Let's go into the history of this very important day for the debate on legalization
April 20, or "420" as it is commonly called, has become a symbolic day for those who support the legalization of cannabis and its culture. But where does this date come from and what is its history?
History
The history of 420 day dates back to the 1970s, when a group of high school students in San Rafael, California met at 4:20 in the afternoon to smoke cannabis. These students, who were part of a group of friends nicknamed "Waldos", used the term "420" to refer to their activity, and the number thus became synonymous with smoking weed.
420 day became popular among area youth, and the date was soon adopted as a time to celebrate cannabis culture. Over the years, April 20 has become a day of celebration for marijuana enthusiasts around the world. 420 day is not only a day for smoking cannabis, but has also become an opportunity for those who support the legalization of marijuana to organize rallies and public events to raise awareness about the topic. In many countries, April 20 has been declared National Cannabis Day.
The holiday
While celebrations may vary from country to country, many people commemorate the 420th with events, parties and demonstrations that celebrate cannabis and its culture. We have collected a small snapshot of what happens in each country:
In the United States, 420 day has become a very important annual event for cannabis consumers. Many smokers gather at large gatherings, such as the 420 Festival in Atlanta or the Cannabis Festival in Denver. In San Francisco, thousands of people gather in Golden Gate Park every year to smoke cannabis together
In Canada, 420 day took on new meaning in 2018, when the government legalized cannabis for recreational use. Many Canadians celebrate the 420th by visiting cannabis dispensaries or attending parties and events.
In Europe, 420 day is celebrated in many countries, but with different traditions. In Amsterdam, the city known for its cafes and coffee shops, many people gather to smoke cannabis and enjoy the view of the famous canals. In Germany, 420 day is often celebrated with parties and concerts, such as the Cannabis Festival in Berlin.
In South America, 420 day is often seen as a time to protest against drug laws that criminalize the use of cannabis. In Brazil, protesters gather in large numbers to demand the legalization of cannabis and an end to the war on drugs.
In Africa, 420 day is often celebrated with cultural events celebrating the history and culture of cannabis. In South Africa, for example, many people attend the Cannabis Expo to learn more about cannabis cultivation and the medicinal properties of the plant.
The current situation
Although 420 day is also criticized by some people who argue that its celebration promotes drug use and stoner culture, particularly from more conservative parties, it must be recognized as a seminal moment. It is in fact one of the few moments in which this topic, which could influence the economic and social future of many countries, becomes a topic of debate.
The legalization of cannabis continues to be a topic addressed by many countries around the world, with some governments having legalized the medical or recreational use of marijuana, while others ban it completely. In many countries, the use of cannabis remains a criminal offence, and those arrested for possession or dealing risk imprisonment and criminal conviction. While supporters of legalization argue that cannabis has multiple therapeutic uses and that its regulation could lead to increased tax revenue and reduced crime. Furthermore, legalization could also improve access to medical treatments for those who have need.
In many countries, the legalization of cannabis is still an ongoing process, but 420 day has helped bring the issue to the forefront of public opinion. The celebration of April 20 as Cannabis Day made many realize that cannabis is a plant with multiple uses, not just as a recreational drug.
Conclusions
While we hope for a future in which 420 day can be celebrated every day, we must consider that many steps forward are raising hope that this is not just a dream. The debate is at the center of media attention after the liberalization that is taking place in the United States and we can only hope that the topic will soon be addressed in our country too.
