Marijuana rally at Capitol calls for decriminalizing pot

Cannabis supporters took a light-hearted approach to a serious message on drug laws.

April 21, 2017 at 3:47AM

A sea of bloodshot eyes and the unmistakable smell of burning cannabis provided the backdrop for a rally by marijuana enthusiasts who gathered at the Capitol to advocate for the decriminalization of pot on the perennial (and unofficial) holiday, 4/20.

Many came armed with joints while others puffed away on vape pens. One man indulged his munchies with Chester's Flaming Hot Fries as hip-hop music blared from speakers. The electronic music duo known as Ganja White Knight provided entertainment.

Belying the casual and jovial atmosphere was a message that federal and state marijuana laws disproportionately affect minority communities.

"There's so many people whose families have been torn apart," said St. Paul resident and dancer Joceleen Howard, 22. Marijuana should be decriminalized, she said: "Especially for recreational purposes, so people don't get locked up for it."

Her mother, Melanie Forbes, 42, agreed.

"It's not as bad as people think," said Forbes, a bartender who said her late mother smoked marijuana to feel better as she battled cancer.

Among speakers at the rally was Nekima Levy-Pounds, a community activist running for mayor of Minneapolis. She said existing drug laws end up targeting black and Latino men in particular.

"So many of our laws and policies are being used to oppress people, especially the poor. Especially people of color," Levy-Pounds said.

State Rep. Jon Applebaum, DFL-Minnetonka, sponsored a measure in the House to create a framework for legal marijuana in Minnesota including its cultivation, sale, use and possession.

He pledged his support for the cause, though it has no chance at the Capitol this year.

"While we know viewpoints on this issue are changing, there are still those with outdated attitudes based on myths and dangers that we all know don't exist," Applebaum said in a statement.

"That's why it was great to see so many people show up today and reach out to their elected officials and engage them in this important conversation."

Ricardo Lopez • 651-925-5044

The Minnesota chapter of NORML � the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws � hosted a six-hour "Cannabis Rise 420 Rally" at the State Capitol.
The Minnesota chapter of NORML � the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws � hosted a six-hour "Cannabis Rise 420 Rally" at the State Capitol. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Ronnie Monroe held a sign that pointed out the disparity between arrests of white's and blacks for marijuana possession. ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.stubbe@startribune.com Thursday April 20, 2017 On Thursday, the state chapter of NORML — the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws — is co-hosting a six-hour "Cannabis Rise 420 Rally" at the Capitol.
Ronnie Monroe held a sign pointing to the racial disparity of marijuana possession arrests at a rally Thursday at the State Capitol. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Marijuana joint. The Minnesota chapter of NORML — the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws — hosted a six-hour "Cannabis Rise 420 Rally" at the State Capitol. ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.stubbe@startribune.com Thursday April 20, 2017 On Thursday, the state chapter of NORML — the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws — is co-hosting a six-hour "Cannabis Rise 420 Rally" at the Capitol.
Marijuana joints were frequently in view at the “Cannabis Rise 420 Rally” on Thursday. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

about the writer

Ricardo Lopez

Reporter

See More

More from Politics

card image

Our mission this election cycle is to provide the facts and context you need. Here’s how we’ll do that.