PROTESTERS WANT TO 'FREE THE WEED'

Approximately 50 people marched down Clifton Hill Saturday to protest
marijuana laws.

The supporters of cannabis law reform chanted "Free the Weed" as they
walked to bring attention to the Bill C-15 which calls for a
mandatory prison sentence for growing a single cannabis plant.

The protesters said the government wastes millions of taxpayers'
dollars by waging a war against people who insist the drug eases their pain.

"Calling us criminals is a complete waste," said Welland resident
Regent Labbe. Labbe has attended the annual 420 Rally for the past three years.

He said he smokes marijuana daily as pain relief as over-the-counter
pain medication causes stomach problems.

"It does help with the pain," the 22-year-old said. "It just straight
up helps."

The group marched from Victoria Avenue at Highway 420 down to the River Road.

Once there, the participants shared marijuana cigarettes and pipes as
curious tourists looked on.

Niagara Regional Police cruisers drove by the group several times,
but no arrests were made.