Canadian events push for pot legalization

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."