Pubdate: Wed, 20 Apr 2016
Source: Niagara Falls Review, The (CN ON)
Page: A3
Copyright: 2016 Niagara Falls Review
Contact: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/letters
Website: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2907
Author: Ray Spiteri

420 RALLY TAKES POT ACTIVISTS TO STREETS

Hoping the new federal Liberal government comes through on its 
election promise to legalize marijuana, pro-pot activists are ready 
for the annual 420 rally in Niagara Falls Wednesday.

The rally calls for the repeal of prohibition of marijuana.

The event is scheduled to start around noon at Victoria Avenue and 
Highway 420. From there, participants are expected to march down 
Victoria Avenue and Clifton Hill, culminating at Queen Victoria Park 
at 4:20 p.m.

According to a public event page on Facebook, prizes will be given 
for best costume, best sign and fanciest joint, as well as other giveaways.

An after-party is scheduled to be held at The Vapor Trail Lounge on 
Victoria Avenue with live entertainment.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made marijuana a key talking point 
during October's federal election.

His party, which won a majority government, promised to legalize, 
regulate and restrict access to marijuana.

Trudeau campaigned that Canada's current system of marijuana 
prohibition does not prevent young people from using marijuana and 
too many Canadians end up with criminal records for possessing small 
amounts of the drug.

The Liberals said legalizing, regulating and restricting access to 
marijuana would ensure marijuana is kept out of the hands of 
children, and profits out of the hands of criminals.

The party said it would remove marijuana consumption and incidental 
possession from the Criminal Code, and create new, stronger laws to 
punish more severely those who provide it to minors, those who 
operate a motor vehicle while under its influence, and those who sell 
it outside of the new regulatory framework.

Soon after the election, Trudeau called on his minister of justice 
and attorney general to look into implementing marijuana legalization 
in the country, in collaboration with provinces and territories.

But until the laws are changed, marijuana is still illegal and people 
can still be arrested for possession. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D