Hundreds of pot smokers set to party at Seattle Center
Dec 5, 2013, 6:06 PM | Updated: Dec 6, 2013, 11:57 am
Marijuana smokers light up under the Space Needle Dec. 6, 2012 to commemorate the legalization of marijuana in Washington State. (AP image)
(AP image)
Hundreds of pot smokers are expected to gather at Seattle Center Friday to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the legalization of marijuana. The city has given the event its blessing.
Marijuana activist Ben Livingston says it took plenty of work to convince officials his proposed event was legal and deserving of a permit.
“That process took over three months. There was a lot of back and forth with the city. They had internal discussions at length about this event,” he says.
The party, which gets underway at 4:20 p.m. Friday, will take place next to EMP in the area that used to house the Fun Forest. It’ll be surrounded by privacy fencing, and Livingston will have private security verifying attendees are 21 or older. No marijuana will be for sale on site.
Some critics, including a group of anti-drug activists, sent a letter to the city demanding officials rescind the party permit, arguing it violates a number of state laws including the ban on smoking in public places. They argued it shouldn’t be allowed during Winterfest because so many families attend the annual celebration.
“The smoking ban applies to buildings, not outdoor smoking areas. The new pot law bans cannabis consumption in public view, not in a private party with ID checks, double fences, and privacy screening. Plus, Seattle Center allows beer gardens, and alcohol is sold at Winterfest,” Livingston counters. “We’ve created what I believe to be complete compliance with the law.”
While the gathering is primarily a party, Livingston hopes it accomplishes something more.
“It’s also trying to point out that cannabis enthusiasts and cannabis consumers should have the same rights as any other folks when trying to use city facilities. I think the conversation is really about whether or not we are going to tolerate or incorporate cannabis consumers into our society.”
Livingston’s permit allows for nearly 500 people, but he thinks a lot more could show up for what he hopes is just the first of many celebrations to come.
“What we’ve done in Washington state is quite historic and I think it’s worth celebrating and I’m very proud. Hopefully we’ll spread that to the rest of the world.”
