Canadian events push for pot legalization

Published: May 4, 2008 at 1:29 PM

TORONTO, May 4 (UPI) -- Toronto is awash in marijuana legalization proponents this weekend, turning out for two major pro-pot events, organizers said.

Participants in the Toronto Freedom Festival and the 10th Global Marijuana March said by peacefully gathering together outside the city's Capitol building, they hoped to influence Canadian politicians to legalize marijuana in the near future, the Toronto Star reported Sunday.

"There's nothing wrong with it," said one participant, who identified himself only as Nick. "It's a great way to relax and have fun. You work all day and come home, roll up a big joint and everything's OK."

Festival organizers such as Neev Tapiro said between 15,000 and 20,000 people attended Saturday's gatherings.

Tapiro told the Star while the annual events typically include public marijuana use, the key message of the event was politically serious.

"It's a fun event with but with a serious message," Tapiro said. "It's to push for the legalization of marijuana."

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Scientists plea for gorilla protection (15 min)
Merck denies knowing risk of Vioxx (20 min)
Playboy hires out operations to cut costs (29 min)
UPI NewsTrack Business (34 min)
Insurance fund for bank deposits turns red (43 min)
Tsunami educational Web site developed (46 min)
Most Nickelodeon food ads for junk food
fark
Couple who stole home from Alzheimers Patient preparing for an experience they'll never forget
Report: 20 Michigan State football players in ski masks 'stormed' MSU dorm in bloody attack, injuring...
Police need to find this woman chop-chop
Several pictures of a squirrel with enormous balls. It's what Fark was made for
Britain opens official inquiry into Iraq war, appoints insider to run it. Expect hard-hitting answers...
Beachfront property owners band together to protest the State adding sand to their beaches. Which...