In the culture of cannabis, April 20th is a holiday known as “4/20” where people gather and smoke weed in enjoyment and protest of prohibition. The origins of 4/20 are debated, but it is believed to have started with a group of California high school students in the 1970s who met at 4:20 p.m. to smoke. In New York, celebrations used to carry the risk of arrest or fines, leading to secret gatherings in places where authorities were lenient. However, since the legalization of marijuana in 2021, the protests have largely subsided, and more events catering to cannabis users have emerged.
As the legal cannabis industry in the state has grown, so have the variety of events for 4/20 celebrations. In addition to private parties and smokeouts, there are now comedy shows, block parties, workshops on growing cannabis at home, and special menu collaborations between restaurants and dispensaries. Events like MARY Fest in Brooklyn offer unique experiences for both long-time cannabis users and those who are new or “canna-curious.” Brands have also started sponsoring some of these events, adding to the diversity of offerings for participants.
One unique event in New York City during the 4/20 celebrations was Dabs and Lattes, a podcast recording that involved taking increasingly hot dabs instead of eating hot chicken wings. Dabbing is a method of consuming weed by heating marijuana concentrate until it evaporates, then inhaling it. Attendees chose from a variety of resins and paired them with coffee while enjoying the podcast recording. The event showcased the growing popularity and interest in cannabis-related activities in New York City.
Another event that took place during the 4/20 celebrations was a “Wake and Bike” ride organized by Social Cycling NYC, where participants rode through Manhattan and Queens. For some, like Filipino immigrant Paulo Garcia, this event combined two interests, biking, and smoking weed, that were dangerous to enjoy in his homeland. In New York, where cannabis laws have been relaxed, people like Garcia and others feel free to enjoy their hobbies without the fear of repercussions like they would have faced in their home countries.
At MARY Fest in Brooklyn, attendees had the opportunity to learn how to roll joints and grow cannabis at home. With the recent legalization that allows residents to keep up to six plants at home, including three mature and three immature plants, workshops like these have become more popular. One participant, Michelle Sajous, who has been using cannabis for 50 years, is excited to start growing her own supply now that she has the legal right to do so. These workshops and events highlight the changing attitudes towards cannabis in New York and the opportunities that come with legalization.
