2011 Global Marijuana March: Stash Box Barbie’s Big Weekend

Easily, this past weekend could have been one of the best in my life. After last year’s protest festivities at Toronto Freedom Festival and Global Marijuana March, I promised myself that I wanted to learn about activism against prohibition and help the people who ran these events. A few months later, I walked into Vapor Central alone for the first time, sat beside a complete stranger Madd Chronic, and explained how I was passionate to get involved. This weekend marks a period in my life where things have really come full circle.

This has been an incredible year, ever since I met
 Madd Chronic and discovered the importance of activism.   

My plan for Friday was to prepare for the march by finishing my Stash Box Barbie costume, packing up the Barbie bong, and pre-rolling doobies. When HotBox Café called me while I was canna-crafting fake bud, and wanted me to stop in that afternoon as their new hemployee, I knew it was only the beginning of a great weekend.

After the adventure around Kensington Market, I found myself baked wandering town. Lately, whenever I’m in in the crosshairs of boredom, I will flip a coin to choose my next destination. Immediately after this flip, I ran into Budd Cannabis and real-life hero Matt Mernagh who happened to be tokin’ with visitors from B.C like Jodie Emery, Dana Larsen, and Jeremiah Vandermeer.


Trust yourself and that coin will flip on the proper side, and eventually you’ll end up sitting beside your very own mentors. Too shy to say very much, I just let my smile communicate for me. These are people I really believe in, and potentially they could believe in me.

Chatting with Dana Larsen as he checks out the box.
Being on the inside, it's a little difficult trying to sesh with others!

May 7^th starts very early at 6 a.m because I wanted to be a prepared soldier in this drug war with hot pink Bristol board armor, my threatening smile, and potent marijuana smoke. Butterfly is at my house for 11 a.m, and next thing I know I am inside my own personal hotbox unable to walk because of everyone wanting to snap my photo.

Bong Man, the perticular fellow who inspired me
to create my costume.

Dressing as Stash Box Barbie, my goal was to finish the entire march in my bud heels to make a loud statement regarding cannabis and prohibition. With the box, I was able to have 4 protest signs opposed to one, with “Believe in Hemp!”, “I’m not a criminal!”, and “Think outside the box” on each of the sides.

Posing with two heros of mine: Matt Mernagh and Cannabis. In less than 60 days, if the medical marijuana program doesn't significantly improve then marijuana will be legal in Ontario thanks to Merngah! 

Sunday afternoon, while at Vapor Central, I am reflecting on the historic outcome of the GMM. Just as I was hoping that I could have found the courage to ask for a picture with Jodie Emery, she walks in the door. The timing couldn't have been perfect, and I knew I had to take a toke, a deep breath and make my way on over to her table. In no time Jodie's passing me joints while Jeremiah is complimenting me on my unusual pill-popper barrette, and I am eating my munchies as if this is any normal sesh with stoner friends.  

Peace & Pot, let's end this drug war! 

This weekend I received more than a surreal smoke sesh on cloud nine with the Cannabis Culture crew. Realizing the lesson of trusting yourself and following your heart is the greatest high, even if it is illegal. 

Look to the bright side of the sun, 

-Puffy