Pubdate: Thu, 20 Apr 2017
Source: Metro (Winnipeg, CN MB)
Copyright: 2017 Free Daily News Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/winnipeg
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5322
Author: Braeden Jones
Page: A1

HIGH SPIRITS MAY CHANGE TONE OF WINNIPEG'S 4-20 EVENT

Like clockwork, buds burn on April 20-but in light of the federal
government's marijuana legalization plans, the organizer of Winnipeg's
4/20 event says the tone has changed.

"For the longest time, cannabis-related events were
protests-especially 4/20-that had kind of hit a stalemate," said local
cannabis advocate Steven Stairs. "We show up once a year,
(authorities) let us do this, and we're probably showing up next year
because nothing's changing….

"Well, this year things are actually changing."

Whereas Stairs and others are normally calling for action on 4/20, he
said there's "already something to look forward to" now for advocates,
patients and curious Canadians alike.

"There's less futility… but I never thought it was futile anyways,
because look where we got," he said, noting both federal legalization
plans and early provincial regulatory discussions are well underway.

"This year's event has a really big opportunity to take a hold of the
movement that's going forward."

One thing that won't change is what Stairs calls the "fundamental
basis" of the cannabis movement: education.

Now more than ever, Stairs said 4/20 events are a good place for
people who want to learn what recreational and medical users know
about marijuana, its many uses, the culture, or the industry.

"It (4/20) is the best opportunity to learn," Stairs said, adding that
as cannabis moves closer to being legalized, everything people wanted
to know but were too afraid to ask is suddenly less taboo.

He expects a recent uptick in cannabis-related dialogue spurred on by
legalization talk on Parliament Hill will result in a "large portion
of all parts of society" participating in or stopping by 4/20 events
like the one he's hosting on Broadway and the legislature grounds.

"I really think you'll see a burgeoning of a new cannabis demographic
that isn't really new, but is coming out of the shadows more, where it
is everyday people - your lawyer, doctor, pharmacist" he said. "Maybe
a few more of those people wearing suits working on Broadway will
wander over."

Winnipeg's 4/20 event Tuesday, which starts at noon, will have upwards
of 20 vendor booths including Delta 9 Biotech (Manitoba's Health
Canada-compliant cannabis producer) dispensaries, and food trucks,
along Broadway.

Stairs said the "progress ahead" should yield a "more motivated tone,"
and his hope is that as many people ride that high as possible.

"Everyone's welcome."
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MAP posted-by: Matt