Pubdate: Thu, 19 May 2016
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Page: 18
Copyright: 2016 The Calgary Sun
Contact: http://www.calgarysun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Salmaan Farooqui

POT RALLY FOR CHARGED ACTIVIST

Pedestrians cheered, car drivers honked and even a bus driver showed
their support by blasting their horn as pot 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 country-wide, was arrested in
Calgary last month during one of his give-away events.

His appearance in court today was preceded by a couple 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.

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 it will be dropped.

Asked if the police were trying to make an example out 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 vowed 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."  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D