Marijuana March 2012 in Ipanema: Daily

By Fiona Hurrell, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Reports suggest thousands of people attended the controversial “Marijuana March” on Saturday afternoon in Rio’s Zona Sul (South Zone). The rally, which is now held in over 700 cities worldwide, celebrates Cannabis and defends the use of the drug as being part of a lifestyle choice.

The 2012 Marcha da Maconha (Marijuana March) closed the street in Ipanema, image recreation.

Colorfully dressed campaigners, some of whom were displaying banners or costumes promoting Cannabis, attended the march that took place in Ipanema. One sign read, “Marijuana is medicine” while another displayed the statement “the people want marijuana.”

The procession eventually finished at Posto 9 where a big party was held to mark the end of the march, accompanied by music courtesy of DJ’s and MC’s that added to the care free and fun atmosphere of the day.

For the most part, the event was carried out smoothly however police were called to intervene when a sound truck involved in the march obstructed Avenida Vieira Souto, and Rua Rainha Elizabeth despite the orders of the CET-Rio (traffic engineering company) to keep roadways clear.

Reports indicate some protestors threw rocks at a police car and in retaliation rubber bullets were fired, hitting at least one, drawing a close to the protest.

Read the balance of this article in the RioTimesOnline

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