Pubdate: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 Source: Peterborough Examiner, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2013 Peterborough Examiner Contact: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/letters Website: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2616 Author: Dale Clifford Page: 5 TOKING UP FOR LEGALIZED POT The weather may have been a little cool but it didn't keep people away from attending a pro-marijuana rally in Victoria Park in front of the courthouse on Saturday afternoon. For about five hours, an estimated 230 people came out to offer their support that pot should be legalized. It also included a 30-minute sidewalk march covering about a six-block radius. Peterborough was hardly alone. It was all part of similar events scheduled for across the country on the same day. Robert Erb, a seasonal construction worker from Terrace B.C., pledged $500,000 toward the fight to legalize pot after he won a $25-million Lotto Max jackpot in November. The people who attended here were 16 to 60 in age range and there was also a food drive and music provided by local musicians Rick and Gailie. There was not only support from those in the park but by many people who walked by or drove by in their vehicles honking their horns. "It was a great success," according to Jennifer Collett who organized the local affair with Wayne Matheson. "The message we got from people was please don't stop. We are trying to get the message out (about) how safe it is=C2=85so many people are fearful and it is important they become educated." Matheson agreed and stressed its importance medicinally as well as recreationally, emphasizing: "It is safer by far (than alcohol)." Organizers stressed they would like to see a referendum on the legalization of pot, pointing to recent national surveys that showed more than 60% of people were in favour. Collett, a patient and advocate for cannabis medicines, spoke on behalf of Activities for Change and Democracy, a group of activists targeting all levels of government to educate and support a healthy and democratic Canada. She stated the intent was to request a national evaluation of harm caused in communities by the endorsement of current legislation around cannabis that is not in the best interest of, and out of touch, with the people who formed these communities. Others supported her call to end the prohibition of cannabis hemp. "Attempting prohibition is a waste of resources," said Alex Long, a volunteer who made the trip up from Whitby to attend the rally. "People should be able to make their own informed responsible decisions." In terms of making it legal, Long carried a sign that read "Tax the THC (Tetrahydrocannibinol), not the HST." Another rally is scheduled for July 1. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt