What people do in their own homes is their business. I'm sure most of us here have partaken a toke or two and see no harm in using it recreationally.

However; it IS still illegal and if you are caught using it in a public place you will be subject to arrest and a fine. If the DEA knows an event such as this rally is going to take place and they know there is a strong probability there will be a great deal of consumption of this and other illegal "relaxants", why shouldn't they forwarn the organizers? I mean, what's worse; simply warning the organizers and the bands they would be "subject to a fine of $250,000 if illicit drugs were found in the premises" or letting the event take place, raid it, arrest the patrons, fine the organizers and fine the bands making a tidy amount of revenue in the process.

I don't see this as intimidation. I see this as the DEA doing their jobs and enforcing laws that are currently on the books. They did it quietly, peacefully and effectively. No one got arrested, no one fined and no one got hurt.

If they really wanted to make a statement, collect some fines and busts some heads they could've done it the other way.

Just my .02