PACIFIC RIM LEADERS URGED TO VISIT CANNABIS CAFE

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov 19 (Reuters) In case they get bored with
the official program for their summit in Canada, Pacific Rim leaders were
invited on Wednesday to enjoy the fruits of North America's ``marijuana
breadbasket.''

Officials of the 18member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum
have gathered in Vancouver, British Columbia for meetings on economic
topics ahead of a summit of their leaders here next week.

Groups in favor of legalizing cannabis took out fullpage newspaper
advertisements in Vancouver on Wednesday welcoming the APEC officials to
British Columbia, a big grower of illicit marijuana.

Calling for greater tolerance toward marijuana, the groups invited
the officials to ``enjoy some delicious hemp seed cuisine in a
comfortable and educational atmosphere'' at a local cannabis cafe.

A worker at the cafe said there was no word yet whether any of the APEC
leaders would accept the invitation. The cafe and two affiliated stores are
technically illegal but local authorities have not moved against them.