August 11 2002 in Portsmouth once again brought out the humour of the Smokey Bears. Hampshire Police have been notorious for their mishandling of the peaceful annual event for the last nine years. One arrest for a single joint at one picnic resulted in a lenghty legal case costing the taxpayer £2700. The defendant was found not guilty after police revealed they have tried to save costs by not sending the contents of the joint for analysis.

Other arrests have included for poking fun at an officers wig and infamous arrest of cannabis smuggler Howard Marks. This years picnic was held without a trace of the Police. Local businessman and activist, Dave Bear, sees it as a victory and believes that the over policing of the event in recent years has been a waste of money and was designed only to intimidate and harrass. A community worker organised people to paint their own colourful bear masks, while a Gormet cook created an Organic cake with a kick in the shape of Smokey Bear. While teddy bears in fancy dress dotted the ground, guitars were plucked and drums where played while Cannabis packed Bongs were blown in full view of the world.
[read more @ undercurrents | 2001 picnic website | UK Cannabis Internet Activists | Video of Cannabis campaign ]