More than any year prior, 2024 exemplifies how mainstream 4/20, the unofficial marijuana holiday, has become.
Marijuana for decades was relegated to various countercultures, primarily due to the harsh laws and propaganda surrounding it. It’s undeniable that in recent years, marijuana has become increasing mainstream. 24 of 50 states have legalized recreational marijuana, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana, and polling shows that 88% oppose the federal government’s current stance of keeping both recreational and medical marijuana entirely illegal.
As marijuana gains popularity and becomes more mainstream, so does April 20, the day long celebrated by cannabis consumers and supporters. This year, it’s more mainstream then ever.
Here’s just a few of the recent news stories demonstrating how mainstream 4/20 has become:
- Yesterday Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser signed into law an ordinance that makes 4/20 a marijuana tax holiday. The ordinance was passed unanimously by the district’s council.
- On 4/20, Hulu and Disney+ is debuting a new docuseries called High Hopes. Executive produced by Jimmy Jimmel, the six-part docuseries will follow the owners and employees of MMD (Medical Marijuana Dispensary), one of the oldest marijuana dispensaries in Hollywood, California.
- Popular videogame series Call of Duty announced recently that they will be holding a special event on 4/20, and will also be launching a Cheech and Chong-themed DLC pack the same day. The 4/20 event includes a new game mode, new map and a variety of new items.
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Cory Booker, are currently circulating a letter to colleagues asking them to join as cosponsors for the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, which they plan to officially introduce on April 20. The measure would legalize marijuana nationwide, including establishing a regulatory framework and removing marijuana as a controlled substance.
This is just some of the news that continues and strengthens a trend from recent years, with lawmakers and those in the entertainment and news industry continuing to take note of and participate in 4/20.
With more states and nations legalizing marijuana, and with support for reform continuing to grow, this trend is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
