Dana Larsen, pro-cannabis activism and civil disobedience

In April 2016, Dana Larsen launched his Overgow Tour, a Canada-wide campaign to distribute 1,000,000 free cannabis seeds and encourage Canadians to grow the « victory gardens »(Victory Gardens) this spring.

A small hitch in the agenda: on April 6, in Calgary, the long-time activist from British Columbia was confronted by the police and learned that they were in the process of arresting one of the volunteers accompanying him.

«I went out and said: if you want to arrest someone for distribution of cannabis seeds, So I gave him a handful of seeds and the police officer arrested me. »So I gave him a handful of seeds and the police officer arrested me.«

The police had no choice but to arrest him after this flagrant offence of distributing seeds in front of a police officer. «We had no other option».» confirms Inspector Mike Bossley.

Less than 24 hours later, Dana Larsen was out of jail and on his way to a new stage of his campaign, Edmonton, where he declared that his arrest had motivated him even more and generated even greater public interest in his campaign.

«This is going to give this campaign more and more attention than ever before. Requests for seeds are coming in at a speed we've never seen before and will lead to more awareness than I expected, which will probably help our campaign.».

This isn't the first time Larsen has gone off the beaten track to focus attention on his fight.

Cannabis and a bedside book

In December 2015, Dana Larsen promoted her latest book, Cannabis in Canada: The Illustrated History, sending copies to Liberal members of Parliament with a gram of medical marijuana in the envelope.

Helping Liberal MPs to learn cannabis history and have a Merry-Juana Xmas! https://t.co/wQu4D3txYQ #cdnpoli #lpc pic.twitter.com/zrcVw7aAw6

ADVERTISING

- Dana Larsen (@DanaLarsen) December 22, 2015

«Since they want to legalize, it's a good time to learn a little more about the’history of cannabis in Canada and why cannabis is an important part of our country's history,» said Larsen. at Radio-Canada. «I added a gram of cannabis because it's also a good time to re-familiarize ourselves with the pleasurable effects of cannabis, and to remember why so many Canadians enjoy cannabis for its medical and relaxing effects.».

Cannabis as a negotiating tool

A year earlier, Larsen had sent a cool 10g of weed to British Columbia Premier Christy Clark during her confrontation with the region's striking teachers' union.

A few joints of Purple Kush could help @christyclarkbc and @FassbenderMLA resolve issues with @bctf. pic.twitter.com/KXF1BibiKC

- Dana Larsen (@DanaLarsen) September 11, 2014

«I thought if [Clark] could rally to the negotiating table with a few joints, it would help break down some barriers and give these negotiations a new foundation.» And he had chosen a special variety for the occasion: «This is Purple Kush, which has a relaxing effect while facilitating discussion. It would be ideal for a late-night negotiation session.»

But this mailing was also a good way of reminding people that cannabis can help to solve the government's fiscal problems and improve the education system.

«I wanted to remind the Prime Minister that legalization could generate 200 million $ in savings and revenue for the government,» says Larsen. «Legal, taxed cannabis sales would mean more money for our schools and hospitals, bookstores and neighborhood services.».

«Green Buds and Hash by Dana Larsen

To promote benefits of medical cannabis, Larsen has written and uploaded a parody of the Dr. Seuss comic book.« Green Eggs and Ham »entitled « Green Buds and Hash« . The 2008 book is a debate between Mr Stash and a patient who could benefit from medical cannabis if he would give it a try. Here's a 2010 reading broadcast by Pot TV.

According to the the Overgrow Tour, The only thing Dana Larsen has left is CBD seeds, proof of the enthusiasm generated around his fight. The tour passes through Montreal on April 16 and ends the next day in Calgary, after crossing the country from west to east.