POT PROTEST WAS SMOKIN'

Pro-pot activists say it's high time the federal government legalizes
marijuana.

And hundreds of those who believe Canadians should be able to smoke
up without fear of being charged took to the streets of Niagara Falls
Sunday to draw attention to their cause.

"You need to legalize it," said Marco Renda, one of the demonstrators
who took part in what has come to be known as the annual Highway 420
Anti-Prohibition Rally.

"I have no problem with the government regulating it, just like they
do alcohol," he said.

The rally, which was staged for the first time in Niagara Falls about
five years ago, began around 3 p.m. on a grassy patch of land on
Victoria Avenue overlooking Highway 420. Many of those participating
came from out of town including Hamilton, Toronto and Western New York.

They unfurled large banners along Victoria Avenue and cheered loudly
whenever the driver of a passing vehicle honked in support.

"Free the weed," they chanted, some openly smoking marijuana cigarettes.

From there, the noisy but peaceful crowd marched along Victoria
Avenue to Clifton Hill.

Some attendees, including Renda, claim to have medical exemptions
from the federal government that allow them to smoke marijuana
legally. Others at the rally said they are recreational users.

Derek Pedro, of Hamilton, said he regularly uses marijuana to quell
severe pain caused by a connective tissue disorder, but supports
legalization for recreational use, too.

He said the idea behind the rally is to educate people about
"responsible" marijuana use.

"We've got to make it known that it's medicine and it works," said
Pedro. "You have to, unfortunately, break the law in this country to
try it and know that it works."

One Niagara Falls man at the event said he hopes the government
legalizes marijuana, but believes it's not likely to happen any time soon.

"The present government doesn't want to touch (legalization)," said
Atilla, who declined to give his last name or have his picture taken.

"It's going to be another 10 years."

Atilla said he thinks it's unfair many Canadians and Americans are
saddled with a criminal record for possession.

He scoffs at the idea that marijuana is sometimes referred to as a
"gateway drug" - a starting point for people who eventually
experiment with hard drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.

"(Marijuana) has no relation to hard drugs," said Atilla.

"I've never seen anyone break into houses or sell their bodies on the
street to get pot."

A spokesman for the Niagara Regional Police said Sunday evening they
had not received any reports of problems at the rally.