The group also supports legalizing industrialized hemp, which it says can be used for everything from clothing to jewelry.

By focusing its efforts on convincing state legislatures to legalize marijuana for medical uses, St. Pierre said the group is trying to touch what he describes as the "middle-class sensibility."

Opponents of legalization contend that marijuana use is, on balance, more dangerous than cigarettes and alcohol, and that permitting its sale would increase the rate of addiction.

But due to their lack of success on the ballot and in legislatures, even NORML's founders question whether the public political events, which usually result in the arrest of dozens for pot possession, are futile.

"In some ways, after 60 years of oppression, [marijuana smokers] get the satisfaction of civil disobedience," Stroup said.

Such disobedience did not go unchecked, however.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) arrested at least 60 people, mostly for possession of marijuana, which is a misdemeanor. Officers lined the main entrances to the festivities.

"There's a special event, so we're here," says Kevin Jones, a BPD spokesperson. "Common sense says you need [the police] to protect the public from civil disobedience."