KEEP ON THE GRASS AT THIS GATHERING

Metro is getting a marijuana double this year - two separate festivals that
will almost certainly end with the munchies. The new kid ion the block is
called the Marijuana May Day Celebration, scheduled this Saturday on the
Halifax Common.

Organizers with the incumbent event, Cannabis Day - held the last seven
years on the Canada Day weekend - aren't threatened by the competition.

"The more the merrier," said Cannabis Day organizer Michael Stackhouse, who
doubts the city's appetite is saturated with cannabis events.

"The more the subject is in the public eye, the better. It's something we
have to keep on pushing."

The new event begins at "high noon", and will feature three bands and
speakers, say organizers. It is meant to highlight obstacles faced by
people who need marijuana for medical reasons.

Saturday's event is linked to more than 200 events worldwide, including in
the U.S., Israel, South Africa and Finland.

Melanie Stephen-Patriquen, whose husband is a Marijuana Party activist
fighting a legal battle for the right to smoke marijuana in jail for
medical reasons, said although this event will take place outside the
Pavilion all-ages bar, the event is geared towards adults.

"I personally don't want to see any kids there. I'm of the persuasion that
if (marijuana) was legal and regulated, there would be less children having
access to it."

She said organizers hope that no marijuana will change hands at the
festival, but there will be hot dogs, coffee, pop and chips for sale.

"Just the munchies," said Patriquen.

The Marijuana May Day Celebration runs from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday. The
rain date is Sunday.