Pot-smokers gather at Parliament Hill to mark 4/20

The smell of pot smoke hovered over the lawn at Parliament Hill Friday afternoon, as demonstrators gathered to take part in the annual 4/20 protest.

April 20, known affectionately as ‘4/20’ to marijuana activists, is one of the biggest gatherings of pot smokers around the world.

Activists have traditionally gathered on the twentieth day of the fourth month, and at exactly 4:20 p.m. they light up marijuana in protest.

The crowd of about 3,000 in Ottawa counted down to 4:20 before cheering and then lighting up in unison, causing a plume of smoke to drift through the front lawn of Parliament Hill.

People from all walks of life came out smoke pot, play hacky sack and listen to reggae music, despite the cold and windy weather.

Andrew, one of the protesters taking part said it is time for Canada to update its laws on marijuana.

“A lot of countries around the world are adopting more liberal views as far as marijuana laws go,” he said.

Others said the Harper government should be focusing on legalizing and taxing the drug instead of increasing sentences for pot possession.

The Harper government’s omnibus crime bill calls for harsher penalties for those possessing six pot plants or more.

Organizer Graham Kittmer said 4/20 started off as a meeting time for pot smokers in California, but it has evolved since then.

“Now it’s a full day of protesting your right to smoke cannabis, if that’s what you choose to do,” Kittmer said.

Last year more than 2,000 people took part, lighting up to defy laws which they feel are unfair and unconstitutional.

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