While many B.C. residents spent their Easter Sunday at church services or on chocolate hunts organized by the Easter Bunny, a few dozen people in the provincial capital had different plans in mind.
As the countdown to 4:20 p.m. was ticking, cannabis enthusiasts gathered in Victoria with joints and blunts in hand to celebrate this year’s 4/20. When the moment struck, a cloud of smoke and cheers erupted from the crowd lounging on the front lawn of the B.C. Legislature.
With roots in Northern California in the early 1970s, 4/20 – pronounced four-twenty – is named after the date it’s celebrated, April 20. Today, the event is observed around the world as a celebration of cannabis culture.
Among the crowd was Harley Nedland who considered himself lucky, as a Canadian, to be enjoying legal marijuana.
“I'm just here to support the community,” said Nedland in between puffs. “With the state of the world right now, you just got to take every freedom we have, enjoy, and spread the good vibes.”
For the Victoria resident, cannabis is more than just a recreational substance.
“Weed just represents for me peace of mind and enjoying life, being happy, connecting with other people, connecting with nature, connecting with yourself, with your mind, and connecting with music,” he said. “There's just so many different aspects to it that I couldn't even begin to describe it in a sentence.”
A few metres away, Marcus and Jen stood cuddled together with their dog Lincoln, listening to Dr. Dre’s The Next Episode playing from a nearby DJ set. Having attended a number of 4/20s in the past, the couple said they’re happy to now publicly celebrate their love for the herb they use medically to treat chronic pain.
“It was like a hide-it thing back in the '80s, so it has progressed quite a bit and it’s awesome,” said Jen.
“Weed is crucial for me because I use it to manage multiple illnesses,” added Marcus. “It helps me regulate my eating, my sleeping, and my body’s ability to regenerate.”
