Every year on April 20, marijuana enthusiasts across the country celebrate what has become the most iconic unofficial holiday in cannabis culture: 4/20.
4/20 has evolved into a global celebration of marijuana and marijuana culture, as well as a call to action to help bring forth positive cannabis-related reforms. With legalization spreading across the United States and cannabis more mainstream than ever, 4/20 has taken on new meaning as both a counterculture celebration and a day of political and commercial significance.
Here are the top 10 ways people celebrate the cannabis holiday (in no particular order).
Lighting Up at 4:20 p.m.
One of the most time-honored traditions is lighting up precisely at 4:20 p.m. on 4/20. Whether it’s a joint, a bowl, a bong, or a dab rig, many make it a point to observe the moment in solidarity with cannabis users around the world.
Attending a 4/20 Festival or Rally
Cities like Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle are known for hosting large 4/20 gatherings that include concerts, vendor booths, advocacy speeches, and thousands of attendees lighting up in unison. These events often blend celebration with activism, drawing attention to ongoing reform efforts.
Trying a New Strain or Cannabis Product
For many, 4/20 is the perfect time to try a new strain or a cannabis product they’ve never tried before. Some brands even release limited-edition cultivars just for the occasion, drawing long lines of eager customers.
Take Advantage of Dispensary Deals
Like Black Friday for marijuana, 4/20 is the busiest day of the year for dispensaries and retail outlets. Retailers often offer major discounts on flower, edibles, concentrates, and more. Some even give away swag bags or host raffles for glassware and other prizes.
Smoke with Friends
Cannabis is often a communal activity, and 4/20 provides an excuse for friends to get together and share in the experience. Backyard barbecues, house parties, and group smoke sessions are a staple of the holiday.
Watch a Classic Stoner Movie
For many, no 4/20 is complete without a good stoner flick. Favorites include “Pineapple Express,” “Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke,” “Half Baked,” and “Dazed and Confused”, among many others.
Eat Edibles
From gummies and brownies to cannabis-infused beverages, edibles offer an alternative to smoking—and for many, they’re the preferred way to celebrate. Because edibles take longer to kick in and produce a longer-lasting higher compared to smoking, 4/20 is a good time to clear your schedule and enjoy the ride.
Smoke Blunts
Although plenty of cannabis consumers smoke blunts on a regular basis, for many, it’s something they only do occasionally or on special occasions – and what occasion is more special than 4/20?
Support Reform Efforts
Many use the day to advocate for marijuana reform, including statewide and national legalization. Social media campaigns, letter-writing to lawmakers, and donations to advocacy groups are all common forms of engagement.
Reflect on How Far Marijuana Has Come
With over half of U.S. states now allowing recreational use, 4/20 has transformed from a fringe holiday to a mainstream occasion. For longtime advocates and casual users alike, the day offers a moment to reflect on decades of activism, policy change, and cultural evolution.
