The Event

Overview

The New York City Cannabis Parade & Rally (NYCCPR) is among the longest running marijuana legalization events in the world. What began as a “Smoke-In” in Washington Square Park organized by the Yippies in 1973 has evolved into a three-part Event: A Parade down Broadway, a Rally in Union Square Park and a celebratory After Party, all on the first Saturday in May. Sister events take place in cities worldwide on the same day. NYCCPR is the founding chapter of the Global Marijuana March.

After grounding  to to a halt in 2020 with New York City overwhelmed by Covid-19, NYCCPR came back in 2021 on May 1, but scaled down as according to the City's Covid regulations. That didn't prevent us from celebrating the passage of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act that legalized cannabis on March 31. "Young people are able to celebrate today without a fear that a little bit of marijuana in their pocket could ruin their lives," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke to the crowd in Union Square. "More freedom, less fear."

We are proud to have, for many decades, played a role in educating New Yorkers about prohibition and what needed to be done to change the state's outdated cannabis laws. Now that it has happened - in New Jersey and Connecticut as well - we urge other states to create fair and equitable commerical marketplaces. On the federal level, change is moving slower. And, on the local level, there are legal changes happening with other drugs, including psychedelics, heroin and cocaine. 

This year’s Parade & Rally will be both a celebration and acknowledgement of hard work well done by so many activists and advocates. New York has come a long way from when it was the Marijuana Arrest Capitol of the World. As we enter a new era, we must remain vigilant and keep our eyes on implementation and diversity as the cannabis industry grows in New York and across the Northeast.

 

Event Details

There are three components to the NYCCPR: The Parade, the Rally and the After Party.

 

Parade

Assembly begins at 11 am on the East side of Broadway between 32 and 33 Streets. Contingents assemble as speakers address the crowd. The Parade begins marching at 12:30 am.

The Route is: Southbound on Broadway from 33 St. to Union Square Park at 14 St..

 

Rally

The 2022 Rally will take place from 1-5 pm in Union Square Park, South Plaza at 14 St., between University Place and Fourth Ave. It begins at 1 pm when the Parade arrives at the Park. The Rally features a wide variety of prominent speakers – elected officials, activists, and industry leaders – and musical entertainment by world-class performers, such as Redman, 420 Funk Mob, and Immortal Technique. The speeches build to the 4:20 countdown and the Rally continues with music and speakers until the program ends at 5 pm sharp. The 2022 line-up includes the Blues Brothers and Redman.

Reform organizations and sponsors set up booths and tables opposite the stage in the Plaza.

 

After Party

This is a private event.