of the activities,
such as "coolest sign contest" or the lighting of a 4-ft joint (which
subsequently broke, inviting a horde of sticky fingers pinching as
much of the apparently legal substance as they could into their
decorative-fanny packs).

Instead of commentating on what I believe the WMM members and
activists are trying to say, here are their own words:

Lynne Wilson a.k.a. "The Happy Hemptress," event organizer, Hemprock:
"Students for Sensible Drug Policies: they're a national organization
[SSDP], probably international by now. You can find them at ssdp.org."

Mike Willig, third-year anthropology student at the University of Cincinnati:

"City council is pretty much like, 'Heh, we don't care what you
think.' We have rapists and murderers who get out of jail in six
months, but you get put in jail for 20 years because you have a
couple of pounds of marijuana. Who are you hurting with that weed?"

[Do you think anyone will light up in front of the courthouse today?]

"I sure hope so."

Zachariah Bailey, attendee:

"Marijuana is so seemingly harmless when compared to alcohol or
tobacco. It's bullshit, just a way for the government to make money.
When a college student loses his funding for getting caught with a
little bit of weed, it's like someone's future is being completely
annihilated for something so insignificant.

"When you're poor in America, you can't afford justice. And with a
marijuana ticket like that, it's just an easy way to crush people."

Todd Roy, speaker, member of SSDP Cincinnati State:

"There's a need for people to act now, because of all the
opportunities we have - all the publicitiy we're getting. The march
is to raise public awareness, to let our legislators know there are
people acoss the country who want change ... and if there are no
changes made, it could have a negative impact on their careers.

"I was busted when I was 19 and it's because of that I wasn't able to
receive financial aid for schooling. Also because of that there have
been many other repercussions ... I've had trouble getting apartments
and jobs, places where you wouldn't think it would affect you. It
still shows up as a drug charge, whether it's a misdemeanor or not."

[Roy will be transferring to UC next quarter.]

Anna Geimeier, reefer girl, VP of SSDP UC chapter:

"We just got [ssdp] started, but we're excited about it."

[The UC chapter boasts 30 members in its budding stage.]

Chris "The Anarchist" Ryan, Speaker, Youth International Party member:

"I was an apprentice to the late anti-war activist, author and
political organizer, Abbie Kauffman [Steal This Book] . The Democrats
have the donkey, the Republicans have the elephant and the yippie's
[Youth International Party] have the New Nation flag [Marijuana leaf
on a red star, black background]."

[Ryan also described himself as an anarcho-monarchist. "It means I'm
the king!"]

Ice Cream Man:

[Do you support the legalization of marijuana?]

"Hell yeah, give me a joint! It helps me think better."

Anonymous attendant:

[After taking a hit off the 4-ft joint]

"It's legal bud, dude. I chiefed on it twice. I'm . high."

Like, whoa man... did that just really happen? Check out some shots
from the event at www.newsrecord.org