SAN FRANCISCO: Smoke up, it's 420. Across the world on Saturday, weed smokers are taking the annual holiday seriously, gathering together to smoke up and get high. In Vancouver, British Columbia, they are dead serious about how to celebrate the “holiday.” Thousands of pot smokers gathered on the steps and lawn of the Vancouver Art Gallery Saturday for the annual marijuana celebration and rally known as “4/20.” Annual smoke-ins have been held in cities across North America on April 20, where thousands of people gather to smoke and listen to speakers who address the crowds with calls for loosening or eliminating marijuana laws. As always, calls for marijuana to be legalized across Canada and the United States are strong on days like this, when smokers often defy laws on the books and take to the public to light up a joint and enjoy themselves. This year, a BC millionaire is boosting the political cause with part of his lottery winnings. Terrace's Bob Erb, who won $25 million in November, said he plans to donate at least $1 million of it to the Canadian marijuana legalization movement between now and the next federal election in late 2015. “I didn't cap it at a million, that's the least I'm going to spend,” Erb said. Erb already wrote a cheque for $125,000 to go toward 4/20 events across the country this year, which includes $60,000 that was spent on a national website for 4/20. It's more good news on a day of relaxation and getting high. BN
