HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR PRO-POT RALLY

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

Hundreds who believe Canadians should have the right to smoke up
without fear of being charged took to the streets of Niagara Falls
Sunday afternoon 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.

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