Freedom Rally


The Boston Freedom Rally is an annual event in Boston, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Held on the third Saturday in September, it is traditionally the second largest annual gathering demanding marijuana law reform in the United States, after the Seattle Hempfest. After achieving the original goal of legalising marijuana in the state of Massachusetts in 2016, the rally is seen as a celebration and a chance to educate the community. Some attendees also view it as a rally to lessen the restriction on marijuana consumption, with public consumption still banned, and violations costing up to US$100. It is organized by the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition, the state affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws also known as Mass Cann/NORML.

History

The first Freedom Rally was held in 1989 in North Adams. The second was on the dock beside the USS Constitution. The third was held in front of the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Street and the fourth, in 1992, was held on Boston Common at the Parkman Bandstand. In 1995, the Freedom Rally moved to its current location across the Common on the Carty Parade Field. The annual membership fee is $18 for single and $30 for couples.