ALL READY TO TOKE UP?

Local Marijuana Advocates To Rally At Legislature Grounds Today

There might be a haze across the lawn of the Alberta legislature this
afternoon.

Local marijuana advocates plan to light up en masse at pro-pot
rallies and gatherings across the province, including one outside the
capital building that's expected to draw hundreds of people.

"It's a national day for everybody to rally together," said Shallanah
Power, an employee at the Jupiter Cannabis Shop on Whyte Avenue.

April 20, or 4:20, has evolved into a special event for those
fighting for the legalization of marijuana or for those who smoke the
occasional joint.

All across Canada and the U.S., groups are known to gather in large
crowds and toke up together at exactly 4:20 p.m. - to the disapproval of some.

Coun. Tony Caterina, who sits on the Edmonton Police Commission,
frowned on these public displays of weed-smoking, calling it "illegal."

"I hope the Edmonton Police Service is out there in full force," he
said. "I don't believe it should be allowed."

The idea of celebrating on April 20 dates back to the early 1970s and
was popularized by High Times magazine.

Power said parties have been thrown leading up to this day. Revellers
got together on Saturday for a live music night as well as a CD
release party for a local hip-hop group, she said, all in the name of 4:20.

The annual event inspired local writer Andrew Paul to organize a
music fest on the legislature grounds today.

"I thought it was a good opportunity for local musicians to come play
in front of a big crowd that are already going to be there," he said.

"I'm sure the people smoking dope there won't mind being serenaded by
what the local talent has to offer."

The 420 Jam Session is not so much about the marijuana, Paul said,
but good music and providing the opportunity for new bands and
artists to gain some exposure.

Jade Brassard, manager of Shell Shock, a cannabis-themed store,
called 4:20 "the busiest and one of the funnest days of the year" for
store staff.

To celebrate, the southside Shell Shock location will organize a live
window display with a mad scientist theme.

"Normally we get busy around 4:20, so there might be a lineup outside
and we figured we'd give them something to look at," Brassard said.

Edmonton Conservative MP Peter Goldring said he's firmly opposed to
legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana.

"On the other hand, you have to give them their democratic right to
free speech and right to protest," he said.

But "if they're smoking up, that's illegal."

He said he preferred to leave legal judgment up to local police.