Pubdate: Tue, 21 Apr 2015
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2015 The StarPhoenix
Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Jeremy Warren
Page: A1

POT FANS RALLY AT ANNUAL SMOKE SHOW

A new cannabis smoking lounge in Saskatoon is part of one man's
mission to create a pot-friendly country.

Jeff Lundstrom, owner of Skunk Funk Smoker's Emporium, opened the
"vapour lounge" at 204 Avenue J South in February. For $5, patrons of
the Lounge in the Loft can bring their own marijuana and smoke it in
an establishment outfitted with big-screen TVs, video games, food and
drinks.

"The lounge is an expression of what I want to see," Lundstrom said as
Saskatoon's 4/20 rally began Monday afternoon. "People have hundreds
of places to drink in Saskatoon, and what kind of problems happen
there? We're a relaxed place where like-minded people come to consume
a plant that is natural and healthy for you."

Business has been slower than expected, probably because people are
still uncomfortable with the idea and reluctant to visit, he said.

"We encourage everyone to come. It's not restricted just to medicinal
marijuana patients," Lundstrom said. "We've got in a bit of trouble
for that. We're hoping to talk to police to clear up some of the stigma."

Lundstrom, who has a medical marijuana licence, was among about 100
people who gathered at City Hall for the Monday afternoon rally, the
first in Saskatoon in recent memory. April 20th is known worldwide as
a day for marijuana enthusiasts and activists to gather in public
spaces and smoke.

The rallies are usually focused on the legalization of marijuana,
although they attract advocates for other issues such as medical
marijuana access and civil rights.

It's a political issue that could play out in the next federal
election, Lundstrom said, pointing to states in the U.S. that have
legalized pot and reaped the tax revenue.

At the rally, two Saskatoon police officers chatted with Lundstrom and
others to check for medical marijuana licences while keeping an eye on
the youthful crowd at civic square, where some openly smoked weed. It
was a friendly chat, but Lundstrom questioned why police were there.

"How many gun incidents has there been in the last three months? And
another homicide just the other day. You're telling me a bunch of
potheads getting stoned ... is a priority for these people?" Lundstrom
said. "Let's go take care of the real social problems and let's let
the police do their job to keep people safe."

One-third of Canada's 18 to 24-year-olds reported using marijuana at
least once a year, according to a new report published this month in
Statistic Canada's Health Reports. Twenty per cent of 15- to
17-year-olds, 16 per cent of 25- to 44-year-olds, and seven per cent
of 45- to 64-year-olds reported using marijuana at least once in 365
days.

Overall, 10 per cent of Saskatchewan residents reported using
marijuana once in the past year, less than the national average of 12
per cent. Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in Canada.

Past-year use is down by about 30 per cent for 15- to 17-year-olds
compared to 2002, according to the report, which is based on the 2012
Canadian Community Health Survey that collected data from more than
25,000 Canadians aged 15 and older.
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MAP posted-by: Matt