Gastown (or Grasstown) Riot  or The Battle of Maple Tree Square - August 7, 1971

 

 

August 7

 

The Gastown Riot. “The Battle of Maple Tree Square” drew more than 1,000 people to Gastown as a protest against the illegality of marijuana.

 

 

But police on horseback were called in to break it up, arresting 79 and charging 38. A later judicial inquiry headed by Justice Thomas Dohm criticized the action, characterizing it as a “police riot.”

 

 

August 14

 

A “Gastown Festival,” exactly one week after the riot, and meant to repair the area’s image, drew 15,000 peaceful participants.

 

Here's a link to more: http://www.cannabisculture.com/backissues/mayjune96/grasstown.html