Pubdate: Fri, 20 Apr 2012
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/letters.html
Website: http://www.theprovince.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Page: A15
Author: Cheryl Chan

GIANT RALLY TO PUFF UP POT'S VIRTUE

Thousands of marijuana advocates are expected to light up outside the 
Vancouver Art Gallery today to proclaim the virtues of pot and 
protest its prohibition.

The giant smoke-in, dubbed 4/20, starts at noon with music, vendors 
and speeches and ends at 4:20 p.m. when participants smoke, toke, or 
eat their way en masse to a political point.

Prominent marijuana activists Jodie Emery and Dana Larsen are 
expected to be in attendance to call for an end to the prohibition of the drug.

Last year, the event drew about 4,000 participants, said Vancouver 
police. This year, organizers are expecting higher attendance, with a 
section of Howe Street shut to accommodate the crowds.

Similar rallies will be held in other B.C. communities, including 
Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George.

Organizer Jacob Hunter said participants should leave alcohol at home.

He also urged pot users to limit their consumption of pot brownies or 
baked goods to one every two hours. Otherwise, they may experience 
"unpleasant anxiety" or fall asleep, which is a hassle for organizers, he says.

Vancouver police Const. Lindsey Houghton said the annual event, now 
in its 17th year, draws a peaceful, "very mellow" crowd.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart