Global Marihuana March in Warsaw, Poland - 17th May 2008
For the sixth time, the ‘Free Hemp March’ was a tremendous success this year. Over 6,000 people took part, marching peacefully through the streets of central Warsaw in protest for the harsh laws in connection with the royal plant that currently rule in Poland.
Everyone gathered first of all in front of the gigantic Palace of Culture, representing the epicentre of the capital city. Here were fun, games, free hemp product samples, dancing thanks to the Reggae Dance Hall dancers, body painting and the opportunity to create your own banner in preparation for the march.
From the starting point of the Palace we all marched together with music and chanting mottos such as „Plant it, smoke it, legalise it!” The end of the march was in front of the Parliament buildings, where there were more fun and games.
The disorganised police and City Council allowed a counter-march to meet with ours! What imbeciles! The Radical National Camp had organised a rather aggressive march the same day as the ‘Free Hemp March’, to show their protest against the promotion of drugs. Thankfully the police held the small group of protestors away from the masses of hemp lovers and it resulted in nothing – we were calm and peaceful to the end.
After the march was an equally successful Afterparty at the club M25. Over 1,000 people came to this event, which lasted until the morning the next day…and the party goers still had smiles on thier faces.
Following the march, in comparison to last year, the media took an incredible interest. The organisers received many calls and e-mails from television stations, the radio and newspapers. The topic of narcotics has been awakened in Poland, we hope that this will enlighten uninformed citizens what it is all about and until we see any changes in the law, we shall see you next time!
