Pubdate: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 Source: Metro (Calgary, CN AB) Page: 3 Copyright: 2008 Metro Canada Contact: http://www.metronews.ca/Calgary Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4471 Author: Alicia Fox Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) SWEPT UP IN REEFER MADNESS Pro-Pot Protest At City Hall Sparks Awareness And Debate Protesters gathered down at City Hall yesterday, drawing honks from passing cars in support of their popular cause: the reefer. As part of his third annual Freedom Tour, Vancouver's Neil Magnuson will be roller-blading 1,000 miles to Ottawa to raise awareness for what he feels is an injustice to our freedoms. "I think adults deserve the respect to make their own choices," said Magnuson. His supporters from Calgary 420 also came out, brandishing signs featuring marijuana leaves and messages like "don't fear the reefer." Just hours earlier, police chief Rick Hanson and the mayor met in the same building, pushing for a huge increase in police numbers. But Magnuson argues that prohibition of drugs is only fueling the need for officers, since drugs fuel gangs. "End the prohibition, lay off officers," he said. A few teens who stopped by with their skateboards disagreed with Magnuson, saying that there was no good use for the cannabis plant. One of the group, Tyler Warren, conceded that Magnuson had good arguments. He still wasn't sold on the idea, however. "I think I can have a better life without weed," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom