Pubdate: Thu, 28 May 2009
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2009 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Tarina White, Sun Media
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada)

PRO-POT GROUP'S PROTEST IRKS PARENTS

Pro-cannabis activists raised the ire of a southeast community at a
police drug awareness session last night.

Members of the pro-marijuana legalization group Calgary 420 protested
outside Forest Lawn high school, advocating pot is not a harmful drug.

Leader Keith Fagin said police are misleading youth about marijuana by
discussing it alongside hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin.

"I want to get them to stop telling them that marijuana is a gateway
drug and that it's stronger in this generation," said Fagin.

"You can't smoke enough cannabis to kill you -- they are not telling
people about how alcohol is a hard, nasty drug."

Youth worker Amanda Andrews attended the drug information session
hosted by police at the school to learn more about the types of drugs
most widely used by kids.

She wasn't impressed to see the group of 20-or-so protesters using the
youth and parent-focused event to spread their pro-pot message.

"I think it's inappropriate that they're here because they're here
protesting about something that we need education on to keep our kids
safe," said Andrews. "I think it's rude."

The audience appeared to agree with her, breaking into raucous
applause when the officer leading the question-and-answer forum
refused to accept any more questions on the topic of marijuana
legalization.

"We're not here to debate the drug laws in this country," Det. Doug
Hudacin, an expert in the police drug unit, told the room of about 60
guests.

He advised the protesters to instead lobby their MLAs for marijuana
law reform, emphasizing police are tasked with enforcing laws, not
changing them.

"Whether it's dangerous or not, it's illegal -- that's the bottom
line," said Hudacin. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake