All images by Derek Kouyoumjian
As you might imagine, regular Blunt Truth columnist Mike Cann needed a break after more than two days of nonstop partying. The Freedom Rally, though a certifiable force of good, can take its toll on mortals, and so we told Mike we would fill this space with all our memories remaining from the glorious 25th anniversary of the mighty MassCann tradition. Here are three memories, three takeaways, and three ruminations on what it all means for the culture. Oh, plus the MassCann/NORML Awards recipients. Congratulations to all, and without further ado …
WE REMEMBER (FOR THE TIME-BEING AT LEAST) …
1. How well-attended the whole event was, on both days, and even during the late-afternoon rain that came on Saturday. Furthermore, while the Freedom Rally is still and will likely always be dominated by young people, there were noticeably more middle-aged and mainstream heads on hand than usual, and that’s a great thing.
2. That the police, while irritating at times like when a small brigade of motorcycle cops ascended Mount Michael Malta for apparent kicks, were for the most part pretty cool. They could have been complete assholes and handed out lots of smoke and vape fines which, as they must have guessed this time around, would have turned a great time sour and potentially resulted in unrest.
3. Getting really, really stoned. And high too.
WE TAKE AWAY …
1. Fresh new T-shirts from Kush Groove and SweeTree Ink, a brand new triple-blown glass hammer that can withstand even the curse of our goofiest smoking accident-prone friends, and an awesome silicone nug jar that even our dankest shit won’t stick to.
2. Knowledge from the Northeastern Institute of Cannabis, which had a teaching tent set up for the entire time. Nice to see some people learning at the rally for a change.
3. A pledge form to help support perennial presidential candidate Vermin Supreme in his next bid for the White House. Which reminds us – we need to fill that damn thing out.
WE RUMINATE …
1. Over how impressed were were by the width and breath of businesses and industries involved. From the many cannabis facilitation products, like pipes and paraphernalia, to clothing and dynamic healing oils, the selections seemed to eclipse even those in years past. Plus fried Oreos. Freaking delicious.
2. On how close this community already is despite having to operate behind so many closed doors over the years. As it turns out, the aggressive state push against dispensaries and marijuana users has only strengthened the clan, fortified its will.
3. Over the increased maturity that’s been on display as marijuana’s moved from illicit status, to decriminalization, to medical, and now into the future. We’re a fun and colorful crowd, sure, but if anybody knows how to party while getting a job done, it’s NORML and their faithful legionnaires.
CHECK all of Derek’s photos from the Freedom Rally HERE
And the MassCann/NORML Awards Winners Are …
Props to award winner and DigBoston columnist Mike Cann (right)
Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Harvard University
National Male Activist of the Year: N.A. Poe
Panic Hour National Female Activist of the Year: Diane Fornbacher, NORML Women’s Alliance
Ladybud Magazine Boston Male Activist of the Year: Mike Cann, DigBoston, NECC, WEMF Radio
Boston Female Activist of the Year: Cara Crabb-Burnham, MassCann/NORML
Direct Action: Bill Downing, MassCann/NORML
MassCanner of the Year: Emily Embers, MassCann/NORML
Best Rally Speaker: Rick Cusick, High Times
Smoking Band of the Year: Myster DL
420-Friendly Organization of the Year: WEMF Radio
FURTHER READING
FREEDOM RALLY SMOKE AND VAPE FINES (AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOATHE THEM)
SILVER CANNAVERSARY: YOUR STUDY GUIDE TO THE 25TH ANNUAL FREEDOM RALLY
FREEDOM RALLY MUSIC FOR A CAUSE
HERE’S WHY EVERYONE WAS GETTING STONED ON BOSTON COMMON TODAY
