GRASS ROOTS PROTESTERS TO RALLY FOR LEGALIZED POT

A smokin' time is guaranteed today when the 13th annual "Let Freedom Grow"
love-in for the legalization of marijuana lights up Boston Common.

In addition to bands and a hemp fashion show, the free six-hour pot pep
rally, starting at "high" noon, will feature scheduled appearances by Green
and Libertarian parties candidates for governor and U.S. Senate.

"The majority of Massachusetts people who go out and vote support the
decriminalization of marijuana," claims Bill Downing, president of the
Georgetown-based Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition.

For the record, "We don't encourage anyone to smoke marijuana," Downing
said yesterday.

"We just think responsible adults who smoke marijuana responsibly shouldn't
be penalized."

Boston police will be out in force on the Common grass.

Last year, about 23 revelers were busted on drug charges.

"The people who get busted are the ones who aren't careful," Downing said.
"They want to make a public demonstration of the lack of support for our
cause."

Support won't be too lacking.

As in years past, Downing said "tens of thousands" are expected to show up
today.