B.C. pot activists gather on legislature lawn as Liberals deliver throne speech

VICTORIA – Holding a potted marijuana plant in his hands, B.C. activist Dana Larsen is on the front lawn of the legislature today to push for reform.

Larsen and about 100 people gathered at the legislature shortly before the start of ceremonies to mark the beginning of a new legislative session.

Larsen led a petition campaign last year calling on the government to prevent police from enforcing simple marijuana possession laws, but it failed to reach the required number of signatures.

Had it worked, the petition would have either forced a non-binding referendum or sent the issue to the legislature for a vote.

Larsen says he’s at the legislature to remind the Liberal government that more than 200,000 people signed the marijuana reform petition and the push for change is growing.

The Liberals will deliver their throne speech today outlining their legislative agenda, which is expected to include a balanced budget.