Four arrested during Cannabis Day protest

The organizer of an annual marijuana protest in downtown Vancouver is blaming the city for an outbreak of violence that led to several protesters being arrested on Canada Day.

Longtime pot activist Jodie Emery said this is the first time in the 20-year history of Cannabis Day the event has experienced any confrontation with police.

“The city has been so tolerant before,” she said, speaking outside the Vancouver Art Gallery where the protest was being held. “I don’t understand where this is coming from.”

Bystanders said they witnessed officers descend on the gathering of hundreds of people around noon. A scuffle ensued before at least one man was led away in handcuffs. Angry crowds chanted as they followed the officers around the street corner where they loaded a man into a police van.

Police initially said they had arrested two men, but an email sent later confirmed four people had been arrested and that investigators expected to lay charges against each of them.

Spokesman Const. Brian Montague alleged in a release one of the men was “overtly” selling marijuana to minors and failed to stop after being warned.

“Police specifically informed (organizers) that the open selling or giving away of illegal items to young people could result in arrest,” read the release. It added that police were especially concerned after April’s 4/20 marijuana celebrations, which they say sent a significant number of people to hospital.

Joshua Helsdon reported being pepper sprayed while recording the incident on his camera. He described police pulling and choking protesters who had encircled the marijuana vendor in order to prevent his arrest.

“I was 15 feet away when they decided to Mace me,” said Helsdon, rubbing his redrimmed eyes. “It’s unbelievable, unbelievable.”

Cannabis Day has taken place peacefully in downtown Vancouver over the past two decades.