Protesters calling for the liberation of hemp!
The annual 2023 Berlin Cannabis Parade took place near the iconic Red City Hall, but saw significantly fewer participants than initially anticipated. The event, which has been an annual fixture in Berlin's city centre since 1997, traditionally carries the rallying cry of "Free the hemp!".
Despite lower attendance, the protesters at this year's parade demanded comprehensive legalization of cannabis, including permission for adult recreational use, regulated sales, and an end to cannabis criminalization.
The drop in participants might be attributed to a combination of factors, including regulatory progress, organizational challenges, and conflicting public attention. The parade, which was initially expected to attract around 4,000 participants, saw only around 500 people in attendance.
The German Hemp Association, a key player in the cannabis advocacy scene, criticized the current law's provisions for personal cultivation and cultivation clubs, stating they are not suitable for all consumers. They also pointed out that the black market for cannabis continues to exist.
The organizers of the parade argued that cannabis consumption is less risky than legal drugs like alcohol. Banners at the event read "Hash instead of hate" and "Yes we smoke", reflecting the sentiments of the protesters.
The parade marched down Unter den Linden boulevard, through the government district, past the Bundestag and the Chancellery, and back again. Participants were seen smoking joints during the event.
The current rules for cannabis, introduced in April 2024, don't go far enough according to the protesters. The German Hemp Association advocates for cannabis to be available for adults to purchase at reasonable prices in specialized stores.
The parade ended without any major incidents according to the police. The coalition government, which decided on a partial legalization of cannabis, allowing the cultivation and possession of cannabis in limited quantities under certain conditions, is yet to respond to the demands made at the parade.
- In addition to demonstrating for cannabis legalization, people at the parade also showed support for a shift in society's fashion-and-beauty norms, promoting a lifestyle that values natural, organic, and sustainable products.
- At the same time, other participants used the platform to discuss education-and-self-development opportunities, advocating for the importance of life-long learning and personal-growth, especially in the digital age.
- On social-media platforms, the event trended globally, attracting attention from various sectors, including entertainment, pop-culture, and general-news outlets.
- Despite the positive energy during the parade, topics of policy-and-legislation, job-search, and crime-and-justice were also hotly debated among protesters.
- Meanwhile, some attendees were interested in skills-training workshops, which were organized to provide practical knowledge on cultivating hemp, making CBD products, and advocacy strategies.
- Interestingly, sports and sports-betting were among the numerous topics discussed during the event, showing the diverse interests of the attendees.
- The parade served as a platform for car-accident survivors to share their personal stories and discuss the importance of road safety education and legislation.
- Announcements were also made about protests and activism opportunities in the fields of politics and politics-related careers, with calls for better political representation and participation from a wider demographic.
- Off the beaten path, there were discussions on more contemporary topics, such as the effects of policy-and-legislation on the music industry, as well as recent developments in taxation, including the impact of recent tax laws on job-search and career-development prospects.
