Protesters gather for legalization march

By Samantha Girardin

 

About 80 people of all ages who support the legalization of marijuana marched through downtown Windsor on Oct. 3 smoking weed in full view of Windsor police for the third annual march in Windsor.

It was sponsored by Endless Heights which is a smoking accessories store.  Protesters smoked as they marched and there were police squad cars parked every few corners along the march but officers did not bother protesters.

The few people who showed up early said they were hesitant to begin smoking. However once more people arrived they began to relax and light up.

“It does have medical uses, but it can do more than that,” said David “Squeakywheels” a local comedian who asked not to use his last name. He said he smokes to write better jokes and to be more creative.

Before the march people were gathered in the park for the culture festival. There was a colouring area, goofy golf, musical guests, speeches and poetry reading and Bands Sound System and Border Patrol also performed. The march around downtown Windsor began at 4:20 p.m.  with protesters carrying signs as they marched through the downtown core. Once the march was over, guests were quick to leave to avoid any trouble with the law after the 5 p.m. cutoff time stipulated by the organizers.

“It’s our God-given right, you know,” said Dabbin Darin, 31. Dabbin Darin did not give his last name and wanted to be addressed by his YouTube username. He was wearing a hat that said “Kush,” which is slang for good quality marijuana and had a marijuana leaf flag draped on his back. “There are so many uses for it and they made it illegal. God put it on this earth for us, so why can’t we use it?” He smokes recreationally and said he has taken part in the festival every year since it began.

Both the NDP and Liberal party say they plan to legalize marijuana. The issue has been prominent in Canadian politics recently. Many at the festival were confident that legalization is near.

“They will be forced to de-criminalize soon. It’s a plant. How do you outlaw something that grows in nature?” said Chris Strong, 29. Strong is a U.S. resident who used to live in Windsor who came to march in his hometown. Strong has an allergy to acetaminophen, a chemical found in most pain medication. Since he cannot use medication to relieve his pain he smokes marijuana instead . “Tobacco is legal, alcohol is legal, all those drugs the big pharmacy companies make are legal and how many people do those things kill? Weed never killed anybody,” he said.