Pubdate: Wed, 1 Apr 2009
Source: Ann Arbor News (MI)
Copyright: 2009 The Ann Arbor News
Contact: http://www.mlive.com/mailforms/aanews/letters/
Website: http://www.mlive.com/ann-arbor/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/20
Author: Jo Mathis
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

EVENT COINCIDES WITH NEW LAW

Those attending the 38th annual Ann Arbor Hash Bash Saturday will 
likely be in a celebratory mood, organizers say, because the event 
lands on the day Michigan's medical marijuana law goes into effect.

"The Hash Bash started as a smoke-in, and really is a smoke-in," said 
Adam Brook of Detroit, who will serve as emcee for the 19th time. 
"However, speakers take on current political question of the day. 
This year, it's medical marijuana."

The law was passed by voters with 63 percent of the vote last 
November, and Michigan Department of Community Health offices will be 
open to accept applications of Monday.

Medical marijuana patients will be able to go through a registration 
process and obtain a state ID card.

"I expect to see a lot of patients who'll come out to see what they 
can learn about this new law," said Brook, a former Ann Arbor entrepreneur.

The Hash Bash this year begins at 11 a.m. with a protest at the 
Federal Building on Liberty Street between Fifth and Division. The 
crowd will then walk over to the Diag on the University of Michigan 
campus for a noontime "Hour of Power" - the official Hash Bash. The 
day finishes on Monroe Street for the Monroe Street Fair, featuring live music.

Brook said attendance will depend on the weather, but in any case, 
the event brings in thousands of people to the area.

"This is largest event in the country not supported by its local 
chamber of commerce," he said. "My whole year is based on the first 
Saturday in April."

For information on the Hash Bash, call 313-406-7575.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake