Pubdate: Thu, 20 Apr 2017
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Wanyee Li
Page: 8

POLICE, ORGANIZERS READY FOR 4-20 RALLY

Beach Avenue along Sunset Beach closed Thursday

The stage is set for today's 4-20 pot rally at Sunset Beach in
Vancouver and organizers say the annual protest is here to stay
despite the federal government's intention to legalize pot next year.

The unpermitted event, which drew 25,000 people to the beach last
year, will feature more than 300 vendor booths and live music.

Park board commissioners voted against giving 4-20 event organizers a
permit for this year's event but that hasn't changed things on the
ground, said marijuana advocate, Dana Larsen.

Organizers have been working with park board and city staff all year
to ensure the rally goes as smoothly as possible, he said.

"We negotiated with staff and they encouraged us to set up
early."

But the park board chair made it clear earlier this month that staff
are not helping 4-20 event organizers - in fact, the park board is
shutting down power as well as water to the concession stand and
washrooms at Sunset Beach.

Larsen says his team is bringing in its own porta potties for the
event.

Pot rally organizers also hired their own garbage disposal crew this
year to ensure there is no repeat of last year's messy situation,
where the park board spent the morning cleaning trash from the beach.

"Our intent is to leave the beach as clean as we found it," said
Larsen.

But while Vancouver's 4-20 rally has begun to take on a celebratory
tone in recent years, Larsen says the event will continue as a protest
against marijuana laws.

"Until we get the laws we want and we have a day when marijuana is
legalized like we want it to be, there will be 4-20."

Larsen argues the proposed legislation shows policymakers still
discriminate against marijuana users.

"I don't like how cannabis is still being treated so much more
severely than alcohol."

He noted that someone could be sentenced to prison for up to 14 years
for selling marijuana to a minor while doing the same with alcohol
usually results in a fine.

"Well, it's a step forward," he said.

"But its de-criminalization more than legalization."

Another group is planning to hold a marijuana protest Thursday at the
Vancouver Art Gallery, and drivers should expect traffic disruption on
Robson Street between Hornby and Howe streets, according to Vancouver
police.

Officers will be checking drivers for signs of alcohol and drug
impairment throughout Thursday, according to a release.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt