Vancouver's March & Rally was in for a little twist this year. The rally at the Art Gallery, where all pot rallies in Vancouver start, was in fact booked by the angry labour unions who are striking across the BC on Monday, on Saturday. They were there at 2.00 p.m., as we were massing. So I had 500 brochures with Jack Layton's comments on pot taken from a page article in Cannabis Culture. I went around to every labour person there from the unions and said "Jack Layton brochure, pleasse take one..." and most did! Brilliant job of cross marketing, if I say so myself. I gave out all 500 by rallies' end. Behind me, after a union person took a brochure, my hot buxom assistant would ask each one, offering a joint visibly, "would you like a joint?". One in 5 of the unionists offered would take one, raising eyebrows from their union brothers and sisters who declined a joint! We gave out over 100 joints to the unionists rallied there at the art gallery, along with hundreds of Jack Layton brochures (this is the political party - the NDP- that I have been urging Canadians to saupport in the federAL ELECTION TO BE CALLED IN THE NEXT 10 DAYS).

That was a great way to take advantage of a situation that might have been awkward, hundreds of angry trade unionists (angry at the BC government) rallying in the same spot as protesting marijuana people. But it went great instead, co-opting both groups into one. In fact, a number of the unionists joined our march as we left the Art Gallery at 2.30 p.m. under spectacular skies, warm temperatures and wonderful pot smoke. Unlike NYC, this was definitely a smoke all you got march. We marched down Robson street from Howe St. to Denman, getting many drivers in the cars in the opposite lane high by passing joints to the drivers who took hits and passed the joints back to the crowd. Many thumbs up and honks. Everyone was having a fabulous time. Many women introduced themselves to me, and that was a very warm and lovely feeling. Our group distributed 300 joints to the unionists, to the parade marchers, to drivers, to people watching on the street. It was glorious.

On Denman Street, we stopped at Denman Place Mall where Member of Parliament (Liberal)Hedy Fry, who is a loathesome person, office is. There, the massive crowd mobbed the mall entrance and we all chalked anti-prohibitionist slogans all over the road, sidewalk and mall entrance. Then parade leader David Malmo-Levine led us to a nicely situated bit of park area at Denman & Davie street where David, Chris Bennett, Dana Larsen and myself gave short sweet speeches.

David Malmo Levine did a terrific job in what turned out to be one of the most effective rallies we have had, and everyone in attendence felt serendipitous -everyone agreed that it was a completely lovely time.

After 4.20, I took off and went to the opening of the 'Da Kind' Medical MJ shop and cafe at 1018 Commercial Drive. Don Briere has this project going and I hope it is a great success. Don is a brave soul who only recently was released from a Canadian jail for almost two years for growing pot, so I pray he does not encounter further jail for his brave new project. He is a courageous and heroic Canadian, who lost a son to heroin overdose 5 years ago.

Then I went back to the fully renovated BCMP store and we were staying open late and then myself a four hot viper girls went to the fundraiser, awareness raiser at BLUNT BROTHERS - NEW AMSTERDAM CAFE, and the viper girls distributed 80 or so joints to the building crowd of well wishers.

At 10.30, I was zapped from the sun, smoke & good feelings. If last Sunday, the day of the fire,was day one, then by Saturday, day 7, I had lived a lifetime, and I was tired.

Wonderful week in challenging times.

CTV news broadcast parts of the rally on the news.

Its great to hear that the rallies went so well in so many places.

You handed out over 400 joints! Someone must have a dry tongue and some cramped fingers .

K

Yes indeed , It's good to hear that the rally up there went so well.I'm sorry I missed it. But we tried to have a good one here in Boise ,Idaho. we only had about 150-200 people show up. better than last years 70. heheh... we'll do better next year.... If I have anything to say about it. I didn't get involved soon enough this year... But wait till next year.... Maybe we'll get to pass out 400 blunts. We'll burn them in honor & memory of the Blunt Bros. I was lucky enough to be one of the last people to enjoy the wonderful hospitality and great atmosphere , they offered to all international guests from what I could see. And I will always savor the memories I have of my time there... Peace all ... lets be free