Hempy headed to Rehoboth Beach

While state legislators debate decriminalizing marijuana, cannabis supporters will be rallying to legalize the drug with a Global Cannabis March in Rehoboth Beach Saturday, May 2.

Two Delaware-based pro-pot organizations, Cannabis Bureau of Delaware and Delaware NORML, will rally in Rehoboth Beach at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 2, for the second Global Cannabis March in the First State. The 1.2-mile march will begin at Surfside Park at the north end of the Boardwalk and end at the Bandstand with speakers and an after-party in the city.

“We're trying to end cannabis prohibition,” said Zoë Patchell, co-chair of Cannabis Bureau of Delaware. “It's just as problematic as alcohol prohibition was, and it's diverting police power to a nonviolent issue and costing taxpayers money.”

The first Global Cannabis March in Delaware was held last year in Newark, but the event got its start in New York in the 1970s, followed by global marches in 1999, Patchell said.

“We'll be marching in solidarity with over 200 cities and 40 countries worldwide,” Patchell said, citing cities in Germany and Italy that have attracted more than 100,000 people. About 50 people joined in the Newark march last year, but Patchell is hoping to double the number of supporters in Rehoboth Beach.

“We're trying to get around the state and take the show on the road,” Patchell said, adding that most members of both the Cannabis Bureau and Delaware NORML – both local chapters of national organizations – are based in New Castle County.

Cynthia Ferguson, Delaware NORML executive director, said the march is coming to Rehoboth Beach to bring marijuana education and awareness to a traditionally conservative area.

“We're bringing it to southern Delaware because we feel that people in Sussex County don't know enough about marijuana reform,” she said. “It will be a fun day. If in any way, shape or form, you believe in marijuana reform, you should march with us. And if you just want to know more, you should come and talk to us.”

Ferguson said the march will be packed with brochures and information about marijuana and feature Hempy – a human-sized marijuana leaf mascot.

“There's many reasons to support this cause,” Patchell said. “I think it's time that Delaware taxed and regulated this nontoxic plant. We could get significant tax revenue into the state as well as creating thousands of jobs.”