Marijuana advocates gather in local park

The fight for legalization marches through Windsor.

The second annual Marijuana March was held at David Croll Park on Sept. 27. Attendees were permitted to smoke in the area without fear of being arrested for possession. Before the march, a few different people came to speak and entertain.

One of the entertainers, comedian Jon Peladeau, is an advocate for weed. In his comedy act, which also was a speech, he asked everyone in the park to gather around near the Windsor Cenotaph.

During the act, he emphasized many people had come for a protest and yet no one was being violent, storming city hall or disrespecting authority. The only police involvement during the event were cruisers following marchers as they went around the downtown Windsor.

The organizer of the march said he disagrees with marijuana prohibition.
“It’s an individual choice and I feel the decision to smoke marijuana whether or not should be in the hands of the people, not the government,” said Alex Newman.

Newman headed the march waving a pot leaf flag. He screamed into a megaphone “if you want it legalized, make some noise!”  Some of those walking down Wyandotte, Victoria and Riverside were chanting their desire for legalization. Different signs were carried by participants. Most were related to the cause, but a few endorsed the election of upcoming Prime Ministerial candidate, Justin Trudeau.
“People should really open up their eyes and maybe even their hearts to the idea of people smoking marijuana recreationally,” said Peladeau.

Peladeau said, that during his speech, there are many people in Windsor he sees smoking for peaceful and medicinal reasons. Acknowledging the illegal activities which occur because of it, he still said many people would benefit from legalization.