ON THE HIGH SEAS

A boatload of party-goers will take to the high seas next month to
celebrate 10 years of cannabis-loving culture in Toronto.

On July 10, up to 600 revellers are expected to hop on board Capt. Matthew
Flinders, a 144-foot luxury yacht, for a four-hour jaunt around the Toronto
Harbour to celebrate the 10th birthday of the Friendly Stranger Cannabis
Culture Shop in Toronto. The cruise, dubbed Smoke on the Water by
organizers, will feature "a jazz-fusion funk band and a little bit of
hip-hop," a hemp-themed buffet, cash bar and "oodles of door prizes," said
Robin Ellins, the owner of the marijuana paraphernalia shop.

Despite the hype associated with the party, Mr. Ellins is careful not to
label it a "pot cruise" -- a term that has been circulating on at least one
cannabis-friendly Internet site. "We haven't been promoting that fact in
any way, shape or form."

Despite moves toward decriminalization, marijuana is still illegal in Canada.

When asked whether the cruise would attract police interest, Mr. Ellins
responded, "It's just a party like any other. I don't see why the police
would be involved. It's just a nice, quiet celebration with 600 of our
closest friends."

He added that cameras will not be permitted on board to "respect people's
privacy."

The $50 tickets, which went on sale in April, were almost 90 per cent sold
out by the end of this week, Mr. Ellins said.

Guests must be 19 and older and identification will be checked at the door,
he added.

For more information on the cruise, visit http://www.friendlystranger.com
or call (416) 591-1570.