University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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The 21st Annual Hash Bash By the size and character of the crowd, you might have thought that Jerry Garcia himself was playing on the steps of the Graduate Library on that gloomy April Saturday. But the crowd of more than 4,000 mostly tie-dye clad people sprawling across the Diag and spilling out into the surrounding streets did not gather to enjoy tunes in the concert-like atmosphere, but rather to celebrate the annual Hash Bash. By Greg Emmanuel To spread the word about the positive aspects of marijuana and to protest laws against the use of the drug, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) again sponsored the annual Ann Arbor Hash Bash in early April. Through testimonies and scientific studies, marijuana-advocates spoke out from the steps of the Grad to the thousands of students, residents, and transients who crowded into to the Diag to support NORML and to anyone who joined the mass out of curiosity. The Bash proceeded despite an attempt by the University to squelch it by denying NORML their permit for use of the Diag on the day of the rally. Students closely followed the court battle that ensued. The University should just accept that Hash Bash is going to happen, said one student, who wished to remain anonymous. The court, acknowledging NORML ' s right to free speech, dismissed the University ' s com- plaint and ordered the permit granted. Despite NORML ' s legitimate reasons for the event, many who attended merely used the opportunity to smoke marijuana in public. Ann Arbor police and University Department of Public Safety officers wandered through the crowds and the surrounding streets handing out tickets. The once legendary Ann Arbor $5 fine for possession no longer a reality, police followed state law and handed out fines up to $100. In addition, officers made approximately forty arrests. Neva Sherman, a university junior, was arrested along with a friend of hers for passing a joint. The cops harassed us the whole way and we were not even smoking. I think it is because there was the addition of University police that there was more trouble this year than last, commented Sherman. It must be noted that not all university students supported NORML and its cause. A large population of students stood strictly opposed the event. Sophomore, Danetta Hicks completely avoided the Diag that day and expressed sentiments shared by many others saying, It (Hash Bash) promotes drug use and is a ridiculous event. 10 Michigan Life As is usually the case, people travelled from all over the country to attend Hash Bash. Many of those who stayed the night opted to find comfortable campsites , such as this man who staked a claim to a small section of Nickel ' s Arcade.