Copyright: 2004 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: sunletters@png.canwest.com
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Kim Pemberton, Vancouver Sun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

THEY'RE SMOKIN' 'N TOKIN' BUT RELAX, IT'S NEW YEAR'S

An estimated 1,200 people gathered outside the Vancouver Art Gallery
Tuesday to celebrate what many pot smokers have come to regard as "Pothead
New Year."

There were no signs to indicate what the gathering was all about, but the
smell of marijuana was an obvious clue.

To smokers, 4:20 p.m on April 20 is the official time to light up a joint.

Scott Hearty, manager of the marijuana cafe, Blunt Brothers, said no one
knows for certain the reason for the time but he believes it was a code
used by police in California years ago to signify a drug bust.

Another possibility, he said, is it was a time some smokers used to take a
break from university to toke up. He said 4:20 is an annual event
celebrated around the world.

The countdown to 4:20 seemed to be especially exciting for the Vancouver
crowd. Every few moments, someone would shout out a countdown, followed by
a cheer from the crowd.

"Everyone down here is here for a good time. It's our Pothead New Year,"
said Grade 11 student Matt Pretzel, 17, who took half the day off school to
attend.