Pubdate: Sun, 04 May 2008 Source: Toronto Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2008 The Toronto Star Contact: http://www.thestar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456 Author: Paul Irish Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) POT FANS RALLY IN BIG SMOKE Thousands Pushing For Legal Weed Peacefully Mark Freedom Festival, 10th Global Marijuana March Queen's Park may have been soggy from yesterday's rain, but sparks were flying as thousands spent the day smoking pot just north of the Legislature. It was part of the Toronto Freedom Festival and the 10th Global Marijuana March, with the intent of pushing to legalize marijuana. "Hey, this is what Woodstock must have been like," said one youth as he walked by smoking a joint the size of a small cigar. "But I bet you the music won't be as good." Bongs and pipes of all sizes and large bags of marijuana were carried around openly as police presence was limited and kept to the periphery. Paul Wemple, 17, of Toronto, said he's been at the festival a few times and loves it. "You can smell it before you can see it," he said. "It's that wonderful sickly sweet aroma that we all seem to love." A small parade travelled peacefully along Bloor St. and east to Yonge St., south to Wellesley St. then headed back to Queen's Park. A booth advocating the medical use of marijuana was handing out literature, but the food trucks were busier. One man, who gave his name as Nick "from up north," said it was his first time at the event but said he attended to help push for legalization. "There's nothing wrong with it," he said. "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 okay." Organizers estimated the crowd at between 15,000 and 20,000, mainly teenagers and people in their 20s. The day started dry, but soon the skies opened. Umbrellas and pup tents popped up and the toking just kept going. Neev Tapiro, who started the event 10 years ago, said he's proud to say there's never been an incident of violence or an arrest. "It's a fun event with but with a serious message. It's to push for the legalization of marijuana." He said that legalizing and regulating it would ensure the purity of the marijuana. Marc Emery, an outspoken advocate for the legalization of marijuana, said the crowd didn't reflect the actual users. "These kids are okay because they don't have anything to lose yet," he said in an interview. "But there are a lot of bankers, teachers and others in responsible jobs who just can't come out here (because they could face discipline)." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom