How 4/20 celebrations have changed in Kamloops, Okanagan
Advocates of cannabis have been gathering for 4/20 Day on April 20 every year for decades to celebrate marijuana culture and push to loosen laws banning the substance, lighting up at 4:20 p.m.
Prior to legalization of recreational marijuana use, the day was more about rallying for change, but Kelowna journalist David Wylie said the day has evolved in Canada over the last few years.
“It’s turning into more of a party with lots of live music events,” he said. “There are lots of pot stores that have 4/20 deals. It’s more of a celebration and promotional kind of day.”
David Wylie is behind Okanagan Z, a website and newsletter covering the legal cannabis industry in Kelowna and beyond, and the writer of seven print magazines on cannabis distributed across the country.
He said a study is happening in Canada where the government is looking at potential consumption spaces, which is partly what the day means for some.
“Advocates in the industry are pretty strong on finding places where people are allowed to get together and use marijuana as a group,” he said. “The same as a bar, but there’s nothing quite like that for cannabis.”
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Also known as Weed Day among other monikers, 4/20 refers specifically to the twentieth day of the fourth month.
“The day is about what 4/20 means to some people, it’s a celebration of stoners,” Wylie said. “The social aspect is nice, just being around people and enjoying the plant.”
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Upside Cider near the Kelowna International Airport at 2555 Gale Road is hosting the first annual Kelowna Canna Music and Arts Celebrations on April 20 from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The venue won’t have alcohol, but there will be dancers, music and comedy, and tickets are limited.
The second annual BC Cannabis Summit is being held at Kelowna's Eldorado Hotel at 500 Cook Road from April 21 to 23 and tickets are almost sold out.
Over in Kamloops, a 420 night market is scheduled in celebration of cannabis culture at The Dunes at 652 Dune Drive from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 20. The 19 plus event showcases local vendors and a photo booth. There is no smoking cannabis allowed on the Dunes restaurant patio. The application deadline was end of February, but those interested can apply to a waitlist here.
If you know of any other 420 Day celebrations happening in the Kamloops or the Okanagan please leave a comment and let us know.
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