[420 Girl]

TORONTO - The pungent smell of marijuana rose above crowds in several Canadian cities on Saturday at rallies calling for the drug to be legalized.

In Toronto, hundreds gathered near the Ontario legislature before a march through downtown streets.

Marc Emery, a well-known marijuana activist who's been dubbed Canada's "Prince of Pot," was expected to lead the march as grand marshal.

Emery is awaiting extradition to the United States on drug charges.

A similar event was held in downtown Vancouver at the city's art gallery, which is the scene of several pot rallies throughout the year.

Hundreds listened to speeches beside the countdown clock for the recent Vancouver Olympics as people in the crowd smoked up and munched on pot brownies.

Then, with Bob Marley songs playing from speakers on a van driving alongside them, the crowd marched towards a popular beach with a police escort.

"The prohibition is causing far more harm than the legalization of marijuana would," said 26-year-old James Cunningham, who lives in Vancouver and attended the rally.

"I think our message is starting to be heard, but it hasn't been heard completely yet. We're still living under an oppressive law system and it's time we get out there and really let them hear."

Similar events were planned in more than 200 cities around the world on Saturday, including other Canadian cities such as Ottawa and Calgary.

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