PROUD POTHEADS TAKE QUEEN'S PARK

Caribana Concern Fuels 2nd Protest

Finally an answer to the question: "What have those politicians been
smoking?"

Thousands of potheads marched to Queen's Park yesterday chanting, "We
love weed," part of a worldwide celebration of "cannabis culture."

Toronto was one of 200 cities around the world to take part in Global
Marijuana March, promoting the legalization of marijuana and the
acceptance of the right to smoke it.

"It's really a celebration of the cannabis community; we wanted to
take the day to enjoy each other's company," said Domenic Russo,
general manager of Cannabis As Living Medicine(CALM), one of the event
organizers. "But there's also the underlying message of the importance
of legalizing medical marijuana and the acceptance of people who smoke
it."

In the eight years Toronto has played host to a march, Russo said the
crowds have increased and the group has been able to get corporate
sponsors, including Pizza Pizza.

"Sometimes, people are skeptical, but when we explain what we are
doing, they seem to understand," Russo said.

The peaceful march was part of a week of events marking Cannabis Week,
including Hash Wednesday, a comedy night at the Montana club on John
St. and the toker poker challenge today at 4 p.m. at the Latvian House
on College St.

Also yesterday, about 40 protestors marched from Dundas Square to city
hall protesting the city's decision to take control of Caribana away
from the Caribbean Cultural Committee.

The city said the CCC had not filed proper audits.