Over 100 People gathered at San Jacinto Square in Downtown El Paso this weekend to protest marijuana arrests by EL Paso law enforcement, who are doing so despite resolutions by city council to stop. The Global Marijuana March of El Paso was put together by El Paso NORML and Legalize El Paso. Marching for the 6th time since 2014, the event was held in conjunction with other marches across the globe, giving world-wide attention to marijuana prohibition.
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The crowd convened at San Jacinto Square around noon, and began piling on the sidewalk at 1 P.M. With signs in hands held high, the group began traversing down Main Street. Though permits had been issued for the event, El Paso PD emphasized no obstructing traffic- something the crowd carefully obeyed.
Chants of “Free the leaf” and “Let us smoke” could be heard echoing off the buildings when the marchers made their first stop: City Hall. There, a framed cannabis leaf and a large sign autographed by most of the attendees, was left at the front door for the leaders fo El Paso to see.
Next, everyone reorganized in formation and continued to their next destination: El Paso Detention Facility. They proceeded to march around the entire facility, chanting even louder. In the park adjacent to EPDF, a microphone and speakers were assembled where several activists and community leaders gave speeches to the crowd. One theme was evident. The city of El Paso must end arrests for marijuana possession.
El Paso was the first city in the United States to outlaw marijuana and prohibit cultivation or possession of the cannabis plant. The entirety of Texas didn’t follow the same action until the passage of the federal Marijuana Tax Act. A century of marijuana prohibition had been a core strategy in local policy until City Council passed a resolution to issue citations for low-level offenses in 2020. As of the publishing of this article, El Paso law enforcement were still arresting citizens for marijuana.
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“The unity for the cause, and the demonstration of civil disobedience was an impactful statement to both El Paso Police and City Council,” said Colt DeMorris, Executive Director of El Paso NORML. “We are going to continue to use cannabis, whether it is medicinally or recreationally. At the same time, we will mind our own business, harm no one, and continue to live productive lives. No victim, no crime.”
After the event concluded around 3:15, the group marched back to San Jacinto Square, where an after-party was scheduled to commence at 4:20, including live music, a dj, and comedy shows. There is no doubt, the people of El Paso left downtown with more than just their heads held high. A message 100 years in the making was sent.
“The Global Marijuana March went off without a hitch,” DeMorris concluded. “Participants openly consumed cannabis in the streets of Downtown El Paso, while protesting the continued arrests for such offenses. The collaboration between both El Paso NORML and Legalize El Paso is what made the event as glorious as it was. Another chapter was definitely added to the history books this day!”