HIGH TIMES AT POT CAFE

MONTREAL (CP) -- Police arrested two people yesterday as dozens celebrated
the opening of a pot cafe by sharing joints and breathing in air thick with
marijuana smoke. Several police officers, from a station less than a block
away, squeezed into Chez Marijane and arrested two men who were holding
joints, said Hugo St-Onge, president of the Bloc Pot Party.

"To tell you the truth, I'm surprised," St-Onge said from the police
station, where he was helping the two men, aged 26 and 51.

"It's a waste of their time, a waste of money. But it's simple possession
and it's illegal."

St-Onge added that one of the men arrested has multiple sclerosis.

The cafe does not sell pot but people can bring their own to smoke, said
St-Onge, who called the day a success despite the arrests.

"Only about two or three people left because of the police, the rest are
still there."

'Transparency'

Before police arrived, customers and cafe volunteers sipped coffee, passed
joints and revelled in having a place they could congregate to smoke dope.

Serge Granger said not even the cold snowy weather could keep him away.

"We need transparency when it comes to drugs," he said, cradling his
14-month-old daughter in his arms.

Earlier, St-Onge was all smiles as he cut a red, black and green ribbon and
declared the cafe officially open.

"It's time to stop the persecution," St-Onge said on the cafe steps as
trucks passed by honking support.

"Here at Chez Marijane (people) can come to express themselves and share
their culture in a friendly and secure environment."

St-Onge said the cafe will be open to "members." Day-long memberships will
cost about $1, with year-long memberships costing as little as $5.

A proposed federal bill that would decriminalize marijuana for users caught
with less than 15 grams died when Parliament shut down this month. The bill
is expected to be reintroduced.