7,000 March in Prague to Support Cannabis Legalization

The Czech Republic’s latest cannabis march on May 6 rivaled similar events in the United States. According to crowd size estimates, over 7,000 people took to the streets in Prague in support of legalizing cannabis. The Million Marihuana March celebrates its 20th annual event this year.

The event was organized by Legalizace, an organization who believes existing laws don’t reflect the will of the people. The goal of the event is to draw attention from politicians to address the nation’s ban on recreational cannabis and the inaccessibility of medical cannabis in the Czech Republic.

The march began at 12:30 a.m. at the Karlovo nám?stí (Charles Square) in Prague. Protesters marched their way through the center of the city to Štvanice Island where the event continues with workshops, political debate and more. According to the event’s program, the post-march event kicked off with a beatbox and freestyle show and included a Velvet Underground cover band. A DJ stage features a variety of electronic music. A political stage was also set and the event was followed by after parties. Some wore costumes and others carried signs like “Cannabis Plants for Every Family.”

A 20-minute documentary film captured the Million Marihuana March in 2012. The Czech Republic legalized medical cannabis in 2013, however, a dispute between the State Drug Control Institute (SUKL) and the supplier has made access to medical cannabis nearly impossible. Organizers are now seeking for a new supplier. Steps have been made to make it easier for patients to have access to medical cannabis. For about a decade, Legalizace’s Seeds for Seniors program has given out complimentary seeds to seniors and adults over 18. Those who received free seeds also received detailed instructions on how to grow cannabis.

Activists involved in the march want medical cannabis to be available in pharmacies and to have insurance companies cover the costs as they cover the cost of other drugs. Currently, most Czech medical cannabis patients resort to buying their medicine through the black market.