CHALICE 'SHRINE TO CANNABIS SMOKERS'

Christchurch's Chalice will become a shrine to cannabis smokers
nationwide, says the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party.

Blair Anderson, ALCP candidate for the Shirley ward by-election,
lauded the controversial 18m-high sculpture proposed for Cathedral
Square, likening it to a huge "cannabis trumpet".

"The giant cone would be an icon to the legalisation of marijuana. The
icon would celebrate a long overdue community reform," Mr Anderson
said.

The leaves which form the inverted conical structure have serrated
edges similar to a cannabis plant which would make the sculpture a
drawcard for marijuana smokers nationwide, possibly worldwide.

"The money is relatively well invested in such an attractive and
appropriate design and will draw millions to our city."

He pointed out the irony that the $343,000 cost of the sculpture was
about the same as the direct daily cost of police and justice
resources required to enforce cannabis prohibition.

The Chalice received its final stamp of approval when an independent
commissioner granted it resource consent to be erected in the
south-western corner of Cathedral Square.