Marijuana and civil society: What it means to celebrate 420
Adina Bianchi
Issue date: 4/22/10 Section: Features
April 20 is the unofficial but nationally recognized marijuana holiday. The origins of this celebration of cannabis culture are purely speculative. One widely held legend is that a band of hooligans who called themselves the Waldos started the tradition by lighting up after school regularly at 4:20 p.m. at the Louis Pasteur statue in San Rafael, Calif. Other speculations include the claim that the Grateful Dead would play at 4:30 p.m. every day so the members would ceremonially light up before practice. Others believe that 420 is the police code for the criminal act of possession of marijuana. Whatever the origin, the holiday is universally recognized by, as Abe Lincoln would put it, "smoking a pipe of sweet hemp."
Although smoking pot may be the primary observance of 420, for many the day means much more than recognizing the euphoric effects of THC, the pharmacologically active chemical in marijuana. The ideals associated with marijuana culture, which include individual freedom, sexual liberation and environmentalism - linked with the celebration's nearness to Earth Day - are advocated through political rallies and lectures. Every year the UMass Cannabis Reform Coalition sponsors "Extravaganja," a "proud pro-pot protestival" held on the Amherst Common, during which funds are raised for advocating the legalization of marijuana. Many attend such events not just to get high, but because they support the underlying principles of the movement.
One commonly invoked argument for the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana is the War on Drugs, a drug enforcement initiative started under the Reagan administration that targeted marijuana as a "gateway drug." Those who oppose the prohibitionist policy claim that it has only been successful at overcrowding prisons with innocent people who were arrested for a victimless crime, the burden of which falls on the shoulders of taxpayers. Some claim that not being able to control the distribution and sale of marijuana feeds a black market and allows for the violence associated with illegal drug trafficking to prevail.
Although smoking pot may be the primary observance of 420, for many the day means much more than recognizing the euphoric effects of THC, the pharmacologically active chemical in marijuana. The ideals associated with marijuana culture, which include individual freedom, sexual liberation and environmentalism - linked with the celebration's nearness to Earth Day - are advocated through political rallies and lectures. Every year the UMass Cannabis Reform Coalition sponsors "Extravaganja," a "proud pro-pot protestival" held on the Amherst Common, during which funds are raised for advocating the legalization of marijuana. Many attend such events not just to get high, but because they support the underlying principles of the movement.
One commonly invoked argument for the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana is the War on Drugs, a drug enforcement initiative started under the Reagan administration that targeted marijuana as a "gateway drug." Those who oppose the prohibitionist policy claim that it has only been successful at overcrowding prisons with innocent people who were arrested for a victimless crime, the burden of which falls on the shoulders of taxpayers. Some claim that not being able to control the distribution and sale of marijuana feeds a black market and allows for the violence associated with illegal drug trafficking to prevail.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
szabo2
stephen sabo
posted 4/22/10 @ 7:05 AM EST
how about these:
4 & 20 blackbird's baked in a pie?
rainy day woman number 12 & 35? (12 X 35 = 420) you know, the Dylan tune, "everybody must get stoned"
D. Sloane
posted 4/22/10 @ 8:12 AM EST
Outstanding. It's refreshing to see a piece on this important subject not littered with cheap puns, winks and smirks. I wish most editors were so enlightened. (Continued…)
Legal High
posted 5/14/10 @ 1:10 AM EST
Awesome article, but I got to tell ya.. I have found and used one of the best marijuana alternitives that was as good or even better than the best pot I smoked. (Continued…)
linda
posted 5/27/10 @ 8:46 AM EST
Most ancient cultures have tradition of using opium marijuana,hemp...
Herbal Smoke
posted 6/20/10 @ 1:46 AM EST
Herbal Incense are becoming an alternative to THC, and seem to be gaining much popularity among many people.
Columbus DJ
posted 7/24/10 @ 12:22 AM EST
Interesting... never knew what the term 420 stood for... although I've heard of it!
Fun read!
Charlotte Home Remodeling Contractor
posted 7/24/10 @ 12:30 AM EST
I think this will be one of the big battles in many states next year.
Interesting article... thanks!
Wicked X
posted 8/21/10 @ 9:01 PM EST
I'm hoping more states will get on board with legalizing marijuana, if for no other reason that to provide comfort to medical patients. In the meantime, if you're looking for a safe, alternative and legal high, herbal incense could be the product for you. (Continued…)
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