Thousands attend 420 rally in Vancouver
WATCH: Marijuana activist Marc Emery speaks with Randene Neill on the 20th annual 420 rally in downtown Vancouver.
VANCOUVER – More than 20,000 have turned up for the annual 420 rally in downtown Vancouver. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the rally.
This is the first rally Marc Emery, Canada’s “Prince of Pot,” and his wife Jodie will be able to attend since Marc’s release from prison last August. He helped organize the first rally 20 years ago and says he is incredibly proud of how it has developed over the years.
Every year people gather on the lawn of the Vancouver Art Gallery for the pro-marijuana rally as people continue to push for its legalization. There have been no issues so far.
#420Vancouver @GlobalBC @BC1 pic.twitter.com/g61GbP2yZd
— Sergio Magro (@SergioGlobalCam) April 20, 2015
420 rally in Vancouver. And it's only 1:18pm. Haze not related to the weather. @GlobalBC pic.twitter.com/jEimlrAfVj
— Randene Neill (@randene_neill) April 20, 2015
In years past, the event was designed to raise awareness around decriminalizing marijuana. This year the event is focusing on the federal election.
At the rally there is a big sign hanging on the art gallery, which reads “Justin Trudeau, Stop Harper.” Trudeau has said if he is elected he will legalize marijuana.
“Our people don’t vote enough,” said Emery at the rally. “And it’s not really a good opportunity to tell people to vote here, at a big celebration, so we thought if it was something cheeky they could photograph and put on social media we could potentially get out to hundreds of thousands.”
“It’s all about getting out to vote this October 19th.”
There are many products on sale at the event as well, including brownies, lollipops, breakfast cereal and Girl Guide cookies at $30 a box.
Reminder, the art gallery is closed today.
The Vancouver Art Gallery is CLOSED today – Monday April 20th. We will reopen at 10am tomorrow.
— Vancouver Art Gallery (@VanArtGallery) April 20, 2015
As usual, we're hosting 20,000-30,000 people at the #Vancouver Art Gallery 420 all day long today. Celebrate cannabis & protest prohibition!
— Jodie Giesz-Ramsay (formerly Emery) (@JodieEmery) April 20, 2015
The following closures are in effect until crowds at the rally disperse and roads can be reopened.
- Howe Street from Georgia Street to Robson Street.
- Robson Street from Hornby Street to Howe Street.
WATCH: Rally held in Vancouver in 2014:
© Shaw Media, 2015
Article source Global News
