Pubdate: Sat, 26 Jun 2004
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Page: M4
Copyright: 2004, The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.globeandmail.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Contact:  http://www.globeandmail.ca/
Author: Erin Pooley
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

ON THE HIGH SEAS

A boatload of party-goers will take to the high seas next month to 
celebrate 10 years of cannabis-loving culture in Toronto.

On July 10, up to 600 revellers are expected to hop on board Capt. Matthew 
Flinders, a 144-foot luxury yacht, for a four-hour jaunt around the Toronto 
Harbour to celebrate the 10th birthday of the Friendly Stranger Cannabis 
Culture Shop in Toronto. The cruise, dubbed Smoke on the Water by 
organizers, will feature "a jazz-fusion funk band and a little bit of 
hip-hop," a hemp-themed buffet, cash bar and "oodles of door prizes," said 
Robin Ellins, the owner of the marijuana paraphernalia shop.

Despite the hype associated with the party, Mr. Ellins is careful not to 
label it a "pot cruise" -- a term that has been circulating on at least one 
cannabis-friendly Internet site. "We haven't been promoting that fact in 
any way, shape or form."

Despite moves toward decriminalization, marijuana is still illegal in Canada.

When asked whether the cruise would attract police interest, Mr. Ellins 
responded, "It's just a party like any other. I don't see why the police 
would be involved. It's just a nice, quiet celebration with 600 of our 
closest friends."

He added that cameras will not be permitted on board to "respect people's 
privacy."

The $50 tickets, which went on sale in April, were almost 90 per cent sold 
out by the end of this week, Mr. Ellins said.

Guests must be 19 and older and identification will be checked at the door, 
he added.

For more information on the cruise, visit http://www.friendlystranger.com 
or call (416) 591-1570.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager