Headlining the events in Michigan for April 20th is a big fundraising celebration for MILegalize and a pub crawl-style event featuring Genesee County businesses and establishments.
Beyond the traditional cannabis user’s holiday- 4:20 is a reference to marijuana consumption- events catering to the medical marijuana community are planned across the state during the next month.
April 20
“Begin the day with a friendly voice, a companion unobtrusive…” So begins one of my favorite Rush songs. Begin the traditional stoner’s holiday by visiting Flint-area establishments like Clio Cultivation and The Sweet Leaf while filling up your Passport-style crawl card. The effort is not intended to increase the number of stoned drivers on the road but is an effort to raise awareness of the businesses that either cater to or are friendly toward the cannabis consumer. Electric Chair Tattoos, restaurants and other companies in the area are participating in the event. Both Buddy Dalton (Clio Cultivation) and Bob Johnson (The Sweet Leaf) are pleased to be included among the featured businesses and promise to greet visitors with that “friendly voice.” Complete the Crawl and get registered for a huge $1,900 light package or one of 15 gift baskets (one of which holds about $650 worth of supplies from The Sweet Leaf)!
The metro Detroit locations of BDT’s Smoke Shops are hosting 4:20 events, including special discounts and various food offerings. The flagship store in Hazel Park is having a pig roast, an appearance by four-time Stanley Cup Champion and former Red Wing Darren McCarty, and “fowling”- a game involving a football and bowling pins. McCarty and the food get launched off at approx. 3:30, and the hockey star will be in Hazel Park until 5:30. Call the various locations for details on what each store will be doing to show customer appreciation on this big day.
In the evening revelers can enjoy events that will knock your socks off- and maybe make you pee in your pants.
The Russell Industrial Complex is hosting a fundraiser for MILegalize, the grass-roots effort to put legalized marijuana for adult use on the ballot in Michigan this fall. Darren McCarty will appear and speak to the crowd; McCarty has gained national attention for his recent revelations that he uses medical marijuana to beat alcoholism and treat various ailments. Also appearing will be elected officials and those seeking higher office. MILegalize is in a matching funds period, meaning all monies gathered for the campaign will be doubled by an angel donor. There will be a cash bar and an auction. Suggested donation at the door is $25 and the event runs from 4-9pm.
Afterwards, a comedy show organized by Detroit figure Marvin Jihad will kick off just down the road a bit at The Pickle Factory. ‘Tokes and Jokes’ features The Cannabis Games with Hippies vs The Hipsters, magic by Boyer and a rotating cast of comedians. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Traverse City has an active comedy scene, and the Rotten Cherries group will launch their ‘Sign The Petitions Comedy Showcase’ at 7pm on April 20. You can find event organizer Dave Basey at Studio Anatomy on Front Street in downtown Traverse City; both MILegalize and Abrogate petitions will be on hand for attendees to sign.
April 23
The Magic Bag in Ferndale hosts the annual 4:20 party from the Grateful Dead cover band Dead Again. Doors open at 8pm.
April 26
Rosie O’Grady’s, a famous Ferndale pub, will host a special broadcast of The Full Melt Radio Show featuring Steve Greene with guest Jamie Lowell (3rd Coast Dispensary, MILegalize). The broadcast will double as a MILegalize petition collection drive and a fundraiser. Ferndale is a community with a long tradition of supporting marijuana law reform, and attendance is expected to be strong for the event (21 and over only).
April 27
Very few MILegalize fundraisers can be called Signature Events; a unique Detroit party at Sinbad’s on the 27th is one of those very special nights. The evening affair carries a suggested donation of $100 per person. The restaurant is known for their fine cuisine, and the evening will end with a fabulous auction including items signed by notables like Tommy Chong. This event also falls within the matching funds period, meaning all your good donations will be doubled!
April 29
Lansing’s Causeway Bay Hotel is the site for the Extreme Cannquest & Expo. Hosts G Steve Green and Maria Green of Hybrid:Life Magazine are encouraging people to attend this three-day event, running until May 1, with vendors, speeches and the Crystal Trichome Awards presentation. More information at: expo.hybrid.life/
Bert’s Warehouse Theater is a familiar site for pro-cannabis events, and the AMMP is hosting a three-day party starting on April 29. For more information visit: www.americanmedicalmarijuanaprofessionals.net/detroitexpo.html
May 7
International Cannabis Liberation Day is traditionally celebrated in both Detroit and Traverse City, and this year will be no exception. In Detroit, the gathering is at the Grand Circus Park; in Traverse City, it’s on the corner of Grandview Parkway & Union Street. “We join over 300 cities worldwide to raise public awareness of the horrors caused by the prohibition of this wonderful plant,” said Rev. Steven Thompson of Benzie County NORML, the event sponsor. “A person is now arrested every 42 seconds for simple possession!” There is no cost to attend either event.
Source: The Compassion Chronicles