Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

50th NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally to Celebrate Cannabis Legalization To Be Held on Saturday, May 6, 2023

50th NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally Taking Place on Saturday, May 6, 2023
50th NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally Taking Place on Saturday, May 6, 2023

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!

More For You

Image of the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign in Las Vegas, NV
Nevada’s First Cannabis Lounge Closes—And It’s a Symptom of a Bigger Problem
Photo by David Vives on Unsplash

Nevada’s First Cannabis Lounge Closes—And It’s a Symptom of a Bigger Problem

Tags: Cannabis Lounges, Nevada, Cannabis Policy, Legalization, Industry Reform, Small Business

When Smoke and Mirrors, Nevada’s first state-licensed cannabis consumption lounge, opened in early 2024, it was hailed as a major milestone for the state’s adult-use market and a potential blueprint for others across the country. Less than a year later, it's permanently closed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cannabis and Aging: A Groundbreaking Study Challenges Long-Held Beliefs - The Bluntness
Cannabis and Aging: A Groundbreaking Study Challenges Long-Held Beliefs - The Bluntness
Giphy

Aging & Cannabis: New Findings

For decades, cannabis has been widely regarded as a substance with potential cognitive risks, particularly when used over long periods. Governments across the globe have classified it as a controlled substance, citing concerns about the effects of marijuana use, including memory loss, diminished executive function, and long-term neurological impact. But new research is challenging this long-standing assumption, suggesting that cannabis use may not be linked to age-related cognitive decline—and might even be associated with better cognitive preservation over time.

A recent study published in PubMed (NIH, 2024) followed over 5,000 men for more than four decades to analyze the long-term cognitive effects of cannabis use. The results? Men with a history of cannabis use experienced less cognitive decline from early adulthood to late midlife compared to those who never used cannabis.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comprehensive Glossary of Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness
Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness
Photo by Margo Amala on Unsplash

Are You Ready to Master Cannabis Lingo? Explore Essential Terms Now

This glossary covers key cannabis-related terms that can help consumers better understand the cannabis industry, products, and their effects. Whether you're new to cannabis or looking to deepen your knowledge, these definitions offer clarity on common terms you might encounter.

Cannabis Basics: What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a fascinating plant species that includes three main types: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Each of these species has unique characteristics and effects. The cannabis plant is a complex organism, rich in various compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds contribute to the plant’s diverse range of effects and therapeutic benefits. Cannabis plants are cultivated for both medicinal and recreational purposes, and they can be consumed in multiple forms, including dried flower, extracts, and edibles. Whether you’re interested in the energizing effects of Cannabis sativa, the relaxing properties of Cannabis indica, or the unique traits of Cannabis ruderalis, there’s a cannabis plant to suit every need.

Cannabis Products: Cannabis Extracts

Cannabis extracts are highly potent products derived from the cannabis plant using various extraction methods, such as solvents or CO2. These extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that can be used in several ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, or as ingredients in edibles and topicals. There are several types of cannabis extracts, each with its own texture and potency, including wax, shatter, oil, and crumble. These products are often favored for their high cannabinoid content and are commonly used for medicinal purposes, such as pain relief and anxiety management. Whether you’re looking for a powerful dabbing experience or a potent ingredient for your homemade edibles, cannabis extracts offer a versatile and effective option.

Keep ReadingShow less
map of medical and recreational cannabis retailers in state of New York
NY Cannabis Program Under Fire for Misconduct
NY Cannabis Program Under Fire for Misconduct

Legal Weed, Legit?

New York’s legal cannabis program iNew York’s adult-use cannabis market was supposed to be the nation’s model of equity and regulation. Instead, it’s quickly becoming a cautionary tale. And the latest news doesn’t just raise eyebrows—it should set off alarms across the entire industry.

According to an April 7 report byThe New York Times, New York State regulators are conducting a sweeping investigation into some of the biggest cannabis companies operating in the state—Stiiizy, Grön, Mfused, and others—over allegations of using out-of-state or unauthorized cannabis to produce products for legal dispensaries. It’s a practice insiders call inversion—and it’s been the industry’s not-so-secret open secret for years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Apparently past weed crimes can still be used against you in New Jersey.
Apparently past weed crimes can still be used against you in New Jersey.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Why is New Jersey Still Penalizing People for Weed?

When Governor Phil Murphy signed a suite of laws to legalize adult-use cannabis in New Jersey, he was vocal about the state’s plan of action, ensuring the legislation would reflect the industry’s blatant need for equity, expungement, and long overdue justice for the victims of the country’s War on Drugs.

The state’s court seemed to initially stay true to their word, expunging over 360,000 cannabis convictions within the first few months of legalization. 

Keep ReadingShow less