SWEPT UP IN REEFER MADNESS

Pro-Pot Protest At City Hall Sparks Awareness And Debate

Protesters gathered down at City Hall yesterday, drawing honks from
passing cars in support of their popular cause: the reefer.

As part of his third annual Freedom Tour, Vancouver's Neil Magnuson
will be roller-blading 1,000 miles to Ottawa to raise awareness for
what he feels is an injustice to our freedoms.

"I think adults deserve the respect to make their own choices," said
Magnuson. His supporters from Calgary 420 also came out, brandishing
signs featuring marijuana leaves and messages like "don't fear the reefer."

Just hours earlier, police chief Rick Hanson and the mayor met in the
same building, pushing for a huge increase in police numbers.

But Magnuson argues that prohibition of drugs is only fueling the
need for officers, since drugs fuel gangs.

"End the prohibition, lay off officers," he said.

A few teens who stopped by with their skateboards disagreed with
Magnuson, saying that there was no good use for the cannabis plant.
One of the group, Tyler Warren, conceded that Magnuson had good
arguments. He still wasn't sold on the idea, however.

"I think I can have a better life without weed," he said.