Local marijuana advocates are working on a very special 4-20 event at Charles Clark Square in Windsor this April 20.
Pot smokers in cities across the continent have gathered on April 20 at 4:20pm every year since the 1970s to advocate for the legalization of marijuana and smoke publicly.
On Thursday, the federal government is expected to introduce legislation that could make it legal for Canadians to possess up to 30 g of marijuana for recreational use. Other measures that could be in the bill include new penalties for driving high or selling pot to minors.
Until the bill becomes law, smoking marijuana recreationally or possessing it remains illegal.
The Windsor event is called "Freedom Is Finally Upon Us". It starts at 11am and ends at 9pm. It is open only to those 18-years and older.
The event is being organized by local marijuana activist Leo Lucier.
Joshua Jacquot will speak at the event. He became an advocate for medical marijuana education when his employer told him he couldn't use it while working as a line worker. Jacquot uses medical pot to treat the symptoms of his depression and anxiety.
He believes the need for public education about medical marijuana is obvious.
"I live a normal life when I'm able to medicate with medical marijuana and my prescription medication," he says. "But now that I'm off work, I can't afford it."
He says the public has questions and they can get some answers at the festival.
"What are the health benefits? What are the non-health benefits? Can it make me sick? What is this I hear in the media about pesticide use?" says Jacquot.
In addition to music, games and vendors, the event will also collect canned food for Windsor foodbanks.
