RALEIGH -- More than 300 people gathered at the State Capitol on Saturday afternoon to call for the legalization of marijuana.
The protesters, mostly in their teens and 20s, chanted "Legalize" and "Let's free cannabis" as they marched along Fayetteville Street. Marchers held up signs saying "Bongs Not Bonds," "Free the Weed" and "Honk for Weed."
"It should be legalized and regulated like any other drug," said Ben Smith, 23, of Lexington who marched in the rally.
Protesters urged the state legislature to pass the Medical Marijuana Act.
The legislation didn't make it out of the state House Health Committee last year.
Anthony Childs, 18, of Garner said he marched Saturday because he wants to legalize medical marijuana use for his mother. He said she needs to use marijuana to deal with Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
"It helps her," Childs said. "She shouldn't have to suffer."
The annual Raleigh Marijuana Rally, March and Free Music Festival was organized by the N.C. Cannabis Association.
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