Pubdate: Thu, 10 May 2012
Source: Times, The (Shreveport, LA)
Copyright: 2012 The Times
Contact:  http://www.shreveporttimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1019
Author: Michael Doughty

ACTIVISTS PLAN TO PROTEST POT PROHIBITION

Pro-marijuana legalization activists plan to gather in Shreveport and 
five other cities across Louisiana on Saturday to march in favor of 
ending prohibition.

In Shreveport, the march is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. at Clyde 
Fant and Cotton Street downtown.

The rallies are the brainchild of Legalize Louisiana founder Donnie 
Griffith, of Monroe, who believes marijuana can be used to help those 
suffering from medical conditions.

"We need to take the patients off the battlefield in the war on 
drugs," said Griffith, who stressed that patients in Louisiana 
deserve the same rights as those in other states.

Griffith said the event is open to any adult as long as he or she 
obeys the rules. He said marchers must obey pedestrian laws and 
refrain from any illegal activity during the rally. Marchers are 
encouraged to bring signs, although obscenities will not be tolerated.

Legalize Louisiana supports the recreational use of cannabis, as 
well, if used responsibly, he said.

"We don't want people getting high and driving. We don't want them 
smoking around kids," he said.

Griffith said the marches are to raise awareness, not to protest, and 
marchers should obey any order issued by law enforcement. The marches 
are roughly an hour long, he said, although the length will be 
determined by the locals involved.

Griffith hopes to see large numbers of supporters.

"We're looking for voting age and up," Griffith said. "I'm thinking 
we will see hundreds come out across the state."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom