With signs in hand, a half-dozen people marched down Charlotte Street on Friday to the sounds of cheers and honking car horns from onlookers showing their support.

They were marching as part of an an event called 4/20, an annual celebration of cannabis culture where participants attempt to bring a wider understanding of marijuana to the public.

Muggy weather didn’t stop passersby from joining the group on its trek down to the Wentworth Park bandshell, and by the end of the march 16 people stood together in solidarity.

The 4/20 celebration is important for many users of marijuana as a way to show support for legalization for recreational use, but Sydney’s first Medical Marijuana March was focused on a different idea, says march organizer Cory Mombourquette.

“It’s not necessarily about 4/20, it’s about setting a precedent for Nova Scotia and Canada to show that we need to have these medical dispensaries. We need to be able to help everyone equally.”

He liked the turnout for the march but suspected the damp weather kept many would-be participants away.

“People might think there isn’t a lot of support, but even with this small turnout I don’t think it matters. Everyone else is here in spirit.”

Mombourquette is a medical marijuana patient, and uses marijuana to help deal with migraines from a head injury he suffered in 2009.

“I’ve tried slews of medications doctors pushed on me and none of it worked. Marijuana works for me. It doesn’t mess you up like OxyContin or hydromorphine would.”

He likes the idea of legalization but thinks marijuana being sold at Nova Scotia Liquor Commission outlets isn’t a good idea.

“I think everyone should have a fair crack at it; you should have private retailers for more opportunities with business and jobs so people can come and work here.”

“NSLC has experience with checking IDs of people but I don’t think they have the experience or knowledge to deal with this industry, and selling it next to liquor isn’t a good idea.”

Richard Rose, who attended the march, agrees with Mombourquette.

“It’s counter-productive. I know enough people who have given up alcohol and enjoy smoking. I work in the night-life and I see how alcohol can ruin people, but people who sit at home with marijuana for recreational use aren’t getting in trouble,” he said.

“They might clean out the fridge a little bit, but other than that they’re doing nothing wrong.”

Scott MacDonald also participated in the march; he believes there is a stigma attached to medical marijuana patients.

“Come on — these are Cape Bretoners helping Cape Bretoners. If you know someone is hurting, it’s your God-given duty to help them out.”

MacDonald has been on prescribed medications for epilepsy and depression since he was 12 years old and he believes marijuana helps him more than pills.

“I took myself off every bit of it, thanks to this. I don’t take one pill anymore.”