Pubdate: Tue, 04 Dec 2001 Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Copyright: 2001, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135 Author: Rachel Evans POT SHOP NEAR COP SHOP Paraphernalia Outlet Is Also Across The Street From Courthouse The irony of a pot paraphernalia store and cafe moving in right across from the provincial courthouse isn't lost on city cops. And police say the new store's location near police headquarters and the Law Courts building is convenient, since it makes it easier to watch for any suspect fumes drifting out the front door at 10253 97 St. "They're going to catch the eye of the police on a daily basis," said police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Anderson. "If that's directly in line - and it sounds like it - with the east side of the courthouse, then certainly every day that a policeman comes out of that courthouse they'll probably see this business. It's not soon forgotten." Marijuana Party of Alberta leader Ken Kirk said the party's offices are moving to the new site, and will operate much like a cafe and a "head shop" selling pot paraphernalia. Kirk promised there won't be reefer for sale in his new shop, although customers will be able to pick up pipes and bongs. He didn't rule out the possibility of the occasional toke by a brave customer on the premises, however. Anderson said a cafe where marijuana is smoked openly would definitely draw the attention of city police. The new Edmonton store's location isn't unprecedented, since an area of Vancouver notorious for its drug trade is situated near a courthouse and cop station also, said B.C. Marijuana Party founder and marijuana-seed mogul Marc Emery. His said his experience has been that the law lands lightly on weed sales that happen out in the open. "The more open you are about doing something, generally the courts give you a smaller and smaller penalty," Emery said. Emery said he'd be willing to sponsor a pot cafe venture in Edmonton, but he's having a hard time finding an entrepreneur willing to get arrested and possibly lose assets to seizure by police. "They don't have to charge you," he noted. "They can just take this away and you'll have to sue the police to try and get this back." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens