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SocLaxSim

O.K., this is the deal, I am going to the Cannabis Freedom Rally at Boston Common on Saturday. Many people have been arrested before. First off, are police allowed to searcg my bag/me if I go in peacefully??? Second, if I am not smoking, or have any cannabis on me, can I be arrested for being high (from the smoke around me) or just being around people smoking??? Thank you in advance???

 

Bailey1138

First of all, welcome to the boards!

There is no way to prove someone is high. An officer can 100% know you are high, but unless he finds herb, a pipe, or some other illegal item that's slipping my mind, he can't arrest you. Police are only allowed to search you if you consent, they have probable cause, or they're arresting you. Probable cause can be an iffy thing, but smell is enough for probable cause.

That being the case, I imagine they'll be a lot of people toking at something like that, just keep your eyes and ears open and give your brothers and sisters a heads up if they're in danger.

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Niteshift

"An officer can 100% know you are high, but unless he finds herb, a pipe, or some other illegal item that's slipping my mind, he can't arrest you."

Careful with that advice. The answer will vary from state to state. For example, in California, you can be arrested for being under the influence of a drug in public. No other reason is needed. In other states you cannot.

You need to check the laws of MA in particular.

"There is no way to prove someone is high."

Again, not completely true. Many depts have officers trained as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE's). The training is long and pretty intensive, but almost all courts recognize them as experts and will take their assessment as fact.


I am curious....given the recent events and Boston's role in them, I'm suprised they're still having it.

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Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is muzzle flash.

dedbr

or event can and will be different.I've never been to a show or event that the police actions could be called the same.Some shows we were searched pretty much every third or fourth person,some not at all.It all depends on the officer,like Niteshift says.
I've had officers see me with a joint in my mouth and just smile and walk on by....

The best advice is this for me=take a small amount of herb in with ya,and stay away from the hard stuff,(alcohol or other drugs).You shoul be O K.


Remember Rainbow Farm!

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No law or ordinance is mightier than understanding.
Plato


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Bailey1138

Good points Niteshift, the first one slipped my mind, I should've said that. I guess in general as long as you're acting cool, you'll be fine. Give him a reason to think you're high, and well, then you leave yourself up to the judgement of the officer.

I've never heard of these DRE's before, that's interesting to know. What I meant was just in general, there's no like breathalizer-type test for marijuana, you have to be highly trained in order to do it accurately enough to be recognized in court. But I guess since there are some out there, it's best to be careful.

ded gives some pretty good advice, every event is different, be prepared.

 

gatorgrower

having attended the freedom rally the past few years heres a few tips-
if ypu are looking for paraphenlia forget it, the cops will go thru the vendor area before the rally starts and threaten to bust the vendors if they do not put pipes and bongs away...
just bring a couple of joint with you easier to get rid of if the police are vigilant...
dont"t be a fool and things will be cool..
peace...

Captain_Redeye

Man, that sucks. I live in Seattle and have been to Hempfest the last 2 years. Its great! There are very few cops (most probably undercover) and the cops that are there usually don't do a thing when they see you smoking. My friend brought a 2 foot bong in, when the cop asked him to put it away he said "not untill you take a hit". The cop looked at him funny, then said "ahhh, why not" he told us to crowd around him, then he crouched down and took a monster hit. coolest cop alive.
think im getting off subject here

good luck!

krolley

Capt_Redeye, is that story true!? I mean, no one would complain about his behaviour, given he's around stoners, but wtf, seriously now. If it was sarcasm, can you please use some <sarc> </sarc> tags in the future so I know!