Dozens of revelers have been arrested at an annual pro-cannabis picnic at Melbourne’s Flagstaff Gardens.
The 402 rally in the city’s CBD aims to raise awareness about the legalization of cannabis and takes place annually around the world on April 20 or 4/20.
Recreational cannabis use is prohibited in all Australian states.
More than 250 people attended the event, which was filled with police dog units and officers on the ground searching attendees.
Some 36 offenders were arrested and prosecuted for drug-related offences.
Police search man at 420 Picnic in Flagstaff Gardens. The event promoted the legalization of cannabis
Around 250 people attended the annual pro-cannabis event in Melbourne
Most received reprimands, while four will receive a summons to appear in court at a later date.
“While we respect the right to lawful and peaceful protests, we will not tolerate any criminal activity,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“Our role is to enforce the law.”
This year’s event, with the theme “Who are we hurting?”, included state MPs from the Legalize Cannabis Australia Party.
Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank and South East Metropolitan MP Rachel Payne indicated they would attend.
In a post on his Instagram on Saturday, Payne called for an “end to the ban” along with an image of what appeared to be a lit cigarette.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with the (cannabis) community today,” he said.
Police dog team officers were also present.
Both MPs appeared at an earlier event on Friday outside state parliament run by artists collective The Craze Co.
Posts from the group show the couple in front of what appeared to be caged plants with signs that read “The War on Marijuana a Real Real Failure.”
According to advocates, only about 1.7 per cent of Australians in the ACT have access to decriminalized, recreational cannabis.
Recreational cannabis is otherwise illegal in all Australian states, although New South Wales is about to launch an inquiry into its ban.
Several countries have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, including Canada, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
NSW Police have been contacted for comment.
Victorian MP David Limbrick of the Libertarian Party, Georgie Purcell of the Animal Justice Party, Rachel Payne and David Ettershank of Legalize Cannabis Australia and Aiv Puglielli of The Greens attended Saturday’s event.