The mass of protesters gathered outside the White House couldn’t quite wait for 4:20 Saturday afternoon, the pre-planned time they had designated to light their marijuana-packed joints and pipes in protest of the federal laws that prohibit the drug’s consumption.

Just past 4:17, plumes of smoke arose from the crowd of more than 100 people, which was surrounded by officers from the U.S. Park Police, Metropolitan Police and the Secret Service.

Still, because the activists remained on the street — owned by the District, which has legalized pot possession — and off the sidewalks — owned by the federal government, which has not — no one was arrested.

Just two people were given citations and $25 fines for public consumption.

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John Woodrow Cox ~ Washington Post ~