Pubdate: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Source: Metro (Edmonton, CN AB) Page: 4 Copyright: 2014 Metro Canada Contact: http://www.metronews.ca/Edmonton Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4475 Author: Lucy Haines WEED RALLY TAKES TO THE GRASS Marijuana Users Gather To Support Legalization A light rain and the lure of an Easter Sunday supper didn't stop thousands of cannabis users from taking a group hit at the annual Alberta 420 rally at the legislature grounds. The peaceful gathering - with blankets, bongo drums and spontaneous hackey sack games - looked more like a day at the folk festival instead of a protest rally. Edmonton police were on hand making foot patrols and constables on bicycles dotted the perimeter of the legislature to make sure the communal pot-smoking event remained trouble-free. Alberta 420 director Keith Fagin said the primary goal of this, the largest pro-pot event in the province, isn't to encourage public consumption of marijuana, but rather to educate the public about cannabis and advocate for legalization. Grant MacEwan student Nathan Scott, 23, said he likes the freedom of smoking pot out in the open with friends. Filling a pipe he calls 'the grim reaper', Scott and friends puff and pass the pot filled device around the circle on the grassy field, saying it's like an island where you know you won't get charged for smoking your pot, at least for one day. "I had cancer when I was 12. Now, the weed helps me relax, and reduces my anxiety," Scott said. "I have a job, good grades, a life. I'd like to at least see marijuana de-criminalized, if not legalized." Kris Hansen said 420 is an occasion to protest - to bring an end to the ban on weed. "In 50 years, it'll be like prohibition was for alcohol." - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D