TOWN REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH PILLSBURY

ASHLAND -- The town has reached a settlement with a local advocate of
marijuana decriminalization for the use of Stone Park.

Under the agreement, Framingham resident Jim Pillsbury, founder and
spokesman of MetroWest's chapter of the National Organization for the
Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), can use any recreational facility in town
for $150 liability insurance, according to Assistant Town Manager Dale Morris.

"It was a very smart decision on town counsel's part," said Pillsbury.

Last spring, Pillsbury, backed by NORML and the Massachusetts Cannabis
Reform Coalition (MassCann), sued the town after Ashland imposed a $1
million liability insurance on an "educational event" he planned at Stone
Park. He said the event would have helped collect signatures in support of
a ballot question aimed at decriminalizing the drug.

"It's a victory for free speech. In these times of the Patriot Act and the
RAVE Act, it's a real plus," said Pillsbury.

The settlement also says the charge for using Stone Park would include, but
not be limited to, the current fee of $25 per hour.

Pillsbury says he is not immediately planning an event to educate people on
cannabis and its recreational, medicinal and commercial benefits, but he
expects to plan one this year. He also might schedule an event on a larger
scale next year, an election year, depending on any future ballot
questions, he said.

Pillsbury said he chose Stone Park because the historical venue is "quaint"
and a good size for NORML events, which draw about 100 people on a weekend
day. And, he admits, the name lends itself to a few chuckles.

This is the second time in a decade the Framingham Libertarian has taken
Ashland to court for violating free speech by unconstitutional prior restraint.

On May 22, 1993, Pillsbury hosted a rally at Stone Park that included
speakers and bands. The day went so well, he applied for another permit a
few months later, he said.

Pillsbury was denied permission on the basis of a newly instituted rule
limiting non-residents use of the park to once a year, so he sued. Judge
Judith Cowin decided Ashland's adoption of the new rule limiting
non-residents use of the park violated First Amendment rights of speech and
assembly.

That lawsuit cost Ashland more than $30,000.

Pillsbury said he is not surprised by the most recent settlement.

"We all assumed it would be a no-brainer anyway," said Pillsbury.