The 2023 Boston Freedom Rally—colloquially known as Hempfest—came to the Boston Common after a weather delay on a summer-like Sunday on Sept. 17. The event, organized by the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition (MassCann), seeks to educate people on cannabis reform. Despite the weather delay causing fewer stands than usual, more than 2,000 people began roaming the Common after the festival opened. Regularly attending vendors of the event set up shop once again and sold their merchandise, from food to apparel and other items.
More than 2,000 people attend the 2023 Boston Freedom Rally at the Boston Common. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
Crowds of fairgoers walk around Hempfest and buy various goods. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
At Raphael’s stand, vendors show one of the functional glass pieces to a potential customer. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
A performer at one of the stages at the festival. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
A big bag of Cannabis, specifically a strain known as Sour Diesel, is on display at Jay’s Exotic Gas stand. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
A fairgoer examining a fumed chillum/one hitter at Raphael’s stand. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
A Hawker for one of the stands at the 2023 Boston Freedom Rally. For a small fee, fairgoers can spin the wheel for certain prizes. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
An unhoused person who goes by The Blank holds up a sign. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
A fairgoer is draped in a flag with marijuana leaves. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
After a long day at the Boston Freedom Rally, the vendors working for Raphael take the edge off with a big toke. (Amin S. Lotfi for The Beacon)
