The photos are from Saturday at the NYC Cannabis rally which began as a parade at 11 am at West 31st & Broadway, Koreatown, NYC to march to Union Square. Hundreds of people participated to legalize the plant and support it’s medicinal benefits.

From the NYC Cannabis Parade:

The NYC Cannabis Parade is the longest running public expression of drug policy reform in New York City. With roots as far back as the early 70’s. This event have gone by many different monikers, but our purpose remains the same, to spread awareness throughout the world! In 1999, the Million Marijuana March brand exploded and has since turned into a annual event held in hundreds of cities across dozens of countries.

Video footage of the event:

Chris Alexander of the Drug Policy Alliance at DrugPolicy.org spoke about legalizing and decriminalizing cannabis. It needs to “Go hand in hand with Police reform, needs to go hand in hand with Liberty.” Chris said of his organization, that it is “dedicated to reforming the way law enforcement interacts with our community, reinvesting in our community, takin our tax revenue and rebuilding the hood. We’re bringing legalization to NY.”

The innovative Vision The Brooklyn Psychedelic Society “aims to embrace a spirit of community and pluralism”.

Frank Sha Francois, Green Party Candidate for Congress in New York’s District 5 spoke about being a part of the Green Party that isn’t bought, sold or controlled by Corporate owned Democrats and Republicans “Who have passed Laws that have locked up innocent people for no reason. Marijuana is nothing but a flower, it’s a plant but, the Democrats and Republicans have passed Laws that cost people like you your freedom”.

Speakers & Organizations included:

New York State Assembly member Richard N. Gottfried • New York City Council member Rafael L Espinal Jr. • Dana Beal, Cures Not Wars • Christopher Alexander, Drug Policy Alliance • Doug Greene, Empire State NORML • Rob Robinson, New York Cannabis Alliance • Jo Anne Zito • Vote James Lane, Green Party of New York State • Frank Sha Francois, Green Party of New York State • Kimberleigh Krepp Capitol District Cannabis Consortium • ACT UP New York • Aron Kay and more to be announced…

Live Music and Entertainment included:

Lord Digga Da Highsman • Rockness of Heltah Skeltah • DAVID PEEL & THE LOWER EAST SIDE (In Tribute to #DaivdPeel) • Temple Dragon Band• Grandmaster Caz • Cheif Rocker Busy Bee • Fantuzzi Music • Ishmael levi • Squala Orphan • All My Friends Are Stars • and more…