Pubdate: Mon, 08 Sep 2014
Source: Toronto 24hours (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 Canoe Inc.
Contact:  http://24hrs.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4068
Author: Matt Ingram
Page: 4

TROUBLE IN 'HIGH' PARK?

Municipal Candidate Rips Marijuana Treasure Hunt

High Park was abuzz Sunday with pot enthusiasts searching for $25,000 
worth of marijuana prizes.

The second annual marijuana treasure hunt - organized by the 
Marijuana Info Bureau of Toronto - started at noon with participants 
using a map which was provided through Twitter and via text message.

While no actual weed was hidden in the park, those in the search 
found vouchers for prizes including medical marijuana and bongs.

The event was geared towards medical marijuana users with winners 
being required to produce the appropriate licence to claim prizes of 
weed. People without a licence and over the age of 18, however, were 
able to claim prizes for accessories such as vaporizers and grinders.

Mike, 28, and Samanda, 26 - both of Toronto - weren't shy about 
showing off the large stack of vouchers they found. Samanda - a 
medical marijuana patient for seven years - described the event as 
safe and appropriate.

"You have to take a picture of (the voucher), you have to text the 
(organizer), you have to meet up with him and bring your card ... 
Kids can't just walk up and say, ' Hey, I've got this (voucher) can I 
have (the weed ) ? '," said Samanda.

Many people came out to try their luck at finding some free smoke. 
Some of the participants were easily recognizable by their marijuana 
themed apparel and seen searching wooded areas near Grenadier Pond 
and along the many paths and walkways.

Municipal election candidate Annette Hutcheon - who is running for a 
seat in Etobicoke Centre (Ward 3) - came to the park to register her 
distaste for the event and hang posters against the hunt.

"I think it's just an opportunity to promote drugs to people ... This 
I don't believe is medical marijuana. Legitimate pharmaceutical 
companies and medical practitioners don't run treasure hunts for 
drugs in parks," said Hutcheon.

Hutcheon added she was contacted by "dozens" of High Park-area 
residents who opposed the hunt.

Hutcheon contacted police Chief Bill Blair and Mayor Rob Ford asking 
for the event to be cancelled.

Hutcheon said she is still waiting for a response.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom