Pubdate: Tue, 21 Apr 2015
Source: Metro (Halifax, CN NS)
Copyright: 2015 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Halifax
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4727
Author: Julia Manoukian
Page: 6

HALIFAX POT LOVERS CELEBRATE 4/20 WITH PROHIBITION PARTY

Club hopes pro-cannabis event will help legalization

At High Life Social Club in Halifax, they "celebrate cannabis every
day," said owner Chris Henderson.

Pot enthusiasts helped take that celebration one step higher Monday at
the club's inaugural prohibition party.

The pro-cannabis event featured glass blowing, a joint rolling
competition and all the cloud-making and treat-munching enthusiasts
could wish.

"This is my lounge. This is what we do here," said Henderson. Even
though possession of cannabis is still illegal in Canada, Halifax
police said there is nothing illegal about charging customers to
vaporize in the cafe.

Joints and blunts aren't allowed, and customers must bring their own
pot.

"Today is a perfect day to do it and officially have a nice party
about it," said Henderson. "Let everybody know that we need these laws
to change."

For Chris Backer, vice-chairman of Maritimers Unite for Medical
Marijuana Society (MUMM), ending prohibition could change his life,
and many others' lives.

"(Ending prohibition) means that people aren't going to get their
doors kicked in by the police for a plant. It means that people who
want to have access to it don't have to worry about a doctor that won't 
sign.

"I'm a grown-up. It's a plant. Leave me alone. It's that simple,
really," he adds.

Glass-blower Nick Riley echoes this sentiment. "The most harmful
thing about weed is the fact it's prohibited."

Though many rallies across the country are held outside today,
Henderson said he doesn't have any patio space to offer at the moment.

"This is our first 4/20 so we're trying to christen the lounge this
way," he said.

The High Life Social Club extended its usual 10 p.m. closing time to 2
a.m. for the event.
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MAP posted-by: Matt