Words by Natasha Hemraze
Whether you are a carefree spirit, feeling a little experimental, or are entirely in opposition to the legalisation and usage of cannabis; 4/20 is a worldwide cultural movement that embraces the consumption of marijuana.
Known as – weed, pot, grass, ganja, hash and more. Since its arrival in the UK in the 1960s, this magical herb has become a cultural phenomenon.
There is a lot of speculation as to where the term “4/20” itself came from. Originating in California during the 1970s, there are a range of myths surrounding the term’s origin, including references to the number of active chemicals within marijuana, the location of a hidden treasure map for a hidden cannabis crop in the 70s, and an eerie connection to Hitler’s birthday.
Though it is illegal in several countries including the UK – that doesn’t hold back thousands of people from gathering in London’s Hyde Park on the 20th of April to smoke, celebrate and veg out. This high society event is considered to be the largest weed festival in the world.
In the United States, students flock to college campuses to celebrate the drug. Some have smoke-outs, concerts, and cannabis festivals. Cannabis has often been associated with anti-social, beatnik, and hippie behaviour. In 1970s America, it signified a sense of carelessness and anti-social behaviour – a movement against conservatism.
Despite several legal efforts to criminalise the possession, use, and distribution of cannabis – it remains the most widely used illegal drug in the UK.
In June 2022, 16.2% of 16 to 24-year-olds used cannabis, alongside 7.4% of 16 to 59-year-olds. Cannabis, therefore, is the most consistently used drug in England and Wales.
Last year, there was some debate surrounding the classification and legalisation of cannabis – as a Liberal Oxford student, the memorable Liz Truss stuck posters on freshers’ stalls stating “Free the Weed”. However, Suella Braverman has been wanting to reclassify cannabis as Class-A, perceiving it to be a gateway drug. She’d prefer it to be placed alongside harder drugs such as cocaine and crystal meth. However, Downing Street has confirmed that this will not be going ahead.
Many governments across the world have begun to legalise the recreational use of cannabis. Countries like Germany, Canada, and several states in the US are legalising marijuana, and have economically benefitted from it. However, in a wider sphere, cannabis is allowed to be used for medicinal purposes, such as chronic pain, and nausea caused by chemotherapy and other diseases. Some young people use it as a way to offset anxiety and depression. Cannabis can also be consumed in several ways other than smoking it – some incredible recipes incorporate marijuana into food. Additionally, cannabis oils are used for pain, alongside drinks and vaporizers.
Similar to the post-prohibition period in the US, nations have begun to enjoy the advantages of having cannabis join the free market. By placing cannabis in their free markets, Germany and Canada have been able to gain control over the industry. During the pandemic, the black market for cannabis remained stable as corporations and businesses crashed. Germany, Canada and the Netherlands are all nations that have been able to demonstrate that society would not fall apart should cannabis be legalised.
4/20 and the cannabis trade have come to represent a growing community (literally). Whether you are here for a good time, or smoke for medicinal reasons – cannabis has come to be an ever-expanding social and economic market, and many have been fortunate by sowing these seeds.