Jamie Balagia smiled as he looked around at the larger-than-expected crowd at a rally Sunday evening at Maverick Park.

“Some might say this is the first (march) in 20 years,” Balagia noted. “Everyone here is publicly exposing themselves to scrutiny, especially those with medical needs.”

The event, organized by the San Antonio chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, drew more than 300 people and more than a few pets.

Balagia, the executive director of SA NORML, was among several speakers and leaders who encouraged advocates to press state representatives and senators to support bills re-legalizing cannabis.

Destiny Young, membership director with NORML, said the day was about giving people a voice.

“We want the people to feel comfortable using their First Amendment,” she said. We want people to have the right to free speech and the right of peaceful (gathering).”

Balagia said people who have smoked marijuana and not been arrested or punished owe it to others to out themselves, and that supporters need to bring up legitimate debates in supportive science.

“We’re trying to bring to attention that you don’t have to live under fear,” he said.

The march began at Maverick Park and continued at a steady pace along St. Mary’s Street downtown, stopping in several places to rally. Marchers even lined up and chanted outside mayoral candidate Mike Villarreal’s campaign office before stopping for one last set of chants at the Friendly Spot.

A sea of colorful posters and clothing dotted with marijuana leaves among the marchers, who shouted phrases such as “Yes we cannabis!” and “1-2-3-4 we don’t want a drug war, 5-6-7-8 we just want to medicate,” and even “This is what democracy smells like.”

One of several motorcycle officers helping escort the crowd down St. Mary’s Street had a funky guitar riff blaring through his speakers.

Many passers-by honked their horns or shouted in approval, some stopping to take out their phones to record video.

The march was one of several held throughout Texas, Young said, adding that 3,200 people showed up in Dallas, and 2,000 people in Houston.

The next march, set for at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Austin, will begin at City Hall and continue to the Capitol’s south steps, ending in a rally.

Young said Texas lawmakers in the current session are considering at least seven bills related to marijuana, including House Bill 557, which focuses on hemp research, and HB 2165, which calls for repealing marijuana offenses. HB 557 was sent to the Calendars Committee; HB 2165 is pending in committee.

“The fact that these bills are in the Legislature shows that we have representatives who support this,” Young said.

jbeltran@express-news.net

Twitter: @JBfromSA