The annual NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally that has been taking place since the early 1970s is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this weekend. This parade is a celebration of the cannabis plant and its many benefits, and it aims to raise awareness about the need for cannabis legalization.
The first official NYC Cannabis Parade took place on May 1, 1971, and it has been an annual event ever since. The history of the NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally is hard to pinpoint but is believed to originate from a group of activists led by the Youth International Party (YIP), aka Yippies who staged a "Smoke-In" in Tompkins Square Park. Prior to this, in the mid-1960s, Beat poet Allen Ginsberg organized LeMar, for Legalize Marijuana, and picketed outside Jefferson Market Courthouse (now a library) in New York’s West Village, and outside Christadora House, where federal offices were located in the East Village, opposite Tompkins Square Park in protest of the strict marijuana laws in New York City. The event drew a large crowd, and it was so successful that the organizers decided to hold a parade the following year.
Over the years, the parade has evolved and grown, but its message has remained the same: cannabis legalization is necessary for the betterment of society. The parade attracts people from all walks of life, including activists, politicians, musicians, and artists, all of whom come together to celebrate cannabis and advocate for its legalization in New York and beyond.
This year's NYC Cannabis Parade marks the 50th anniversary of the first official parade and is set to take place on May 6, 2023, and it promises to be the biggest and most exciting one yet. The parade will kick off at 11 am at Greeley Square where the parade will assemble before marching down Broadway to Union Square where a rally will take place in Union Square Park. Sister events take place in cities worldwide on the same day. NYCCPR is the founding chapter of the Global Marijuana March.
Event Details
There are three components to the NYCCPR: The Parade, the Rally and the After Party.
Parade
Assembly begins at 11 am on the East side of Broadway between 32 and 33 Streets. Contingents assemble as speakers address the crowd. The Parade begins marching at 12:30 am.
The Route is: Southbound on Broadway from 33 St. to Union Square Park at 14 St..
Rally
The 2022 Rally will take place from 1-5 pm in Union Square Park, South Plaza at 14 St., between University Place and Fourth Ave. It begins at 1 pm when the Parade arrives at the Park. The Rally features a wide variety of prominent speakers – elected officials, activists, and industry leaders – and musical entertainment by world-class performers, such as Redman, 420 Funk Mob, and Immortal Technique. The speeches build to the 4:20 countdown and the Rally continues with music and speakers until the program ends at 5 pm sharp. The 2022 line-up includes the Blues Brothers and Redman.
Reform organizations and sponsors set up booths and tables opposite the stage in the Plaza.
After Party
This is a private event which you will needs tickets for in order to attend.
The NYC Cannabis Parade is an important event for the cannabis community, and it provides a platform for people to come together and advocate for change. The parade sends a powerful message to lawmakers and the public that cannabis legalization is necessary and is not harmful to society.
If you are passionate about cannabis legalization and want to show your support, then the NYC Cannabis Parade is the perfect event for you. Whether you are a seasoned activist or just someone who wants to learn more about the benefits of cannabis, the parade is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make your voice heard.
So mark your calendar and join the thousands of people who will be marching down Broadway in support of cannabis legalization. Let's make this year's 50th NYC Cannabis Parade the biggest and most impactful one yet!
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