Frequently Asked Questions About the Global Marijuana March

What is the Global Marijuana March about?

What is the Global Marijuana March of Toronto trying to achieve?

Is the Global Marijuana March a political rally, a concert or an arts and crafts fair?

Why is GMMT Free? Couldn't you make more money if you charged?

Is the Global Marijuana March of Toronto the biggest pot rally?

Does GMMT staff get paid? Where does all the money go?

Where does all the money come from?

Can anyone volunteer for the GMMT?

Can I get in trouble for attending or participating in GMMT?

How did GMMT get started?

How can I support GMMT? Can I get involved?

Can I support GMMT without getting very involved?

Q. What is Global Marijuana March about?
A. A. This event happens in over 200 cities world-wide on the first Saturday of every May. Events vary from city to city, but at the core is a simple message – freedom. In Toronto, it is a cultural celebration of music, food, awareness and eduation, and most of all, its a happy peaceful event. By marketing to consumers, retailers, and producers, industrial medical and recreational hemp is a massive untapped market that also taxes our national productivity, and of course, our freedom.
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Q. What is Toronto Global Marijuana March trying to achieve?

A. Several things. GMMT endorses the senate report to tax and regulate cannabis like alcohol or tobacco and to recognize the potential of medical cannabis.

By producing a large successful and growing event, GMMT is demonstrating that cannabis enthusiasts are as responsible, professional, and successful as anyone else. We hope that all of this contributes to the healthy, informed, and energized local and national movement to change Canada's cannabis laws.
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Q. Is the Global Marijuana March a political rally, a concert or an arts and crafts fair?

A. Yes. The Global Marijuana March is first and foremost a cultural event seeking to change Canada's pot laws and to educate the public on the many uses of the cannabis plant. We like to call the Global Marijuana March a " cultural protestival", and think that we have created a new concept in cultural political festival. GMMT allows artists, speakers and even vendors to make a statement for cannabis reform by their involvement in our event.
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Q. Why is GMMT Free? Couldn't you make more money if you charged?
A. We would never do anything that might potentially prevent someone from coming and hearing our message of freedom, liberty, and responsibility. This year we have included, for the first time, some satellite events that will appeal to all hempsters.
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Q. Is Toronto Global Marijuana March the biggest pot rally?
A. The GMMT is the largest cannabis rally in Canada. The Seattle Hempfest is much larger attracting over 100,000 people every year.
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Q. Does GMMT staff get paid? Where does all the money go?
A. There is a very small staff of year-round paid workers. There are also a few sub-contracted employees, like the security people, paramedics, and technicians that may be required by law. But essentially all GMMT personnel are volunteers. Since GMMT is a registered Non Profit, all funds that GMMT makes goes directly back into GMMT, so we can continue to increase the quality of the event, and bring you our message of responsible progressive and positive reform. Nobody is getting rich off of GMMT and the cost of producing events like GMMT goes up every year.
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Q. Where does all the money come from?
A. GMMT is produced by revenue from arts, crafts, food and organizational vendors, merchandise sales, benefit events, program ad sales and sponsorship sales. GMMT costs about $20,000 to produce.
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Q. Can anyone volunteer for the GMMT?
A. Just about. Persons 18 years or older who are dependable and reliable, serious about cannabis reform and willing to refrain from any form of intoxication for the entirety of their shifts is welcome to participate in producing the GMMT. GMMT staff are expected to abide by the rules and guidelines of the event, and be reasonably presentable, courteous, and helpful to fellow staff and attendees.
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Q. Can I get in trouble for attending or participating in GMMT?
A. No. GMMT is totally legal, and protected by the Canada's Constitution under our right to freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. However, GMMT is not a "free zone". All federal laws are in full effect at GMMT, and it is the worst place to attempt to buy or sell illegal substances of any kind. Please don't do it.
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Q. How did GMMT get started?
A. In New York City, Dana at Cures Not Wars started the worldwide phenomenon and spreads to new cities every year. Some activists in Toronto got together in 1997 and every year and it grew until it has reached the size it is today. The first march had 300 people show up, a small parade presence, and no audio. One of the original organizers is still with the GMMT.
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Q. How can I support GMMT? Can I get involved?
A. We knew you'd get around to asking that! There are a variety of ways to support GMMT. The best way would be to volunteer your time or resources. Let other people know about the event. If you are far from Toronto, organize a bus to bring more people. Your efforts will go directly to producing the Canada's largest cannabis event and to legalization!

If you would like to become a member of the GMMT organization, and you have specific activist skills and experience and wish to apply for our core group you can contact us at: info@cannabisweek.ca, and give us your details and background. key volunteer positions are still available.

Others who are new to activism but feel it's time to get to get involved and want to join our event staff can click on our volunteer section at the left of the screen on the GMMT website. This is an exciting time in Canada for cannabis law reform.. The GMMT organization is a great group of dedicated and passionate people, with terrific morale and a real sense of community in purpose.

If you want to enjoy GMMT during the weekend of the event but still have to be involved in one of the most important civil rights issues of your time, you can help us promote the event by distributing fliers and posters within your community. E-mail us at the address above and we'll set you up as the event draws near.
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Q. Can I support GMMT without getting very involved?
A. Yep. Show up, have a great time, and bring all of your friends. and VOTE. If you are too busy working a job or raising a family to be active in the movement to make cannabis a safe and legal substance for responsible adults, we are fighting for your freedom already. Help us compete with the most well-financed disinformation campaign in the modern world with your contribution and support. We will spend it wisely, and make it mean something. We didn't get to be the biggest and the best in Canada by squandering our resources! You can trust us to speak loudly and responsibly for your freedom to choose.
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