A belated Happy Cannibis Day to all!

Here in Halifax, Cannibis Day is "celebrated" on July 1st- the same day as our national holiday, Canada Day (the Canadian equivalent of Independence Day, sans Will Smith hehe). This year marked the fifth public celebration of the human RIGHT to both grow and enjoy the use of cannibis without fear of persecution. Don't get me wrong, it's still WAY illegal here to grow, smoke, or sell pot in any amount (unless you have medical need)... but our city "allows" us (read: ignores us long enough to get away with it) to peaceably gather for one afternoon a year for the purpose of educating the public of the facts about marijuana use.

Several thousand people of all ages gather in the center of the city in an open field called the Halifax Commons. Folks can listen at the stage to local bands, or to the informative speeches given on the need to decriminalize marijuana use. Scattered throughout the crowd are small gatherings of "unplugged" musicians strumming guitars and beating on drums. Both pets and snack food abound (including a tiny white rabbit - really, I'm not kidding - who hopped amongst the spectators just fast enough to keep its owner jogging). There are prizes to be won (bongs, lighters, pipes, etc.) and trinkets to be purchased. And yes, everywhere you look, there's someone smoking. Publicly, in an open field, on a beautiful summer day, with friends and a cooler of water and a frisbee and the family dog and the sweet sounds of African drums. Although the ground is thick with bodies in rest and motion, there are no altercations or disturbances. There are no cops (in uniform). There are a few television cameras there to grab footage of the "hippies" smoking their illegal nasty bad drugs, but nobody seems to pay much attention to them.

Conversely, the other half of the Commons is dedicated to Canada Day celebrations. There are half as many adults, eighteen times as many kiddies, four times as much food, and country-rock music on a stage. The grownups look cranky and a little drunk. The kids are screaming and fighting over the play equipment and begging their parents for more junk food. There are cops everywhere, in uniform (they sponsor the entertainment).

I'll let y'all come to your own conclusions about which side I thought was more fun.

We had a lovely time, and I didn't even mind the sunburn. I felt like I had connected with my community that day, a rare feeling indeed. I felt that I had something in common with my fellow Haligonians after all (or at least some of them). I sat and smiled with strangers and shared the wicked feeling of being "naughty" in public and getting away with it. Or maybe they were smiling because they were high. Who knows?

The whole ordeal pooped us out completely, so we skipped the fireworks on the waterfront later that evening in favor of vegging in front of our respective puters. Normally, I would have gone anyway, but the kidlet is now out of the city camping with my family (sheesh). She won't be back until August. I feel strange about it this year because I am not speaking to them and she is... but I know she's safe and she'll have a wonderful time. If nothing else, my parents have become good grandparents. She's an only grandchild, and she milks their attention for everything it's worth... materially and emotionally. She has her grandfather wrapped around one finger and her grandmother on a short leash. What a life! hehe. Go for it girl... enjoy every single minute :)

I'm really tired a lot these days, so my entries are going to be slow in coming. I have a lot I want to talk about, I just don't have the energy to do it. But I'll try :)

If you are interested in learning more about why marijuana laws are being challenged, or how you can help in the fight for legalization/decriminilization, check out the links below: