If you happen to be a fan of the Ann Arbor area and love to just walk around on Saturdays, be weary of a cloud of smoke as you inch closer to the Diag.
Smokers will be surrounding the University of Michigan’s common hangout place, The Diag, on Saturday, April 6 for the annual Hash Bash that will take place at high noon until approximately 1:30 p.m.
This all started when one man, John Sinclair, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession. His punishment was eventually noted as “unconstitutional” so he was set free and it all unraveled from there.
While this annual gathering, started in the ’70s, has worked to reform marijuana laws, the laws are still in full effect.
Before lighting up that bud be cautious of your surroundings, if not then pay attention to the law. Police officers will be obviously surrounding the crowd but undercover cops get right in the mix.
Federal laws could send you to jail for a year with up to $2,000 in fines. It may not be worth it light up on the Diag but Ann Arbor has essentially “decriminalized” marijuana to a simple civil infraction.
This day isn’t dedicated to enjoying a “Mary Jane” in public, there will be an array of public speakers, vendors, live music, great people watching, and more.
With a topic as controversial as this, politics aren’t far behind. State Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor and Ann Arbor City Council Member Sabra Briere, D- 1st Ward are both scheduled to speak during the event.
Although the main attraction lasts not even two hours, many will travel over to the Monroe Street Fair to check out some of their activities. The fair goes on until 6 p.m. and is free and open to all.
Not interested in walking around? Bring a drum and get loud at the drum circle. Whatever you do, just make sure that you safely enjoy yourself. Marijuana is illegal and although it may be fun to join in, The Eastern Echo does not condone illegal activities.
If you aren’t able to catch that smell of pot wafting throughout the air, check it out next year as it rolls around on the first Saturday of April every year that it’s held.
