THIS GRASS HAS WEED

Advocates of Legalizing Pot Hold Eighth Annual March

Thousands of pot smokers converged on Queen's Park yesterday where
they sparked up joints of "skunk weed" with the slogan of Stinking it
to the Man.

The day-long eighth annual Toronto Global Marijuana March included
goths, hippies and others on the fringe of society as well as
university students.

Booths with cookies and assorted baked goods, pizza and hamburgers
and hot dogs were on hand.

There was even a corn-on-the-cob vendor.

"The organizers of the event asked me to come. I didn't know people
who smoke pot liked corn, but sales are good," said Sam Raffoul from
Ontario Corn Roasters.

Among the retailers on hand were some selling pot-smoking paraphernalia.

CALM -- Cannabis As Living Medicine -- was on hand to gather support
for the legalization of pot.

"We want to educate the community about standardized issues and
taxation of legal marijuana. There are one million people in Canada
with fatal, debilitating illnesses who don't have access to medical
marijuana," said Alyssa Wartzman, with CALM.

"This is important for those -- such as HIV or MS patients -- who
can't use traditional medical treatments."

Nick Tigomenico, a 17-year-old student, came to the rally to show his
support for legalizing pot.

"I'm here because of my love of marijuana. Ideally I'd like it to
become legal, but I doubt that will happen. I'd be happy with
decriminalization. That's not as far fetched," Tigomenico said,
confidently smoking a joint at the event.

"I'm not worried. They (police) can't arrest 10,000 people."

There was a uniformed police presence at the rally which caused
giggles and smirks as officers made their way through the smoking crowd.

"We are here for event managing," said Toronto police Sgt. Dave
Hogan. "We are observing and keeping the peace and hope it will be a
pleasant event. We don't want a mass riot."