POT SMOKERS TO SHARE VENUE WITH CHRISTIANS

Two groups sharing the Dartmouth Commons during this year's Canada Day
celebrations won't be actively trying to convert each other to their
causes, but if pot smokers venture down the hill, they may find a Christian
message and a hot dog waiting for them.

For the second year in a row, a group of pot smokers celebrating "Cannabis
Day" will be sharing the downtown Dartmouth park with Christian churches
from around metro.

The pot smokers will be in the gazebo at the top of the hill overlooking
Halifax Harbour; the preachers in the rock garden at the foot of the hill.

Pastor George Campbell of the the New Life Church in Dartmouth believes the
Commons are big enough for everyone to use, without fear of conflicts.

"As long as the wind is blowing in the right direction, I mean off the
harbour and away from us, it will be all right," he said.

Campbell said the two groups left each other alone last year, but the
presence of the dope-smoking group sparked a potentially profitable idea.

This year, the church group will be selling hot dogs and cold drinks as a
fund-raiser for a new youth centre.

Having a hundred or so dope-smokers just up the hill from their concession
stand isn't a such a bad idea, said Campbell.

"We could make a fortune once they get the munchies," he said.

Campbell said some of the weed-smokers complained about the loud hymns and
gospel music last year.

The Cannabis Day group used to have their annual rally calling for the
decriminalization of marijuana every Canada Day on the Halifax Commons, but
decided last year to move the event to the shady Dartmouth Commons, said
co-organizer Nick Oliver.

"It's better there because there is more shade," said Oliver.

"Stoned people don't know when to get out of the sun."

Sharing the park with the Christian groups is no big deal, he said.

"It's total peaceful co-existence," he said.

Oliver doesn't anticipate any trouble, and doubts the two groups will
mingle at all.

"It will be interesting to see who has the better turnout," he said.