COPS SNUFF POT PROTEST

Scuffles Mar Queen's Park Rally

A marijuana protest turned nasty yesterday when at least two people were
detained during scuffles with Toronto Police at Queen's Park. The dustup
started after police -- backed by bylaw officers and parks officials --
shut down the Canabian Day pro-pot festival when organizers failed to
produce any permits or proof of insurance.

Several hundred demonstrators were barred from accessing a rented stage and
using any sound equipment, including microphones and speakers, pulling the
plug on a scheduled concert by six pro-marijuana bands.

Tempers flared when a man had his glasses smashed as he was restrained by
officers after propping a protest sign against a statue of King Edward.

A second protester tripped over a skateboard as he was put into a nearby
cruiser, prompting jeers from the crowd.

No names were released. No charges were laid and the two detained persons
were released.

'COULDN'T GET INSURANCE'

Another demonstrator, Dominick Cramer -- who runs the non-profit Toronto
Compassion Centre, which provides therapeutic marijuana to people who are
sick -- was warned by police that he could face arrest after he got into a
shouting match with officers.

"The major issue is the fact that we couldn't get any insurance," organizer
Marko Ivancicevic said.

"Basically, the last two years we've tried to get the (event) insurance but
they keep denying us because it is a marijuana-based event."

Police spokesman Sgt. Joseph Gataveckas said he wasn't aware of any arrests.

"Like any protest, (officers are) there to keep the peace and to make sure
that no one breaks the law," he added.

Protesters flagrantly lit joints and passed out "chronic candy."

Others -- like Steven Bacon, a medical marijuana user -- wore his Health
Canada permit on is forehead.

Statistics Canada reported last month that about three million Canadians,
or 12.2%, used cannabis at least once in the last year.

Prime Minister Paul Martin has promised legislation to decriminalize
possession of small quantities of the drug.