Pubdate: Thu, 19 May 2016
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Page: A14
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network
Contact:  http://www.calgaryherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Salmaan Farooqui

POT ACTIVIST LARSEN'S SUPPORTERS HOLD RALLY AFTER COURT APPEARANCE

'I feel like we might get the laws against cannabis seeds overturned'

Pedestrians cheered, car drivers honked and even a bus driver showed 
support by blasting the horn as marijuana users banded together to 
march for marijuana legalization, and to support pot activist Dana 
Larsen during his first court appearance in Calgary.

Larsen, known for his "Overgrow Canada" campaign in which he vowed to 
give out a million marijuana seeds countrywide, was arrested in 
Calgary last month during one of his giveaway events.

His appearance in court Wednesday was preceded by a couple of dozen 
supporters with picket signs, followed by a rally that marched to 
City Hall from the Calgary Courts Centre. Larsen faces one count of 
trafficking marijuana and one count of possession for the purpose of 
trafficking.

Not much was discussed in court Wednesday, as Larsen said he mainly 
appeared so that he won't be required to be present at future court 
dates. The case will continue on June 10, although Larsen and his 
supporters say they are confident the case will be dropped.

"I'm not worried about this case at all," said Larsen. "The last 
person in Canada who was convicted of selling marijuana seeds to 
other Canadians was 15 years ago, and they got a $500 fine." Asked if 
the police were trying to make an example of him, Larsen said, "I 
don't know what they're trying to do, but the only example they're 
going to make is to show how ridiculous prohibition is and to show 
how their tactics aren't very effective."

Larsen pledged not to take a plea bargain or deal, and said he will 
take the case to the highest court that will hear it.

"If they persist, then I feel like we might get the laws against 
cannabis seeds overturned. That would be my goal, assuming they want 
to go forward with this."

Larsen's supporters, some of whom were smoking from bongs and joints 
as they marched through downtown, were equally optimistic about his 
case. Some were annoyed that city police charged Larsen.

"The police are wasting our expensive resources, and the courts are 
wasting law enforcement resources," said Keith Fagan, one of the 
organizers of the rally, who also attended Larsen's seed handout 
event last month. "I think this case will be thrown out, I really do."

Larsen says he believes Canada's impending legalization of marijuana 
will be the ultimate reason for his case being dropped.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom