With April 20th around the corner, it is a good time to learn more about the legend of 420 and how society’s opinions surrounding cannabis have been changing since legalization.
Village Media sat down with our friends Leanne and Paul Thompson, co-founders of Little Leaf Cannabis Co. Inc. in Stratford, to chat about people’s changing views and to find out how they entertain with cannabis.
What is 420?
There are a few stories behind the myth of 420. A popular story is that 420 was a police code signifying illegal cannabis use before legalization. In fact, it is more likely that 420 refers to time: 4:20 pm.
“The most predominant story is from San Rafael, California. A group of friends would gather every day at 4:20 in the afternoon to smoke weed. Eventually, 420 became synonymous with using cannabis,” explains Paul.
Using the numbers 4-20 to refer to cannabis has become common slang. It is so recognizable that the 2006 Medical Marijuana Program Act bill in California was officially named Bill 420.
Since legalization of recreational cannabis here in Canada in 2018, many retailers and cannabis users continue the tradition and celebrate on April 20th each year. Some recreational cannabis growers even kick off their growing season on that day. As Paul says, “It is like Christmas in the cannabis community!”
The Changing Perceptions of Cannabis Users
While 420 celebrations may be more commonplace these days, cannabis use is not as widely accepted as alcohol or tobacco use.
In the four and a half years since legalization, people’s perceptions of cannabis users have improved, but some stigmas still exist. Even though it is legal to smoke cannabis anywhere that tobacco is legal to smoke in Stratford, many people still don’t react well to smelling cannabis in public.
“People in the cannabis community are becoming more open about their own consumption,” says Leanne. “But I would love to see that people are comfortable to have a cannabis drink at a party or smoke a joint without having to hide behind the garage.”
Hosting a 420 Party
As stigmas diminish, party hosts are starting to think of providing cannabis along with, or instead of, alcoholic beverages. Stocking up for a party requires some planning in order to stay within the law. Here in Ontario, individuals are only allowed to transport 30 grams of cannabis at a time. If a host wants to have a variety of cannabis products on hand to share with their adult guests, they might have to take a few trips to their local cannabis store.
“You also need to make sure that you’re storing cannabis properly so it doesn’t go dry. If you are going to plan a month out, you want to make sure that your cannabis is just as fresh as the day you bought it,” says Paul.
Leanne adds, “The best way to make sure that you’re following the rules, not overspending, and purchasing cannabis that your guests will enjoy is to come in and talk to us. We can help you to figure out what to buy, how much to buy, how to store it, and how to make sure that you’re staying within the law.”
The team at Little Leaf Cannabis is planning their own celebration on April 20th. Stop by their store at 804 Ontario Street in Stratford to check out the festivities.