The directory New York Cannabis Parade and Gathering which has been set since the early 1970s celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend. This parade is a celebration of the cannabis plant and its many benefits, and it aims to raise awareness of the need to legalize cannabis.
The first official cannabis parade in New York was held on May 1, 1971, and it’s been an annual event ever since. The history of the NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally is difficult to pin down, but it is believed to originate from an activist group led by the International Youth Day (YIP), aka Yippies who hosted a “Smoke-In” in Tompkins Square Park. Before that, in the mid-1960s, Beat poet Allen Ginsberg organized LeMar, for Legalize Marijuana, and picketed Jefferson Market Courthouse (now a library) in New York’s West Village, and Christadora House, where federal offices were located in the East Village across from Tompkins Square Park to protest New York’s strict marijuana laws. The event drew a large crowd and was so successful that the organizers decided to organize a parade the following year.
Over the years, the parade has evolved and grown, but its message has remained the same: the legalization of cannabis is necessary for the betterment of society. The parade attracts people from all walks of life, including activists, politicians, musicians and artists, who all come together to celebrate cannabis and advocate for its legalization in New York and beyond.
This year’s NYC Cannabis Parade marks the 50th anniversary of the first official parade and is set to take place on May 6, 2023, and it promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet. The parade will start at 11 a.m. in Greeley Square where the parade will meet before descending from Broadway to Union Square where a rally will take place in Union Square Park. Sister events take place in cities around the world on the same day. NYCCPR is the founding chapter of the Global Marijuana March.
The NYCCPR has three components: the parade, the rally and the After Party.
Parade
Assembly begins at 11 a.m. on the east side of Broadway between 32 and 33 streets. Contingents gather as speakers address the crowd. The parade begins marching at 12:30 p.m.
Directions are: Southbound on Broadway from 33rd Street to Union Square Park at 14th Street.
Rally
The 2023 rally will take place from 1-5 p.m. at Union Square Park, South Plaza at 14 St., between University Place and Fourth Ave. It starts at 1 p.m. when the parade arrives at the park. The rally features a wide variety of prominent speakers – elected officials, activists and industry leaders – and musical entertainment by world-class artists, such as Redman, 420 Funk Mob and Immortal Technique. Speeches continue until the 4:20 p.m. countdown and the rally continues with music and speakers until the program ends at 5 p.m. sharp. The 2023 lineup includes the Blues Brothers and Redman.
Reform organizations and sponsors set up booths and tables in front of the stage in the Plaza.
After the party
The NYC Cannabis Parade is an important event for the cannabis community and provides a platform for people to come together and advocate for change. The parade sends a powerful message to lawmakers and the public that legalizing cannabis is necessary and does not harm society.
If you are passionate about cannabis legalization and want to show your support, the NYC Cannabis Parade is the perfect event for you. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just someone who wants to learn more about the benefits of cannabis, the parade is an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and make your voice heard.
So mark your calendars and join the thousands of people marching down Broadway in support of cannabis legalization. Let’s make this year’s 50th New York Cannabis Parade the biggest and most impactful yet!