Pubdate: Mon, 19 Apr 2010
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2010 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Andrew Chisholm

STORE WITHIN RIGHTS TO ADVERTISE 'HIGH-HOLY DAY FOR POTHEADS', POLICE SAY

A Charlottetown store is hoping to cash in on what police are calling 
the pothead's version of St. Patrick's Day.

Wild Impulse is advertising what it calls a "4:20 special," which 
promises a rolling competition, discounts and, of course, cake.

Popular among tokers as a time to 'burn one down,' 4:20 has become a 
cultural symbol among marijuana users. One quick search on the 
Internet and you will find thousands of pages about its origin and 
the different ways people celebrate.

Walter Dooley, owner of Wild Impulse, said the number is not hidden 
and a lot of people know what it stands for.

"The same thing is going on all across Canada, why should P.E.I. be 
any different?"

Marijuana is a controlled substance in Canada and possession of the 
drug is illegal, but the sale of paraphernalia used to smoke cannabis is not.

Detective Const. Chris Watts, Charlottetown police street crime unit, 
said April 20 is not widely known by the public. He said it is an 
underground term used by stoners.

"It's a high-holy day for potheads is what it's referred to as. So 
what they do is they celebrate their freedom of expression by smoking 
marijuana. I guess they get extra stoned on the 20th of April."

Watts said the shop owners are within their rights to advertise.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart