APRIL 21, 2023 HASH BASH 50th annual Hash Bash 'protest' disappoints The Hash Bash, most recently held on April 1, 2023, is no April Fool’s joke — activists fought for our rights to marijuana. This started when John Sinclair was arrested for two joints and then sentenced to two years in prison. This was his fight first. Local activists immediately jumped in with support from around the country. The John Sinclair Freedom rally held in Crisler Arena on December 10, 1971, is one of the most memorable concerts in Ann Arbor history and one of the most significant in the history of Rock and Roll. This was due in large part to John Lennon's decision to appear in support of radical White Panther leader, John Sinclair, who was currently serving 8.5 to 10 years in prison for the possession of two marijuana joints. 15,000 people attended the rally, all blatantly smoking pot during the concert. Three days after the concert, the Michigan Supreme Court issued an order releasing Sinclair on bond, which had been denied by the lower courts; and on March 9, 1972 the court held the state’s marijuana laws were unconstitutional (cruel and unusual sentence; illegal entrapment; and misclassification of marijuana as a narcotic drug) and freed John Sinclair! The first Hash Bash, a continuation of the protest, was held at the Diag on April 1, 1972. For 22 days in 1972, marijuana was legal in the state of Michigan. It is 52 years since it became the first legalization of marijuana in the United States. You don't need specific directions to Hash Bash— just follow the natural smell of weed (flower) wafting from the activist festival. I would especially like to see a designated area just for the Older Pioneer Hippies. That's who I'm hoping to share this with … I want to see who didn't give up the fight — for "Peace, Love, and Understanding," said the Hippies that I loved as a child. Ann Arbor was incredible in the 1960s and 70s, in all the best ways. I wish I never had to leave when I was young. Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan (I was lost in Michigan Stadium at three years old in 1968 and they had to announce to me over game to find my parents, actually my sister), the state of Michigan, and yes “The Big D" (Detroit) — I still find a lot to be proud of in all of the above but, most of all, the people here, there and everywhere from Michigan. The special people of this state in over 20,000 years of proven use ... or ever. Now this actual, current Hash Bash, MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 made it what it was — we've been through a lot lately but, there's always time. Even time doesn't really exist, it's only conceptual and that's exactly how we need to change … with a shared concept as to how we as a whole want it to be in Michigan. It will only work if we all compromise, and come to one common agreement. Let's be the first state to show how it's done. The full combination of the experienced (uneducated) and the educated to use their strengths together. So here is step one: Let’s start by getting the Marijuana Initiative taken completely off the Drug Schedule List for Michigan. This benefits everyone in the state. Why would we want such a contrary law conflicting with another old one that wasn't ever helpful? Anyways, fewer Michigan lives destroyed by unnecessary arrest, reduced prison populations, reduced load on enforcement agencies. And then it supports a consistent tax influx into our state system! People already know about all the physical and mental attributes of this natural flower. Yes, it can be abused, so can a box of donuts. But, no death by alcohol poisoning, or violence. There has never been any proof of a death solely attributed to marijuana I personally attended and was disappointed. Bash started briefly with a few talks at the beginning from U.S Representative Debbie Dingell, County Commissioner Youdef Rahbi, Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, John Sinclair, Matthew Abel and other activists. That was followed by no activism — not even a party. All I saw was commercialization in all forms, including illegal sale. I didn't see any sign of actual intent to create change, or proclaim our rights. Even the Bash party was lame. On a good note: I did run into a popular activist/politician from Chicago, Maryann Loncar. She was here to support other activists, here and nationally. She is trying to help us pass bills that protect patients from medical marijuana corruption from corporations like Curaleaf (abusive corporate practices) that was the largest sponsor of this Hash Bash. I would fill you in on details from an incredible interview but, the video of the interview was mysteriously wiped, like the previous interview of Lama Karma from the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow. So all I have left to end with is that in Michigan marijuana is a schedule 2 narcotic even though it is legal for recreational use by adults, and under federal law (Washington D.C.) marijuana is still a schedule one narcotic — alongside heroin. There's a long way to go; illegally panhandling and the over-commercialization of Hash Bash is not helping. Maybe next year we could actually do some activism and make some change for good. Smoke On! Weed over Greed! PEACE! GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Print Stuff at AADL Need to print forms, essential documents, applications, or homework? We can help! We can print up to 30 pages per person per week at no charge and have your items ready to pick up at the library of your choice the next weekday. For more information, visit: AADL.org/printing Bookable Meeting Rooms Book a meeting room with your AADL card. We have 10 available meeting rooms across the system that you can reserve for up to two hours per day, 12 times per calendar year. They’re also available on a first-come firstserved basis. To book a room, visit AADL.org/rooms FEATURED EVENT 5 Sunday, May 21 11am–5pm • Downtown Library The Gardening & DIY Fest is back! It’s a daylong celebration of gardening, nature, and getting hands-on and active! AADL plans to feature an artisan market emphasizing handmade clothes, jewelry, bath products, fibers, art, flowers, and plants. Participants can also engage in learning sessions and hands-on opportunities! AADL.org/diyfest Vendors and shoppers on South University during Hash Bash.
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