420 IS A SYMBOL THAT CONNECTS MARIJUANA SMOKERS FROM ALL OVER THE
WORLD TO THE CANNABIS CULTURE

Editor:

420 is a symbol that connects marijuana smokers from all over the
world to the cannabis culture. You may have seen it, read about it or
heard it referred to by someone you know. Most commonly, it marks a
time of day (4:20) or a date (4/20). On the date, April 20th,
hundreds of thousands of Canadians will join millions of people
around the world to gather, in private and in public, to celebrate
the annual cannabis holiday.

Of course, it is not an official holiday, yet.

There are probably as many explanations of why April 20th has become
so significant to the cannabis culture as there are people who
observe the day. But, one thing seems to be common among them all and
that is a desire for freedom. From the brashest activist to the
closet toker, every marijuana user is acutely aware that they do not
have it and that their involvement with marijuana might result in the
loss of liberty.

Yet, we continue to do it. And, on April 20th, many will gather in
public. These gatherings occur in parks and public areas across the
country. In many respects, they are expressions of defiance. Defiance
of the arbitrary laws that prohibit a plant that so many Canadians
use for medical, spiritual and recreational purposes.

On April 20th, I will take my place among the hundreds of thousands
of Canadians, who like me believe in freedom and the right of an
individual to control their own bodies and minds. I will venture to
the customary local gathering place, there is one in every city and
town across this country, and celebrate the cannabis culture. I will
smoke a joint with friends and pray that this is the year we gain our freedom.

Hope to see you there.

Moe Brondum

North Battleford