Pubdate: Sat, 21 Apr 2012
Source: Londoner, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 The Londoner
Contact: http://www.thelondoner.ca/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx
Website: http://www.thelondoner.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3768
Author: Shobhita Sharma

4/20 GATHERING AT VIC PARK, TWO ARRESTED

About 250 people gathered at Victoria Park Friday to show support for
the use of marijuana and mark 4/20 Day - an annual celebration of
cannabis culture on the 20th day of April.

"I've been smoking marijuana for six years now. This stuff saved my
life," said Jeff Oakes, 29, a medical user who lit a joint in
solidarity with other supporters at the park. He was approached by
officers several times during the demonstration, but was allowed to
continue.

"That's not right. It's a waste of our tax money. This is ridiculous,"
he said.

The heavy police presence in the park was a bone of contention for
many other 4/20 supporters as well.

"Look at how much money the cops are spending just on this, yet
(Oxycontin) is being sold downtown and nothing's being done about it,"
said Neil Hamell of Occupy London. "The amount of money (spent) today
with all the cops, it must be ridiculous. For what? Really."

Anna Wittich, another Occupy London member, said she thought people
should have a right to chose and use marijuana.

"We basically stand for those who don't understand their rights or
have given them up inadvertently," she said. "Use of any organic grown
plant should be our inherent right to use as we please."

A group of about 50 people walked to Richmond and Dundas intersection
and then headed east to the police headquarters.

London Police Services made two arrest at the gathering that evening.
Charges for marijuana possession remain pending. 
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