Despite marijuana and its related products still being illegal at a federal level in the United States, 4/20 has become a popular yet unofficial and somewhat clandestine holiday for many cannabis enthusiasts. However, there are those that don’t necessarily agree that celebrating a holiday that promotes and glorifies drug use, even if it is only marijuana, is a good thing and are very concerned about the potential negative impact that it may have on our society. The Associated Press recently reached out to hear the various opinions on celebrating 4/20 from both proponents and its detractors and with legalization rapidly making its way across the country in recent years, it is definitely a conversation that needs to be had sooner than later.
Follow the link below for the full story on what the experts have to say about celebrating one of our favorite holidays!
Here’s a look at what some advocates and critics have to say about the state of marijuana in the U.S. today:
KELLY PEREZ, DENVER
CEO and founder of kindColorado, which provides community engagement opportunities for the cannabis industry to be assets in communities.
WHAT DOES 420 MEAN TO YOU?
“It’s a celebration, and we still have work to do. The war on drugs has not ended; the negative impact on communities of color has not ended. So we still have work to do even though we’re legal in Colorado. There are states surrounding us that aren’t. And as long as one black or brown youth is arrested for possession, we still have our work to do.”
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE STATE OF MARIJUANA IN THE U.S.?
“It’s an incredibly exciting time. There’s so much opportunity, but we really do want to keep our roots in change and the people’s liberation and reforming criminal justice and moving the legalization conversation forward but not forgetting those social justice issues.”
Marijuana supporters, critics across the US weigh in on 4/20
