Marijuana advocates continue to fight for reform

A few dozen advocates of cannabis reform in Delaware took to the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk to voice their concerns as part of the annual Global Cannabis March. It was the 12th year the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network organized the event.

The march took place May 3 and began with a short rally under the pine trees at Surfside Place, near the north end of the Boardwalk. After the kickoff, protesters made their way along the northern half of the Boardwalk, drawing stares, laughs and, most importantly, claps of support from people enjoying a walk or eating at a restaurant. Following the march, the group held a larger rally at the Bandstand.

Marijuana was legalized in Delaware two years ago, but the group continues to march and advocate for reforms for a number of reasons: frustration with how long it’s taking to roll out the recreational market; concern the companies operating the medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state are getting an unfair advantage over small home operations; the lack of home cultivation; laws not allowing individuals to participate in the program because they have criminal records for something that’s now legal; and local governments passing restrictive zoning ordinances to stifle legal cannabis businesses.

As always, Hempy, the Delaware CAN mascot, made an appearance. New this year was a marching jazz band featuring four students from the University of Delaware. The Global Cannabis March originated in New York City in 1973 and went international in 1999. More than 1,000 cities in nearly 100 countries have participated in this global event.