The origins of the marijuana holiday 4/20 are hazy; the best guess is that it was a slang term amongst weed-smoking teens in 1970’s California high schools, popularized by followers of the Grateful Dead. Wherever the catchy three-digit code came from, it is here to stay. This past 4/20 in Denver came with increased police presence as tokers and tourists took to the streets for music festivals and THC-laden cuisine. It is estimated that 125,000 people showed up for the celebration.
Colorado police tweeted on the 19th that they did not want to be buzzkills during the celebration and urged partakers to consume responsibly and to designate a sober driver to prevent driving high.
Despite the huge turnout, police only gave out a few citations, and most of those were for public consumption.
Legality of Weed in Colorado
When it comes to recreational use of marijuana in the state of Colorado, many users are uninformed about what is legal and what is not. Public consumption is currently illegal, though if you were out and about during the 4/20 weekend, you might not have gotten that impression.
The public consumption laws are widely disregarded, but that should not be your cue to toke it up in the crowd. Sure, you might not be caught – then again, you might. Check out our marijuana FAQs to learn more about legality of marijuana in Colorado, or check our our in-depth discussion in the video below:
DUI Matters – Denver Drugged Driving Lawyers
Source: http://gazette.com/police-in-colorado-issue-dozens-of-citations-at-420-marijuana-events/article/1549915 The Hazy Origins of 4/20: A Celebration of Marijuana in Colorado
The roots of the marijuana holiday known as 4/20 are somewhat shrouded in mystery. While the precise origin remains elusive, the prevailing theory suggests it emerged as a slang term among cannabis-consuming teens in 1970s California high schools. Over time, it gained popularity, particularly among followers of the Grateful Dead. Regardless of its hazy past, 4/20 has firmly entrenched itself as a celebrated date for cannabis enthusiasts. This past 4/20 in Denver witnessed an increase in police presence as both locals and tourists flocked to the streets for music festivals and THC-infused culinary delights. The event drew an estimated 125,000 attendees.
On the 19th of April, Colorado police took to Twitter with a message that they didn’t intend to dampen the festivities but rather encouraged responsible consumption and the appointment of a designated sober driver to discourage driving under the influence.
Despite the massive turnout, law enforcement issued only a few citations, with most related to public consumption.
Understanding the Legalities of Marijuana in Colorado
For many recreational marijuana users in Colorado, there is a lack of clarity regarding what is legal and what is not. Currently, public consumption of marijuana is prohibited, although the 4/20 weekend may have created a different impression.
It’s essential to note that public consumption laws are often disregarded, but this should not serve as an invitation to consume cannabis in public spaces openly. While you may evade detection, there is always a risk of being apprehended. For a comprehensive understanding of marijuana’s legal status in Colorado, refer to our FAQs or watch our in-depth discussion in the accompanying video.
As the 4/20 celebration in Denver vividly illustrates, marijuana users must be well-informed about the legal landscape to avoid potential legal consequences. For guidance on matters related to marijuana legality and any potential legal issues you may face, consult our experts at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, a law firm specializing in alcohol and drug-related driving offenses in Colorado. Your awareness and responsible choices are paramount, particularly in a state where marijuana is legally accessible.
Do you have further questions or concerns? Call us or contact the attorneys at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, and we will be happy to help.