Table of Contents
- 420 Events in Vancouver
- The History of the 420 Celebration in Vancouver
- Why 420 in 2022 Was a Let-Down
- Who Goes to 420 in Vancouver?
- Celebrating 420 in Vancouver Your Way
Most years, 420 marks a celebratory get-together for cannabis enthusiasts in Canada and the US. While the day’s origins are slightly more complicated than the party it’s become, the event has evolved into a day for like-minded smokers to celebrate a common interest.
420 is the perfect time to connect with your cannabis culture community. It’s also a great time to try something new in your city. Here’s a brief history of 420 and some of the many things Vancouver residents can do to celebrate.
420 Events in Vancouver
Prior to Covid regulations, the date of April 20th was famous for its unofficial holiday known simply as 420. Since the legalization of cannabis consumption in Canada in 2018, Vancouver has become a hub for smokers and tokers. And what better day to gather than the day marked to celebrate cannabis culture?
When attending a 420 event in Vancouver, you can typically expect to see crowds of hundreds, live music, vendors, performers, speakers, and more. It’s an excellent place for dispensaries and growers to talk shop or for consumers to pick up paraphernalia, edibles, or other cannabis products. You’ll likely also see a few stalls selling hand-made accessories or maybe even some tie-dye t-shirts.
The History of the 420 Celebration in Vancouver
Although cancelled in 2020, the year would have marked the 26th annual gathering and protest that came to be known as the “420 Vancouver Protest and Farmer’s Market”. Despite the three consecutively cancelled events, Vancouver boasts the longest-running Cannabis Festival event in the world.
The very first cannabis protest gathering of 420, however, had a very different purpose.
Originally, the event was organized as a protest against the illegal status of cannabis consumption in Canada. The counterculture movement adopted the day as one to perpetually advocate for the liberation of cannabis use.
It’s also believed that the term “4/20” actually came from a secret code passed between Californian high school students in the 70s. The legend says the kids would use the code to indicate a marijuana meetup. This developed into the common time for consuming cannabis (4:20 PM) and the date, April 20th.
Since then, the term has gone from a teenage code for getting high to a global counterculture event in celebration of cannabis culture. In 2007, over 7,000 people attended the 4/20 event in downtown Vancouver!
Why is 420 Controversial?
Weed may be legal these days, but the topic of cannabis and related culture remains a controversial subject for many. The theme of the event alone is enough to get certain people seeing red, rather than green.
Lately, however, 420 events in Vancouver have caused a stir for another reason altogether. The large gatherings have created a disruption to the local downtown neighbourhoods where they take place – not to mention the unintentional damages caused by such big crowds.
Now that cannabis is legal, some could also argue that the event can no longer be described as a “protest” – and must transition into a full-on festival. In this case, organizers of the event would face many more regulations and yellow tape to get the events off the ground.
Why 420 in 2022 Was a Let-Down
April 20th of 2022 was met with as much disappointment as the two years prior. Unfortunately, due to insufficient planning time and government regulations, the previously-annual Vancouver cannabis celebration could not occur.
The official 420 Vancouver Cannabis Festival organizers announced that mandates and restrictions left their hands tied in regard to planning the annual event. They also shared that they are “not affiliated with any other group holding their own 420 celebrations” to steer clear of legal ramifications from unofficial gatherings.
That said, in an unofficial capacity, several cannabis groups planned to gather outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery to celebrate the day with live music and guest speakers.
What’s Happening for 420 in Vancouver for 2023?
Are you ready to celebrate 420 in Vancouver in 2023? Here are some events to check out:
- 420 Vancouver: Join the largest 420 events in Vancouver at Sunset Beach on Thursday, April 20th, from noon until 10 pm. This event is a powerful protest for cannabis rights and a celebration of the cannabis community. With guest speakers and musicians, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.
- Annual 420 Party: The New Amsterdam Cafe is hosting the Annual 420 Party on April 20th from 12 pm to 8 pm. More details to come, but there is a $10 cover charge.
- Smoked Out: Join Phantom Sound Media at the legendary New Amsterdam Cafe for a night of music and marijuana in the Blunt Bros Lounge on April 22nd at 9 pm.
- Vancouver’s 420 Yacht Party Cruise 2023: Take your 420 celebrations to the water with a 4-hour party cruise departing from Vancouver’s pier. The Burrard Queen boat features two levels with an indoor deck and an outdoor open-air deck to take in the views. The boat has a club-like dance floor, a fully licensed bar, and smoking is permitted on the outside decks. Check-in starts at 7:30 pm, with boarding at 8 pm and departure at 8:30 pm.
- Afroman: Love of Live Entertainment presents Afroman 420 Live in Vancouver on April 20th at the ENSO EVENT CENTRE. Special guests include Hooper Turnt Sanger, Tre Nyce, Savage Bank$trixx & TGE Stephylilzayzay.
- 4/20 After Party: After the main 4/20 festival, head to the Railway Club on April 21st from 4 am to 9:30 am for an after-party with finance, DJs, and performing artists from Vancouver.
- Fortune Sound Club: High Fi Live, Endgame, and Blueprint present 4/20 with DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia & Killy at the Fortune Sound Club on April 20th from 10 pm to 1 am.
Where to celebrate 420 in Vancouver
Missed out on the official 4/20 gatherings but are still interested in connecting with your local cannabis community? Good news! Vancouver is a great place to enjoy cannabis culture all year round.
Here are a few spots in and around the city where you’re sure to run into a few fellow tokers.
- The Pawn Shop – The Pawn Shop taco and tequila bar’s patio is a great place to enjoy some 4/20 munchies while vibing to good music and connecting with the cannabis community.
- Sunset Beach – April 20th isn’t the only day you’ll find cannabis lovers at the popular city beach. Head down to sunset beach, catch some rays, chill in the sand, and discuss your love of the plant.
- Stanley Park – An expansive area of preserved nature with trees, walking paths, and water views – what could be a better place to enjoy some cannabis culture company?
- Granville Island – Home of several shops selling funky paraphernalia, hammocks, and beer on tap, the market area in the city limits is a great place to hang out and discuss your favourite cannabis products and experiences.
- Murals Tour – Take a day to explore urban Vancouver, visiting some of the city’s best murals. The tour will let you relax and follow your guide, taking in some incredible street art.
What To Do for 420
Found a great cannabis-related event near you? Great! Time to stock up and have something to chat about with your fellow cannabis friends.
Here are a few great products to try in preparation for the big day.
- Albatross Gelato Cake – Indica dominant hybrid made from Gelato #33 and Wedding Cake strains, AAAA craft flower
- Oso Fuego Moonrise – Sativa flower of AAAA organic craft cannabis with aromas of citrus and grapefruit and euphoric effects with a body high.
- Pink Tuna Kush – Affordable A grade Indica flower made from Pink Kush and Tuna Kush, giving a mix of fruity, sour, and spicy aromas.
If you plan on just relaxing at home, 4/20 can also be a great time to try some cannabis edibles. Kootenay Botanicals has a wide range of cannabis edibles with everything from gummies and lollipops to infused chocolate squares, tinctures, and drink mixes.
If you do plan to attend a part-protest-part-celebration event for 4/20, remember to follow the safety and legal guidelines for the city and event. And in general, be a responsible consumer by:
- Don’t smoke and drive.
- Follow your city or province’s legal age of consumption laws.
- Respect those who choose not to partake.
- Have fun and enjoy the vibes!
Who Goes to 420 in Vancouver?
If you are lucky enough to attend a cannabis 4/20 event, you’ll encounter all types of attendees. Many people check out 4/20 festivities for the cannabis culture, but that doesn’t mean everyone there chooses to partake!
At 4/20 events in Vancouver, you’ll find a range of different types of cannabis enthusiasts. From daily smokers to those who are curious about cannabis to some who are just there for the live music and happy vibes.
If you’re thinking of attending a 4/20 event of a cannabis festival, don’t let the fact that you’re not a heavy cannabis consumer stop you. Attending one of the many happenings around the city, you’ll probably see people of all ages – from kids in strollers to grandparents who were around for the OG cannabis revolution. 4/20 is for all!
Celebrating 420 in Vancouver Your Way
However or wherever you decide to celebrate April 20th, Vancouver residents can be sure they’ll run into some fellow cannabis enthusiasts. Whether you consume cannabis products or not, 4/20 events are a great place to meet up with friends or make new ones.
Take the opportunity to get outside, explore your city, and maybe even try something new.
What began as a secret code and a protest against the legal status of marijuana has transformed into a massive worldwide event that allows cannabis culture folks everywhere to feel connected. So be sure to make your calendar for 2023!
Sources:
Vancouver’s Best Places – 420 Vancouver Cannabis Festival
Vancouver is Awesome – Light Up on 4/20 With These Events
