THOUSANDS EXPECTED AT POT RALLY

Mine Salkin Smoking marijuana may be a criminal offence, but
Vancouver police won't be looking to make arrests at a pro-pot rally
on Monday that is expected to attract thousands of people.

Const. Jana McGuinness said officers will be present at the event,
which takes place in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery every April 20.

"As long as there isn't a public safety issue, where things would
move into the streets, then the event will be able to continue," she said.

Last year, about 6,000 people took part in the 420 gathering to
celebrate marijuana culture.

Despite open pot use, no arrests were made. That many people are
expected to return this year and to spark up joints at 4:20 p.m.

Jodie Emery, Green party candidate for the Vancouver-Fraserview
riding, said the event is a celebration of Canadians' "autonomy."

The B.C. Green Party platform for the May 12 election includes the
legalization of marijuana.

"Millions of dollars go into enforcing marijuana laws, and this money
could be used to prevent more serious problems like violent crimes or
identity theft," she said.

Jodie Emery is married to Marc Emery, founder and president of the
B.C. Marijuana Party.

He's facing extradition to the U.S. for selling marijuana seeds to
Americans online.