April 20, 4/20, 420 day with its annual marijuana protest. The nature of the “protest” has changed over the years now that the fight for legalization is almost over. This year was more like a group of friends hanging out together at Nathan Phillips Square and enjoying the warmest day that we’ve had in a while. A few items, seeds, edibles, etc, were available for sale. The group didn’t have a permit for the event (they were turned down) but that didn’t stop them. The police (and other security) presence was very visible but confrontations were kept to a minimum – at least for the time that I was there which was early on. I left while Nathan Phillips Square wasn’t crowded.
below: Green whistles were distributed and there were times when the sound they made was quite loud!
as I walk Toronto 
Doesn’t really interest me one way or another as I don’t like feeling “out of control” and frankly, all my life I’ve been told that cigarettes are bad for me so why would I want to smoke something where I can’t even be sure of the content. Plus – it stinks! 🙂
I guess it makes sense to decriminalize it – but – I will follow events with interest once it becomes legal as I am concerned about driving while impaired and those who may be impaired while on the job. It should make a few lawyers very happy in years to come.
There will be some adjustments to be made, for sure. I am neither anti nor pro, firmly on the fence on this issue. The event makes for some interesting people shots though – and that is the reason why I was there.
As usual, you have captured some great candid photos of this event. The 3 close-ups are my favourites – the girls with the whistles, the girl in sunglasses with the smoke swirling from her joint, and the 2 guys in hats. All three have clean focus and capturing an unguarded look. Although the 2 girls with whistles were posing for a selfie, they weren’t posing for you.
Thanks! I will admit to using a telephoto lens so I wasn’t in their faces!
I guessed that’s how you managed such wonderfully candid shots 🙂