The mayor of Berlin at the time, Eberhard Diepgen (CDU, Christian Democratic Union), prohibited any kind of "commercial events" close to the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate). At the same time, the Police President declared the final rally of the Hanfparade to be commercial because goods were sold on the event.

As the Market of Possibilities is an important part of the final rally, and it is one of the few possibilities for us as a non-profit association to raise funds, the aim was clear. It was intended to financially ruin the organizers and make it impossible for the Hanfparade to continue in the next year. Luckily this could be prevented in the last minute by a high court express decision.

And so, on August, 29 of 1998, again people of all kinds gathered for the Hanfparade in Berlin. The participants came from all over Europe to make their statement in favor for legalization. Headed by several trucks thousands of hempsters moved from the Alexanderplatz to the Brandenburger Tor to join the final rally.

In 1998 again a wide coalition of political parties, organizations, self-help-groups, and legalization-associations, producers and trades of the hemp business gathered for the Hanfparade.

The Green Party and the PDS (Party of Democratic Socialism) even participated with a truck and sent - like in the year before - their best speakers: Christian Ströbele (Greens) and Freke Over (PDS).

Considering that at this time still many people believe that Marijuana and hashish are substances causing strong addiction just at the same level as crack, cocaine or heroine, it was no surprise the police and local authorities tried to scale down this big and very political demonstration. Even members of the police counted 10.000 - 20.000 participants. In the media much smaller numbers were presented. For example the well known Tagesspiegel reported about only 2.000 demonstrants.

No one needs to have clairvoyant talents to know that, if bands like "Zion Train", "Fünf Sterne Deluxe", "Mutabor", and many more, are playing for free, alone about 2000 people would come to see them. But the music program was not the only reason to visit the Hanfparade. After all the main reason to come was the political message every single one of the demonstrants transported by showing up and being a part of the Hanfparade.