POT LOVERS LIGHT UP QUEEN'S PARK

Thousands of Toronto pot smokers were puffing their gongs and spliffs
without fear of arrest at Queen's Park before taking part in a march
calling for the weed to be legalized.

The air around the legislature reeked with pot as an estimated 25,000
users, mostly between 18 and 35, gathered to spark one and view arts
and crafts that is part of a fourth Toronto Freedom Festival that
takes alongside a Global Marijuana March involving people in 200 countries.

Festival organizer Blaine Dowdle said the event promotes the
legalization and medicinal use of marijuana.

"We are encouraging people to look at alternative lifestyles," Dowdle
said Saturday. "We would like cannabis to be taxed and regulated and
available for use by those who need it."

More than a dozen speakers from across Canada, including B.C.'s Mark
Emery, the so-called "Prince of Pot," who is facing extradition to the
U.S. for selling seeds, praised the benefits of marijuana.

There were bands playing and donations being accepted and lots of fast
food for sale for those with the munchies. The march went along Bloor
St. to Yonge St., south to Wellesley St., and across to Queen's Park.

Coco Hogarth, 21, of Oshawa, who was puffing on a large glass pipe,
said this was her third year at the event, which she said keeps
getting better yearly.

"I am here to lend my voice to others who want pot legal in Canada,"
she said. "I think it is just a matter of time."

Hogarth lit the bowl of the pipe and began coughing from the strong
smoke.

Millie Byers, 18, with sister, Lexy, 17, and friends, all of Toronto,
were sitting on the grass puffing a reefer.

"We would like to see this smoke legal at some point," Millie said. "I
think it's just the government who don't want this legalized."

Raya Moazen, of Toronto, said she was enjoying the event and the
people it attracted.

"If the authorities can legalize booze then why can't they do the same
for marijuana," asked Moazen.

Chris P., 26, of Toronto, said the police have lost their war on hard
drugs and marijuana.

"Pot is a soft drug and is relatively safe," Chris said. "It is a
non-violent drug that can be taxed if passed."

Officers at 52 Division said about 25,000 people attended the event
and the only incident occurred when a man fell from a tree and lost
consciousness and had to be rushed to St. Michael's Hospital.