cannabisnews.com: Hundreds Get High on a Cause Hundreds Get High on a Cause Posted by CN Staff on July 02, 2002 at 08:49:45 PT By Beverley Ware Source: Halifax Daily News Cannabis lovers and Christians celebrated together at the Dartmouth Commons Monday, but their messages weren't exactly in harmony. It’s the second year the two groups have shared the same locale for their Canada Day celebrations.The pot smokers are there for Cannabis Day, the churchgoers are there for Christian patriotism. “We want to bring the Christian communities together, we need to participate more than we have been,” said Pastor George Campbell of the New Life Church in Dartmouth. “We believe this country was founded upon the principles of the Bible and we should be more patriotic.”The two groups pretty much kept to themselves, though it seems some weed-smokers ended up with the munchies. “We’re really selling a lot of hotdogs,” Campbell laughed. “Somebody’s hungry.”But the money goes to a good cause — it helps send kids to summer camp.Rain drove the Christian celebrants home early. Slightly more than a dozen remained by mid-afternoon. Campbell said it was too dangerous for the nine scheduled gospel groups and their electric equipment to keep going in the wet weather.But hundreds mellowed out at the top of the hill, unaffected by sporadic downpours.“I like to smoke pot,” Greg stated simply, and that’s why he showed up.“It’s a great opportunity to smoke pot in public, just to show everybody that it should be legal, it doesn’t hurt anybody,” said 22-year-old Matt, as he drew on a marijuana cigarette. “Drunks cause a lot more problems than we do.”Indeed, the whole event was quite laid back. Groups of young people leisurely played hacky-sack or kicked a soccer ball around. Others lounged under trees chatting or playing music.Matt said he believes public attitudes toward pot are changing, that it’s becoming more acceptable. “I’m really for decriminalization as opposed to legalizing, because if it gets legalized government gets its hands on it, and they start taxing it just like everything else.”“If it wasn’t somewhat publically accepted, today wouldn’t happen, this would not be available to us,” drawled 21-year-old Melissa, sporting a hemp necklace.This was her first cannabis day. “I moved to Halifax last summer, I’m still here and this is an awesome place to be right now. Like, it’s a good time. People chilling all over the place. I love the dogs.”Note: Canada Day finds Christians, cannabis together on Commons.Source: Halifax Daily NewsAuthor: Beverley Ware Published: Tuesday, July 02, 2002Copyright: 2002 The Daily News Website: http://www.canada.com/halifax/dailynews/Contact: http://www.canada.com/halifax/info/contactus.htmlRelated Articles & Web Site:Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htm Unitarians Say All Drug Use Should Be Legal http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13270.shtml Drugs in Canada - Gone To Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10571.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #2 posted by Naaps on July 02, 2002 at 13:19:43 PT Cannabis Day Celebration in Vancouver Held on the north steps and lawn of the Vancouver Art Gallery, ringed by skyscrapers, under brilliant sunny skies, the event was very well attended. With probably a thousand people, clouds of fragrant pot smoke wafted, while people partied listening to music, sunbathing, playing hackey sack, swaying and dancing. Notable pot personalities included Ken Hayes and Renee Boje, both enjoying the freedom of life in Canada. Marc Emery wandered though the crowd passing out joints. Casually attired, Richard Cowan was enjoying the day. David Malmo-Levine was the master of ceremonies, organizing the bands, giving rousing speeches, wearing an immense smile when passing out joints for the 420 smoke-up. Chris Bennett, had the POT-TV camera, and also gave a speech on the history of cannabis. John Gordon and his wife, Jill, were present. Cannabis Culture Editor, Dana Larson mingled through the large crowd. The number of people impressed me. Canada flags were prominent, as it was the national birthday. There were some children, many teenagers, lots of young to middle age people, and a lesser number of older people. The first band, the Beefy Treats, had a song, “Rolling the 12 paper Blunt”, which not only was well performed, but featured an immense joint that end up being passed through the audience. Throughout the festivities, no cops were stationed to oversee the gathering. Not even the black-attired, police video team was hiding on the parapets of nearby buildings. Obviously, the Vancouver Police know that the Pot Rallies are peaceful. One thing, everyone was tickled to hear that Vancouver had been voted the top spot for Cannabis. We are proud of the distinction. Interestingly, after the event, going into the Granville Skytrain station, I passed a small group of people sharing a fragrant joint on the busy sidewalk. Another passerby, evidently a tourist commented to their companion, “ That’s what I like about this city – they have a casual, nonchalant attitude toward Cannabis.” [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by CorvallisEric on July 02, 2002 at 11:21:27 PT No, Matt Matt said he believes public attitudes toward pot are changing, that it’s becoming more acceptable. “I’m really for decriminalization as opposed to legalizing, because if it gets legalized government gets its hands on it, and they start taxing it just like everything else.” One of the most important needs in the reform movement is pointing out the error of this attitude. OK, a zillion people have said this already. Decriminalization without legal production and sale causes supply, control, and profit by criminals, many of whom aren't very nice people. Canadians especially should realize this because of the biker gangs. Then again, maybe Matt has a vested interest. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment