Several dozen Montrealers experienced high times on Saturday as a marijuana café opened its doors less than a block away from a police station.
"The music, the atmosphere...it's amazing," said Antoine Debast, 23, peering through a thick haze of smoke at the hustle and bustle at Chez Marijane.
"This is more like a rave than a cafe."
Hugo St-Onge, leader of Quebec's Bloc Pot party, was all smiles as he cut a red, black and green ribbon and declared the café officially open.
"It's time to stop the persecution," Mr. St-Onge said on the cafe steps as trucks passed by honking support.
"Here at Chez Marijane, (people) can come to express themselves and share their culture in a friendly and secure environment."
The cafe will not sell pot, but people can bring their own to smoke, Mr. St-Onge said.
Possession of even small amounts of pot is illegal and police said last week they would enforce the law.
Police did keep an eye on the café Saturday but had not intervened three hours after its opening.