4-20 IN CALGARY

April 20 brings grass lovers out of the woodwork.

More than a just a number, 420 has become the ubiquitous code for dope
smoking. While urban myth claims that 420 is police force lingo for
persons flaring up a bud in public, there is no evidence to confirm that
this is an official code used in any jurisdiction. While some prefer to
think of it as the time of day when those nice people in Holland like to
take their afternoon tea, the majority of those who observe the relatively
new tradition think of it as a daily reminder to stop and smell the
flowers and an annual opportunity to celebrate wonders of the most
delightfully efficient biomass on earth.

Putting their love of all things hempen into full swing, the Calgary 420
Cannabis Community Activist Centre has planned several events surrounding
the twentieth day in the fourth month of the year. Each April 20 marks the
continuation of yearly observations of cannabis culture across the globe.
Activists and everyday citizens sound off about the plight of the much
maligned marijuana plant and the victims of a legal system that unjustly
vilifies it's users.

"April 20 is a yearly tradition around Edmonton. People show up at the
legislative grounds and stand up for what they believe in. Join Us
Downtown on Government Grounds on 420," encourages Calgary 420 Cannabis
Community Activist Centre co-organizer Keith Fagin. "Tell your friends and
we will all show our thoughts about unfair and unjust laws. Come meet
interesting new friends and help us change the marijuana laws. Stand up
and be counted."

Away from the capital, the cannabis community's international day of
celebration of cannabis and hemp roll on in Calgary.

"Annual public outdoor 4/20 celebrations (weather permitting) are held at
what we like to call 420 park (located at 17 Avenue and 8 Street SW). The
celebration is at 4:20 p.m.. Note: Calgary 420 does not promote or
recommend consuming cannabis in public areas," reminds Fagin.

The Calgary 420 Cannabis Community Activist Centre is a locally-based
resource concerned with providing the public with access to free
information, education on medical cannabis, hemp products, your rights,
activist training, computer access and instruction. Operating on an
appointment-only basis, the Centre also possesses a collected archive of
drug-related films, magazines, books, music and art, which they are eager
to expand through donations and purchases. Other perks include membership
savings via the revolutionary Calgary 420 Discount Card, which is now
available at Bongs and Such, Hemp Roots, Hempire Canada (Alberta stores),
Hemporium, the Chad Smoke Shop 420 Ltd. (Brooks, Olds, Leduc and Sherwood
Park) and the Next Level.

Spring in Southern Alberta being as unpredictable as it is, Calgary 420
Cannabis Community members have decided to move some of their public
events indoors so that they may better share their love of audio-visual
distractions. This year's festivities will centre around the 4/20 Film
Festival for 2009, which promises to shine the bright halogen lights on
four minute and 20 second cannabis and hemp-related films. Calgary 420
hemp store discount cards will be awarded to the top 20 films judged with
the best four films receiving prizes of expensive glass art (read: bongs).
In addition, a private 4/20 Cannabis Cup will take place where select
Calgary 420 members sample and rate ten to 12 high quality different
cannabis strains. Move over Amsterdam. Calgary's kind is revered
worldwide.

Aside from the fun and games associated with 420 activities, there is a
serious message being conveyed to the populace at large and the
governments they elect. Fagin emphasizes the urgent need for education and
action amongst all free-thinking Canadians.

"Bill C-15 was Bill C-26 before the last Canadian federal election in
2008. Canadian Justice Department Bill C-15," he informs. "Mandatory
minimum prison sentences for cannabis. One cannabis plant equals six to
nine months in prison. A 12-month mandatory minimum jail term for making
hash. (Or) 18 months in jail if you make hash in a rented house. A year
and a half in jail for making bubble, budder, kif or oil."

The moral of this story? Tread lightly and carry a big spliff.

For more information visit: http://alberta420.ca/ or http://calgary420.ca/
or phone Keith Fagin at (403) 863-2071. How can you help? See
http://www.whyprohibition.ca/