Pubdate: Sun, 22 Mar 2015
Source: Trentonian, The (NJ)
Copyright: 2015 The Trentonian
Contact:  http://www.trentonian.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1006
Author: Scott Ketterer

MARIJUANA PROTESTERS LIGHT UP ACROSS THE STREET FROM NEW JERSEY STATEHOUSE

TRENTON - More than 100 people descended upon the New Jersey 
Statehouse to protest laws they feel are unjust.

The laws they're upset with? Marijuana laws. So far despite a 
medicinal program in the state of New Jersey, the crowd expressed 
their displeasure by coming together to exchange ideas and, to smoke.

For a little more than two-hours various speakers told the crowd 
about how far they had come, but how much is still left to fight for. 
While a portion of the attendees were supporting medicinal marijuana, 
nearly everyone was in support of full legalization of the substance. 
Distinguished speakers like former Philadelphia Police Captain Ray 
Lewis spoke of his time as a patrolman. Among issues Lewis 
encountered on his beat were a large number of domestic disputes, all 
of which were alcohol fueled, he said. Not one of the thousands of 
calls were fueled by marijuana, Lewis told the crowd. The former 
Captain is well known in the ranks of activists. He has spent time 
among the Occupy movement and more recently headed down to Ferguson, 
Mo., to protest peacefully.

Peaceful protest was the name of the game at Saturday's event. Only 
one arrest occurred during a march to the statehouse organizers said. 
However the arrest was because the person had an open alcohol 
container and was drunk according to Ed Forchion. There were about a 
dozen New Jersey State Police on hand at the statehouse, but no one 
at the protest across the street was arrested. Instead, the crowd lit 
up in unison at 4:20 p.m. and engaged in civil disobedience peacefully.
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