According to stoner lore, a group of high school students in 1970s San Rafael, California, liked to meet up to smoke weed after their last class of the day. They started using 4:20 as code for when they’d convene at a nearby stone wall to toke up.
Almost fifty years later, 4:20 has endured as slang for cannabis aficionados, not just as a way to acknowledge kindred spirits on the down-low, but now to openly identify all things associated with cannabis, from potential dates and roommates to 420-friendly lodging on sites like Airbnb and Couchsurfing.com.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 420 celebrations around the country have been cancelled, like most other large gatherings. Nevertheless, the spirits of weed enthusiasts and medical cannabis cardholders are high, driving record sales in legal states despite shelter-in-place restrictions. Consequently, cannabis fans are embracing inventive ways to celebrate 4/20, the April holiday that traces back to that long-ago California smoke session.
In this challenging time, many people are seeking at-home entertainment. The anti-anxiety properties of cannabis, along with its efficacy in treating nausea, insomnia, epilepsy, chronic pain, and other conditions, have led legal states to designate cannabis dispensaries as essential services, alongside gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies. The 4/20 celebration is a chance to enjoy a communal mellow during difficult times while recognizing the varying levels of legality that exist in over half of the 50 states.
420 Isn’t Completely Cancelled
Cannabis fans have particularly anticipated 4/20 this year – after all, it’s not just April 20th, but 4/20/2020, marking a significant moment in cannabis culture. Unfortunately, many have geared up for epic gatherings only to face cancellations similar to events like SXSW, Coachella, and San Diego Comic-Con. Public celebrations have been deemed unsafe due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cities that typically host large cannabis celebrations, including Denver and San Francisco, are discouraging revelers from leaving their homes to enjoy the spring sunshine with their favorite strain.
According to London Breed, the mayor of San Francisco, 4/20 celebrations will not be tolerated this year. She urged residents to stay home, order food, watch Netflix, and stay safe.
The Mile High 420 Festival in Denver, known as the world’s largest cannabis event, has also followed the city’s guidelines to minimize public interactions. Organizers have announced there are currently no plans to reschedule due to the continuing spread of the virus.
In Toronto, the 420 event has similarly been cancelled, with a possibility of postponement depending on the pandemic’s status. The Facebook event page hints at July 4th as a potential alternate date.
Celebrating 420 Online
Like many facets of public life during the coronavirus era, 4/20 is making a transition to online celebrations this year. Individual cannabis enthusiasts, friendly organizations, and even celebrities are planning large digital gatherings to replicate the energy and excitement of traditional celebrations.
Debi C. from Toronto notes, “With social distancing clouding our plans, many provinces, media outlets, lounges, and groups are creating social sessions that we genuinely need during this unprecedented time.”
One notable event is hosted by 7Acres, a Canadian cannabis producer, featuring a Virtual Sesh combining live cannabis-themed music by DJ Mensa, standup comedy by Mike Rita, and communal smoke sessions online, restricted to those 19 and older.
The Great American Sesh In also features headliners like B-Real, Too $hort, Tommy Chong, Citizen Cope, Rob Garza, Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction, and Scott Page of Pink Floyd. This telethon-style event will benefit COVID-19 first responders and will be hosted on Twitch, a popular streaming platform.
Snoop Dogg is also participating in the fun with a live Smoke-In, featuring a DJ set and a digital drop of his album The Chronic on Instagram. Comedian Chelsea Handler is hosting a panel on Sex + Weed in Quarantine. Additionally, Willie Nelson is orchestrating a 4-hour and 20-minute event titled Come & Toke It on Twitch.
Cannabis lovers are also finding creative ways to celebrate. Ada Marie McVean shared her experience of creating an all-day 420 schedule with friends globally, designating slots for gaming and an evening pizza party.
Despite the closures of restaurants and bars, some fast food chains are offering specials aiming to cater to munchie cravings on 4/20. Del Taco is providing ten tacos for $4.20 through their app, while Blaze Pizza offers a free upgrade to their thicker “High-Rise” dough through the Blaze Pizza app on 4/20, redeemable until 4/26, suitable for takeout or delivery.
Ultimately, 420 is about uniting individuals around a shared passion for cannabis, celebrating increased acceptance of its use after years of stigma. During these extraordinary times, many cannabis users are finding togetherness, even if it means toasting to their screens instead of passing joints in person.
