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Pot supporters pack Queen's Park on Saturday

By: Taiwo Lewis 680 News

Thousands gather at Queen's Park in support of marijuana (Photo by: Taiwo Lewis/680News)

Toronto, Ontario May 6, 2007 -- An estimated 15,000 people packed Queen's Park on Saturday afternoon calling for the legalization of marijuana.

While some marched through the downtown core during the ninth annual Global Marijuana March, others took part in the first ever Toronto Freedom Festival.

Among the massive crowd in Queen's Park, young teenagers lounged in packs, while older marijuana supporters spread blankets to enjoy the sunny afternoon.

However, despite the age gap, all shared pro-pot views.

"This is about the medical use of marijuana, so I think there is an unfair stigma about that," one said.

But, Toronto's freedom festival organizer, Gavin Bryan, said the day was about more than getting high, but rather a celebration of the right to choose.

"(It's) about freedom of choice and marijuana just happens to be one of the things that's here today; we have same-sex marriage (supporters) here as well," he said.

The high point came at 4:20 p.m. in the afternoon, when thousands lit up in celebration of cannabis.