Wednesday April 20, the 20th day of the 4th month, is 4:20 day!
4:20 Day is a celebration of the positive uses of cannabis, with spontaneous smoke-ins, smoke-ups and smoke-outs happening on street corners and parks all around the world.
The term "4:20" has in recent years become a code-word for consuming cannabis, and synonymous with celebrating freedom. (try a google search of "420" and see!)
Across the United States in particular, millions of dedicated cannabis consumers light up in unison every day at 4:20pm, and on this day there will be millions more.
Because of the time zones, New Zealand leads the world again.
In Auckland, people can join in the fun at the newly painted 4:20 Box by the Albert Park steps, just up from The Hempstore on Victoria St East, at 4:20pm of course!
The 4:20 Box is a new piece of public street art commissioned by The Hempstore, turning an unattractive traffic light control box, on the corner of Albert Park, Victoria St East and Kitchener St, into a stunning work of surreal art complete with 4:20 themes and references.
"the current high levels of use, and the level of black economy activity indicate that the current prohibition regime is not effective in limiting cannabis use. Prohibition results in high conviction rates for a relatively minor offence, which inhibits people's education, travel and employment opportunities. Prohibition makes targeting education, prevention, harm minimisation and treatment measures difficult because users fear prosecution. It also facilitates the black market, and potentially exposes cannabis users to harder drugs."
"[Under legalisation and regulation] Education, prevention, harm minimisation and treatment measures would be easier to promulgate including the promotion of safe cannabis use practices. This option would eliminate criminal convictions for cannabis use and personal possession cases... This option could free up Police resources. Over-the-counter sales could substantially reduce the cannabis black market. Legislation would provide the opportunity to tax what is reportedly a thriving cannabis business and to direct the additional revenue toward treatment and education."
So remember, where ever you are at 4:20pm today, spark a torch of freedom!
