420 or 4/20 or 4-20 or 4.20…however you read or write it, it is the quintessential stoner holiday, and it is on a Saturday in 2019 for the first time in years! While 4/20 proves to be enjoyable for cannabis advocates and aficionados year after year, being able to celebrate the holiday through the entire weekend is sure to bring joy to many. Even mainstream companies are getting on board now that more states are legalizing cannabis, including Carl’s Jr. who will be testing a CBD infused burger at one of their Denver locations exclusively on 4/20.
So,why 4/20? While some people think the term 420 originated from a police code, the association of weed and 420 originated in the 1970s with group of San Rafael High School friends known as the Waldos (because their chosen hang-out spot was a wall outside the school) who used the term in connection with a fall 1971 plan to search for an abandoned cannabis crop that they had learned about in a nearby forest. They designated the Louis Pasteur statue on the grounds of San Rafael High School as their meeting place, and 4:20 p.m. as their meeting time. The group referred to this plan as “4:20 Louis”. After having no success in finding the crop, they eventually shortened their phrase to “4:20”, which quickly spread through the early ‘70s stoner culture and has now evolved into a codeword that cannabis consumers use on the daily. Today, it is celebrated by anyone who appreciates the cannabis plant, even if they love hip-hop music or shoes more.
According to Traffic Roots, in 2016 on April 20th there were astronomical sales that surpassed $37M with an increase in over 30% of foot traffic into dispensaries. Since 2016, we have seen huge states like California (world’s 5th largest economy) come on board and even a country went fully recreational, Canada! One can only assume this trend is going one way: forward.
As we celebrate, it is essential that we continue to advocate. There is still lots of work to do in the area of cannabis policy reform.
“The growing prominence of 4/20 as a cultural phenomenon speaks to the growing acceptance of marijuana legalization by the public, pundits, and even among an increasing number of politicians,” said NORML Political Director Justin Strekal. “While states continue to blaze the trail forward with regard to regulating the legal medical and adult-use markets, we have observed a significant increase in the public’s belief that the mere consumption of cannabis should not lead to a loved one being arrested or adversely affected by discriminatory housing, educational, or policing policies.”
So…what IS happening on 4/20/2019? Let’s see….
Events to attend on or around 420:
CannaCon – Oklahoma City, OK
Mile High 420 Festival – Denver, CO
The “original” 420 festival and still one of the largest gatherings to celebrate this holiday
It’s Lit presented by Ionic – Seattle, WA
A fusion of food from some of Seattle’s top chefs, art and entertainment set up in a unique market style where guests interact with food vendors much like you would at a popular Asian Night Market.
Launch of an animation series about a stoner superhero named Jimmy High who gains his super powers from smoking marijuana. They’ll be releasing our first episode of “The Adventures of Jimmy High” on our YouTube page on 4/20
Evolve presented by Respect my Region – Spokane, WA
This party will take place in a venue encompassing an entire city block and feature multiple levels of entertainment as well as cannabis industry contributors, live painting & art boutiques, massive sound, production and line up.
Waldo’s Forever Fest in Chicago, IL and Tulsa, OK presented by Verano brands
Tacos and THC parties hosted by all 15 locations of The Green Solution (TGS) – Colorado (except the Silver Plume and Trinidad stores)
TGS locations will host taco food trucks throughout the day, offering a complimentary two-taco plate for loyalty customers using online ordering, as well as an offer of a penny truffle with any purchase, while supplies last.
Cannabis Boutique Experience hosted by The Leaf El Paseo – Palm Desert, CA
Event will include Live DJ, Street Tacos and Vendor Booths
Several shows from the Upright Citizens Brigade – Los Angeles, CA
Shows include I’m too Effing High and Stoned Scenes with Big Grande
The EventHi Team has several events listed all over, including their own Kustock 7 party in both Michigan and California as well as the following…
New Bedford, MA
Goddess of Green Kicks Off with a “Free The Leaf” Private Dinner Soft Opening Event of our Holistic Canna Yoga Center
Hosted by Goddess of Green
Friday, Apr 19th, 2019
South Paris, ME
4/20 Ganja Goddess Women’s Retreat
Hosted by Lynsey Tamposi
Friday, Apr 19th, 2019 3:00 PM –
Sunday, Apr 21st, 2019 4:20 PM
San Diego, CA
Canna Meet You
Hosted by Elvira Rios
Saturday, Apr 20th 2019
Worcester, MA
420 24 Hour Charity Event
Hosted by The Summit Lounge & Bean Town Green Town
Saturday, Apr 20th, 2019 12:00 AM –
Sunday, Apr 21st, 2019 12:00 AM
North Hollywood, CA
Black Hippies
Hosted by Ljo
Saturday, Apr 20th, 2019
Washington, DC
ELEVATED EQUINOX: A Sensory Exploration of Cannabis and Fine Dining
Hosted by Chef Megon Dee-Cave
Saturday, Apr 20th, 2019
Los Angeles, CA
Elevated Intimacy: A Couple’s Circle
Hosted by Carli Jo
Saturday, Apr 20th, 2019
Detroit, MI
#SunriseSaturdays 420 Edition
Hosted by Heather Sea & High-End Detroit
Saturday, Apr 20th, 2019
Cannacity Presents: She’s Smokin’ 4/20 Fashion and Art Incubator
An evening of music, fashion, art and cannabis!
Friday: 4/19 at 4:20pm to 4/20 at 4:20am
Come Back Daily Launches Annual CBD Week® – NYC, NY
Come Back Daily -Tribeca
–THURS 4/18, 6:30pm-9pm – Sound Bath Meditation Class, VIBROBATH™ sound bath meditation led by the renowned Devi Mambouka.
–SAT 4/20, 3:30pm-5pm – Runner’s High, a group run, lead by Kenisha White of Rage & Release, exploring the history of cannabis with stops, including Overthrow NYC (High Times), Washington Square Park and ending in Battery Park.
Come Back Daily -Harlem
–THURS 4/18, 6pm-9pm – 420 Community Mixer, an evening with music, food, drinks from New Level Juice as well as a CBD vape bar.
–Overthrow NYC
SAT 4/20, 4:20 PM – Fight the Stigma, a donation-based boxing class and honest discussion focusing on our collective struggles with various mental health issues & experiences, featuring Come Back Daily co-founder, Steven Phan.
For more information, or to RSVP to the events, please visit www.comebackdaily.co
BREAKING HABITS, documentary film about Sister Kate and her CBD business Sisters of the Valley opens across the U.S. on FRIDAY APRIL 19TH. Nuns and cannabis, enough said!
Trailer https://youtu.be/w2v6kd4dFjg
Buds on Rose, curated by Higgs – Venice, CA
Somewhere between a good old-fashioned block party, pub-crawl and treasure hunt, Buds on Rose is a one day event where people can come together, connect with one another and immerse themselves in different experiences with the help of local businesses and cannabis
Bands and DJ performances, free CBD drinks, tacos, pre-rolls, and even haircuts are some of the options which will be offered as guests hop around from one place to the next.
Also, lots of event listings on Pot Guide and they list by both date and location, and Lift&Co has compiled a list of lots of great 420 celebrations and other events in Canada.
Other cannabis specials to note on 420…
Dr. Dabber is offering specials all month long, including at $420 special for the Dr. Dabber Switch!
Use code 20FOR420 for 20% off the 8 oz Cannabolish Spray
The+Source 4.20 Festival – Las Vegas, NV
4/20 specials offered from Monday, April 15 through Saturday, April 20 will include:
Various specials from Polaris, Tahoe Hydro, Tsunami, Highly Edible, and Cannabiotix. The specials are for concentrate and flower lovers alike and they have lots of options for complementary items with purchase as well.
Insomnia Cookies – Philadelphia, PA
A 4/20 party with free cookies for all! Customers are invited to enjoy one free traditional cookie in-store at all nationwide locations. No purchase is necessary to join this party.
$25 off the $95 3-pack Kit Sampler + Ardent canvas bag
$40 off when you buy 3-pack Kit Sampler and the NOVA Lift + Ardent canvas bag – Ardent branded box with NOVA + 3 Kits
Source Turbo 4/20 Deal 20% off from 4/1 to 4/20: Coupon Code: HAPPY420
$169 Bundle Includes Hydrology9 Vaporizer, Leather Carrying Case and additional Hydrology9 Acrylic Glass Cylinder Tube.
Dip Devices will be running a weekend-long sale and donating a portion of the proceeds to Students for Sensible Drug Policy, a student organization dedicated to fighting for drug policy reform.
VerdeVie is preparing for 4/20 with the launch of new products that are available online as of April 8th, 2019, including the VerdeVie ‘Rest Kit’
Check out the delicious recipes you can make at home thanks to Magical Butter Machine
Vessel vapes typically retail for $100, the “Haze” box is an amazing value via Bespoke Post, where it’ll retail for $45 for Bespoke Post members, or $55 for non-members. The vape and other fun 4/20 celebratory products can be found here
Emjay products – Oakland, CA
On Friday (4/19), customers will get 50% off all edibles on the menu with code ‘SWEET’On Saturday (4/20), customers will get 50% off all flower on the menu with code ‘4204U’. Each order will also include a complimentary pack of RAW brand organic hemp rolling papers.
Whatever you choose to do this 4/20, make it a good one! This is a day for celebrating, remembering, and continuing advocacy. Happy 420!