Viewpoints vary on ‘Oktoberfest for weed’ in Hub

Visitors who stopped by the Common during yesterday's 28th annual Freedom Rally had mixed reactions to the throng of revelers smoking pot in public. Here's what some of them had to say when asked to weigh in on the controversial celebration.

“I think it's a very good thing, but not every day because there are families that want to enjoy this as well and this Common is for the commoners of Massachusetts ... It's like Oktoberfest for weed ... and now that it's legal, I don't see why we shouldn't be able to.” — Dan Hetzler, 25, of Fall River

“I think it's awesome. I think the entire country should have it, absolutely. I'm all for it. Young people and old people benefit from it, veterans, sick people, for any type of disorder. And for those who use it for recreation to relax, I say, `why not?'” — David Wilson, 56, of St. Augustine, Fla.

“I think they take up too much of the Common. I don't approve of it. It's nice to have everybody happy and all but I just worry about the condition of the park ... and I hate the smell of marijuana.” — Susan Lester, 75, Friends of the Public Garden member from Beacon Hill

“I didn't know it was happening, but I did smell a few things earlier on. I think it should be done in private, not in public. It's a bad influence on the younger generation. It's not good for your health. It's like smoking cigarettes and this promotes it.” — Fred Miller, 57, of Methuen