Pubdate: Tue, 29 Apr 2003
Source: Daily News, The (CN NS)
Copyright: 2003 The Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/halifax/dailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/179
Author: David Redwood
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

KEEP ON THE GRASS AT THIS GATHERING

Metro is getting a marijuana double this year - two separate festivals that 
will almost certainly end with the munchies. The new kid ion the block is 
called the Marijuana May Day Celebration, scheduled this Saturday on the 
Halifax Common.

Organizers with the incumbent event, Cannabis Day - held the last seven 
years on the Canada Day weekend - aren't threatened by the competition.

"The more the merrier," said Cannabis Day organizer Michael Stackhouse, who 
doubts the city's appetite is saturated with cannabis events.

"The more the subject is in the public eye, the better. It's something we 
have to keep on pushing."

The new event begins at "high noon", and will feature three bands and 
speakers, say organizers. It is meant to highlight obstacles faced by 
people who need marijuana for medical reasons.

Saturday's event is linked to more than 200 events worldwide, including in 
the U.S., Israel, South Africa and Finland.

Melanie Stephen-Patriquen, whose husband is a Marijuana Party activist 
fighting a legal battle for the right to smoke marijuana in jail for 
medical reasons, said although this event will take place outside the 
Pavilion all-ages bar, the event is geared towards adults.

"I personally don't want to see any kids there. I'm of the persuasion that 
if (marijuana) was legal and regulated, there would be less children having 
access to it."

She said organizers hope that no marijuana will change hands at the 
festival, but there will be hot dogs, coffee, pop and chips for sale.

"Just the munchies," said Patriquen.

The Marijuana May Day Celebration runs from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday. The 
rain date is Sunday.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager