Pot rally gets go-ahead from federal judge

The Associated Press

06.16.00

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A federal judge will allow a medical-marijuana rights group to hold its scheduled Hempfest 2000 at a downtown Jacksonville park, but the group is still negotiating with the city over whether a permit will be required.

An estimated 5,000 people are expected at the event, scheduled to take place tomorrow from noon until 8 p.m. at Metropolitan Park. It is the third such event in the Jacksonville area.

For the past two years, Hempfest, sponsored by the Florida Cannabis Action Network, took place at Jacksonville Beach.

U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger told the group on June 13 that it could hold its event in the park, but its plan to have musical performances might not be protected free speech and might require a permit.

But Kevin Aplin, president of CAN, says music is a central element of the event.

"Other than the essential purpose of attracting people to hear the political message of speakers, much of the music itself carries a political message," Gary Edinger, a Gainesville attorney, said in a June 14 letter to city officials.

One of the purposes of the event is to get signatures on a petition for a vote on legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. The group wants a question on the 2002 state ballot. Members said they have collected about 45,000 of the 435,000 signatures needed.