Pubdate: Thu, 21 Apr 2016
Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC)
Page: 3
Copyright: 2016 Vancouver 24 hrs.
Contact: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/letters
Website: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837
Author: Eric MacKenzie

SUNSET BEACH 'WAY BETTER' FOR 420 GATHERING

Thousands Gather, Celebrate Announcement Of Coming
Legislation

The new Sunset Beach location for the annual 420 gathering was a hit
with protesters and vendors alike on Wednesday - with thousands
assembling on the shores of English Bay.

And the federal government's announcement that legislation to legalize
and regulate marijuana is coming next spring made for a celebratory
mood.

"What an incredible synchronicity that they announced that they're
going to be legalizing in Canada next year," said co-organizer and
Sensible BC director Dana Larsen.

"I'm so happy with what's happening today. (This location) is so much
better and this event is packed, which shows the passion for 420 and
the cannabis culture."

As the afternoon continued towards its 4:20 p.m. climax, many gathered
along the hill from Beach Avenue down into the park to seek what shade
they could in the 20C heat. Others like Micah Ramsay set up shop on
the sand.

"This is a lot more intense," Ramsay said in between
puffs

when asked to compare this year's location to the old one at the
Vancouver Art Gallery.

"It's good to see this many people come down here and support
it."

Dozens if not hundreds of vendor tents were busy hawking pot, edibles,
and paraphernalia, with the size of the crowd making it difficult to
move around. But for Beard Brothers Society Dispensary owner Brad
Beard, the new location was still "way better" than the old site.

"Better space, we can spread out, more people are actually coming down
because there's more room to move around," said Beard.

The scene wasn't quite as crowded at the former gathering site, with
about a dozen vendors set up and a stream of people filing in and out
of Robson Square.

Organizer Robert Moore of World Cannabis insisted on remaining at the
original location to make a statement against prohibition. He
described the announcement of coming legislation as an "encouraging
sign" but said he wants to continue to pressure the Liberal government
until it's in place.

"I would like to see Justin Trudeau decriminalize right away," said
Moore. "When legalization comes, we'll join (everyone else) at the
beach and have a complete, true celebration."  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D