Pubdate: Wed, 19 Feb 2014
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Susan Delacourt
Page A3

BUZZING OVER TRUDEAU ROLLING PAPERS

Conservatives' attack plans inspire marijuana activist to mix politics
with 'cool factor'

OTTAWA- A Toronto marijuana activist is doing a brisk trade in rolling
papers stamped with Justin Trudeau's face - and he has the
Conservatives to thank for the idea.

Chris Goodwin, manager of Vapor Central in Toronto, has sold more than
$500 worth of Trudeau-stamped rolling papers in a little more than a
day since they hit the shelves in his marijuana-smoking lounge.

He says he got the idea from reading a story last week in the Star,
featuring leaked Conservative plans to disrupt the Liberals'
convention in Montreal this coming weekend.

One of the "gimmicky" tactics discussed by the Conservatives in the
memo was a plan to ridicule Trudeau's pro-legalization policies on
marijuana by handing out Zig Zag brand rolling papers at the
convention, embossed with Trudeau's face.

But one person's attack ad can be another person's entrepreneurial
inspiration - not to mention a financial windfall.

Goodwin said that the more he thought about the "low tactic," the more
it seemed like a good way to have a little political fun with
marijuana. He played around with some images and created his own
rolling papers, featuring a black-andwhite portrait of Trudeau smoking
a marijuana cigarette.

The product had an instant "cool factor," Goodwin says, and more than
100 packs were sold within about 36 hours after they went up for sale
for $3.95 each at Vapor Central on Monday morning. They're also
available for sale online at www.theherbcollective.com.

Several of Vapor Central's patrons will also be delegates at this
weekend's convention in Montreal, and Goodwin says he's sending some
boxes with them for distribution.

Goodwin says he's not sure why the Conservatives figured that Trudeau
rolling papers would make the Liberal leader look bad.

"Most people are saying this is a positive thing," said Goodwin.
"These are great collectors' items."
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MAP posted-by: Matt