Pubdate: Wed, 20 Apr 2016
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.ottawasun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Alison Sandstrom
Page: 8

PIPES AT THE PEACE TOWER

Marijuana enthusiasts prep for pot rally

Despite the sunny 15C forecast, expect clouds above Parliament Hill on
Wednesday as thousands of people gather for the annual 420 rally to
smoke marijuana and push for the drug's legalization.

Ottawa police are warning drivers to expect traffic disruptions
downtown as roads could be clogged with crowds on the Hill and
possibly Major's Hill Park. No road closures are planned at this time,
police said.

Pro-legalization activist Russell Barth said Ottawa's 420 rally is
unique because of its location.

"There's nowhere else in the world where 420 happens this close to the
seat of power," Barth said. "It's happening literally in the
government's lap."

David-George Oldham, the event's organizer, said the good weather
could bring out Men smoke marijuana during a 4/20 rally on Parliament
Hill in 2012. Marijuana enthusiasts across Canada gather annually in
Ottawa and other cities to call for the legalization of marijauna.
upwards of 8,000 people.

Oldham, also founder of the Algonquin Rasta Collective, a medical
marijuana patients' rights group, said he wants to keep the focus of
the event on pushing for affordable access to marijuana for all
Canadians who want it.

He's concerned the Liberals' plan for legalization, the details of
which remain hazy, may favour corporate interests over the needs of
consumers.

"Myself and hundreds of other activists across the country that
started this trade out of compassion and acts of responsible civil
disobedience should be given the respect we deserve, not people that
have never been involved just trying to make some money," said Oldham.

Barth shares his skepticism.

"A lot of people are catching on to the fact that maybe what the
Liberals consider legalization is not actually legalization, but just
a rejiggering of the prohibitions that are in place," said Barth.
"They keep talking about strict regulations -- that's just another
prohibition. Pot doesn't need any more regulation than tomatoes."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt