This Saturday marked the 54th annual Hash Bash event hosted on the Diag at the University of Michigan. Thousands of attendees gathered to hear speeches, listen to musical performances and smoke cannabis. Speakers at the event included comedian and actor Tommy Chong and Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer.
Hash Bash’s origin reflects themes of counterculture and activism. The event, originally known as the John Sinclair Freedom Rally, was established after Sinclair was arrested after being found in possession of two joints in 1969. Residents rallied at the Crisler Arena Dec. 10, 1971 to protest against what they viewed as unfair and unreasonable laws. The rally was accompanied by performances by musicians John Lennon and Stevie Wonder, in addition to speeches from famous poets and actors.
Following the protest, the Michigan Supreme Court declared the law used to arrest Sinclair unconstitutional. In reaction to the event, Hash Bash was formally established in 1972 in celebration of the victory, contributing to the legal use of cannabis for medical and recreational needs in Michigan…