HEMP ACTIVISTS GET THE JOINT JUMPING

Two of the nation's leading advocates for legalized marijuana were
arrested on Boston Common yesterday for lighting up a joint during
the Boston Freedom Rally, a pro-hemp event that promotes
decriminalizing the drug.

R. Keith Stroup, 63, founder of the National Organization for the
Reform of Marijuana Laws, and Rick Cusick, 53, an editor at High
Times magazine, were charged with possession of marijuana, a
misdemeanor. "We were smoking a joint behind the booth here," Stroup
said. "I'm sure the police would rather be chasing real criminals.
We're both productive, hard-working taxpayers."

High Times and NORML are co-sponsors of the annual rally that
celebrates pot culture and traditionally results in dozens of arrests
of addle-brained youths who mistakenly believe it is legal to toke up
for just that day.

"A lot of them said they thought it was an amnesty," said one of the
cops at the makeshift booking area where plainclothes police led the
shame-faced youths who were caught smoking reefer. The 60-plus
arrested found it was not only not legal for that day but would cost
them a day in court.

Despite the number of arrests, while Stroup was onstage telling the
crowd about his own arrest he also prompted the audience to "stand
up, light up and let the world know how you feel." The advice was
heeded by men who identified themselves as Anthony Martins, 22, of
West Bridgewater, and Josh Hatfield, 22, of Weymouth, and passed a
joint back and forth during Stroup's speech.

"No, I don't think it's legal," Martins said, when asked if he
thought there was an amnesty. "It's something I'm proud of. It's not
like I'm a heroin addict."

Asked why he was smoking pot, Martins said, "To fight the power."

Stroup, who was arrested once before 24 years ago, said he and Cusick
were relaxing and smoking a joint in the park, an activity he said
was no harm to anyone.

Both men said police treated them well and professionally during the
booking process.

"I've been waiting 33 years to get arrested," said Cusick, chuckling.
"When it happened I was calm, like a monk. I told them I'd call my
lawyer, but he got arrested with me."