Pubdate: Sun, 06 May 2012
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://torontosun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Tom Godfrey

'A LOT MORE THAN GETTING HIGH'

TORONTO - High times came to the streets of Toronto Saturday.

Thousands of young people gathered downtown as part of a global 
marijuana march calling for the drug to be decriminalized.

About 3,000 people took part in the mass action that wound its way 
along Bloor, Yonge St., and Gerrard Sts. before ending up at Queen's 
Park, where it started.

The smell of marijuana was thick in the air from users as vendors 
pushed hemp and other goodies that were for sale.

Aaron, 20, who had a large water pipe, said he's supporting the 
decriminalization of pot.

"Its only a matter of time before this is legalized," Aaron said. "I 
am here to show my support for the cause."

Austin Chadwick, 17, of Markham, said joined the parade with many of 
his friends.

"My first priority is the decriminalization of pot," Chadwick said. 
"Many people are arrested and jailed because of this."

Ryan Ansell, 29, said he's advocating the use of hemp and medicinal 
use of cannabis.

"There is a lot more than just getting high," Ansell said. "The hemp 
from the plant can be used for a number of non-medical uses."

Ansell has a medical certificate to use marijuana, which he said 
helps his arthritis and other pains.

"Cannabis helps me with ailments across the board," he said. "Without 
cannibis I will be in a lot of pain."

Blaine Dowdle, of MedCannAcess, said his clinic dispenses marijuana 
to certified users.

"This is a great event with many in attendance," Dowdle said. "We are 
here to help people who are users."

The smokers all sparked joints at 4:20, a term that refers to the 
consumption of cannabis or those who identify with the marijuana subculture.

The Toronto event is one of more than 100 marches in cities across the globe.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom