It’s gone global
Initially called “The Fifth Avenue Pot Parade” and attracting just a handful of activists on the LES, the Cannabis Parade has grown into a global phenomenon, with participants in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Bogota, Columbia, Cape Town, South Africa and other cities.
‘Sex and the City’ star Cynthia Nixon wants to legalize it
Actress and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon called marijuana legalization “a number one priority for the state of New York” during her participation at the rally.
“Arresting people for cannabis, particularly people of color, is the crown jewel for the racist war on drugs and we must pluck it down,” Nixon said at the event. “If you are black or Latino, you are 10 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis than if you are white. And that’s not right.” The former “Sex and the City” star’s remarks were met with thunderous applause from the massive, multi-racial audience.
People love dressing up like marijuana
Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up like a pot plant?
Hip hop of the highest order is usually in the house
The Cannabis Parade has a history of honoring hip hop. Legendary Brooklyn-based hip hop duo Smif n Wessun brought their Bucktown music to the masses in the parade’s past. This year, Immortal Technique performed.
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Related Story: 6 Things Everyone Needs To Know About Today’s Marijuana
Marijuana is as mainstream as alcohol
Organizations like Women Grow and High NY provide a social context to keep the parade vibe going. While the parade started out in the 1970s by a few folks on the Lower East Side, it has risen in ranks to thousands of participants. This year, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union joined the march. That is a significantly mainstream step!
Hope you enjoyed 5 fun facts from the NYC Cannabis parade, maybe you can march next year!
