New York City Revelers Legally Light Up at Annual Cannabis Parade & Rally
For decades — long before 4/20 became the unofficial weed holiday — New Yorkers of all stripes have gathered on the first Saturday in May to celebrate marijuana and demand its decriminalization at the NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally. Revelers would flout the law, smoking joints in public, under the assumption that there was a sort of strength in numbers. This year, though, was a little different.
On March 31st, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill to legalize weed — beginning the process of opening recreational cannabis dispensaries in the next year or two, and legalizing adult use and possession immediately. And in an unprecedented move, the state now allows marijuana to be smoked anywhere tobacco is allowed. While that doesn’t include parks — like Union Square, where this year’s march originated on Saturday, May 1st — the cops seemed to let it slide, and as marchers took to the streets, it was perfectly legal for everyone (21-plus) to light up as they walked. This year, those at the rally were even joined by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who pledged to bring federal cannabis legalization “the right way.”
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Front Line
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone The leading line of the parade prepares to march down Broadway.
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Sidelined
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone A marcher in the parade smokes a joint openly in front of NYPD officers stationed along the parade route.
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Butterfly Woman
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone “Butterfly Woman” of the Shinnecock Indian Nation gives a speech before leading the parade down Broadway.
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Dana Beal
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone Social and political activist Dana Beal has been involved in cannabis legalization effort since the 1970s. He holds a sign supporting the legalization of Ibogaine, a psychedelic substance that is believed to have healing properties.
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It’s Just a Plant
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone A man gives out marijuana plants before the march begins.
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A Sight To See
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone A woman in her car appears shocked at a massive inflatable joint carried by participants in the parade.
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Puff, Puff…
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone Two friends share a joint before the parade begins.
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Pro-Pot Pols
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone United States Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, speaks at the rally in Union Square Park.
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Open Grow
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone Local activist Pilar DeJesus holds a plant that was gifted to her as she marches down Broadway.
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Friendly Toke
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone A group of friends partake during the rally in Union Square.
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Blast Off!
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone An attendee shows off a joint shaped like a spaceship.
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Into the Future
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone A spectator in a holographic face mask smokes a joint between speakers.
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Joint Effot
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone Two people roll a joint together during the rally in Union Square Park.
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Rolling Up Prepared
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone An attendee pulls out a large bag of pre-rolled joints to share in Union Square Park.
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…Pass
Image Credit: Alec Castillo for Rolling Stone Two friends share a joint in Union Square Park.