On September 19, 2009, the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition sponsored the annual Boston Freedom Rally, which is now in its 20th year.  An estimated 70,000 people visited a park where the rally was conducted.

Despite the occasion, there were only three arrests, which related to distribution.  Over 100 tickets issued, however, for possession of marijuana/pot.  These “tickets” are the product  of a new law in Massachusetts that effectively decriminalized possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana/pot.
                                   
Although the Boston Police Department readily admitted that the crowd was rather tranquil, these law enforcement agents were frustrated by participants at the rally who followed the police with audio devices and video cameras to alert the crowd of their presence and to prevent illicit official conduct.