Culture
Colorado Is Auctioning Marijuana-Themed License Plates To Raise Money For People With Disabilities

Colorado is really leaning into its reputation as the marijuana state—for a good cause. Officials are taking the unique step of auctioning off cannabis-themed license plates to help raise money for a disability fund.
From April 1 to April 20, residents can bid on the vanity plates with terms like “BONG,” “GANJA,” “GOTWAX,” “HEMP,” “ISIT420” and even “TEGRIDY,” a nod to the fictional South Park marijuana farm.

Via Colorado Disability Funding Committee.
Bids on several of the plates start at $420, of course.
“The Colorado Disability Funding Committee had the TEGRIDY to STASH away some great HERB related license plate configurations and is making them available to you,” a Facebook post states. “Don’t be GREEN with envy because your neighbor GOTWAX and HONEY, bid on a plate and support people with disabilities!”
“Colorado GANJA themed license plates could make you as HAPPY as your 100% HEMP t-shirt,” the post, which was uploaded on April 1 but is not an April Fool’s joke, continues. “Leave ya SATIVA and INDICA, put down the BONG, use our HASHtags to follow along.”

Via Colorado Disability Funding Committee.
The page for each license plate up for auction includes a disclaimer not to drive while impaired and to use cannabis responsibly.
The proceeds of the auction will go to the Colorado Disability Funding Committee, which issues grants to organizations that “have new and innovative ideas that benefit the disability community.”
Given the popularity of Colorado’s marijuana market, which exceeded $2 billion in sales last year alone, it stands to reason that the plates will be a hit.
People who don’t live in Colorado can also bid. If they win, they will be sent a novelty plate without the security features that come on a normal plate.
Despite being one of the first states to legalize for adult use, Colorado’s cannabis program is continually evolving.
Last month, for example, the state House passed a bill to increase the lawful possession limit for marijuana and the governor signed legislation to create a social equity fund for the marijuana industry.
Gov. Jared Polis (D) visited a marijuana dispensary in Denver to sign the measure, which will establish a program within the state Office of Economic Development and International Trade that’s intended to support cannabis businesses owned by people who qualify as social equity licensees, primarily people most impacted by the drug war.
The program will receive an initial infusion of $4 million from the state’s marijuana tax fund—about $1 million short of what the governor had requested in January. The legislation was created in consultation with Black Brown and Red Badged (BBRB), a coalition of minority-owned cannabis businesses.
Last year, Polis signed a separate bill that creates a statewide definition of cannabis social equity licensees. Those businesses are now the ones that will primarily benefit from the new legislation.
This kind of funding is largely made possible from tax revenue derived by the state’s robust cannabis market. Data from the state’s Department of Revenue shows that more than $10 billion of marijuana has been sold since the adult-use program launched in 2014.
Another piece of cannabis reform legislation that cleared the Senate last month would require schools and school district to institute policies permitting employees to store and administer marijuana products for students who are registered medical cannabis patients.
Marijuana Legalization Framed As Inevitability At Rhode Island Senate Joint Hearing
Culture
How Politicians Are Celebrating The Marijuana Holiday 4/20 This Year

The country has come a long way since the days of politicians dismissing or shying away from marijuana issues. And a good example of that shift is the ever-growing number of lawmakers who are leaning into the cannabis holiday 4/20 with calls for reform.
For example, to kick of Tuesday’s Senate session, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the floor about the need to end federal marijuana prohibition, saying that “hopefully the next time this unofficial holiday 4/20 rolls around, our country will have made progress.”
Then there are the tweets—so many tweets—from state and congressional lawmakers, office seekers and regulators marking the occasion. It’s become a theme each year, and as more states pursue legalization, it seems more elected officials have grown comfortable embracing the holiday in their own ways.
Here’s what politicians are saying about cannabis this 4/20:
Members of Congress
Happy 420.
From the Senate Majority Leader.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 20, 2021
The war on drugs was a war on people – and it was a failure. It’s time to legalize marijuana at the federal level. https://t.co/07G5crRzGa
— Chuck Schumer (@chuckschumer) April 20, 2021
In state after state, in ballot initiatives and constitutional amendments, Americans are sending a clear message—they want an end to marijuana prohibition
I’m working with @SenBooker & @RonWyden on comprehensive marijuana reform legislation in the Senatehttps://t.co/f57FSUNjJQ
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 20, 2021
Working as hard as I can to Legalize It this year. #420
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) April 20, 2021
We should legalize cannabis nationwide. #LegalizeIt
— Jeff Merkley (@JeffMerkley) April 20, 2021
For decades, we’ve watched a failed War on Drugs—that’s really been a war on people—destroy communities and disproportionately criminalize people of color. It’s time to right the wrongs of this failed war. We must legalize marijuana and focus on restorative justice.
— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) April 20, 2021
Legalizing marijuana and wiping clean past convictions for marijuana-related offenses won’t fully erase the legacy of racist policy that has torn apart Black and Brown communities – but it’s a good start. It’s way past time for the Senate to get this right.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 20, 2021
And we won't just stop at legalization. For years, Black and Brown Americans have been arrested disproportionately for marijuana. We need to pass the Marijuana Justice Act, expunge records, and reform our criminal justice system to undo decades of injustice.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) April 20, 2021
In 2020, Colorado's marijuana industry:
💼Supported more than 35,000 jobs
💵Generated $2.2 billion in sales
💰Raised nearly $387.5 million in tax revenue for education, health initiatives, and moreLegal weed is good for Colorado — to put it bluntly. #420day
— Senator John Hickenlooper (@SenatorHick) April 20, 2021
Hi, I wrote a bill to legalize marijuana.
Legalizing in a practical, safe, progressive way will take a lot of work to push through but its an important step to reversing the disaster of the War on Drugs.
We can get this done and I’m pushing to make sure we do.
— Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) April 20, 2021
Spending 4/20 the only way I know how – at the U.S. Capitol advocating to end the failed prohibition of cannabis and ensure restorative justice for those harmed by the war on drugs. #LegalizeIt pic.twitter.com/2Z5xgWYTxi
— Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) April 20, 2021
Spoke with @YahooFinance's @ZGuz on 4/20 about what the new Congressional makeup means for our cannabis reform efforts. pic.twitter.com/M1kq7eFhOl
— Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) April 20, 2021
We need to legalize cannabis use. It’s time to repair the damage the failed and racist War on Drugs left on our communities of color.
— Barbara Lee (@BLeeForCongress) April 20, 2021
Yet another #420 goes by without comprehensive cannabis reform and racial justice.
Let's commit to this being the last year discriminatory cannabis policies harm communities of color.
It's time for restorative justice #Happy420
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) April 20, 2021
RT if you agree we need to legalize it & erase past convictions for cannabis-related offenses. #420
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) April 20, 2021
Today is our annual reminder that the federal gov’t must GET OUT OF THE WAY of states that have acted to reform their cannabis laws. Our outdated federal policies are crushing legal businesses, locking up non-violent offenders, and infringing on personal liberty every single day. pic.twitter.com/Ksne9WtTsM
— Rep. Don Young (@repdonyoung) April 20, 2021
In 2014, Alaskans spoke loud and clear when they voted for legalization. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, I’m committed to getting the federal gov't out of the way, and ensuring that other states are free to make the same choice as Alaska did if they so choose.
— Rep. Don Young (@repdonyoung) April 20, 2021
Happy 4/20!
By the way, it's 2021
Legalize marijuana
And remember,
Zero people should be in jail for buying, selling or smoking marijuana, so
Expunge records too
— Rep. Mark Pocan (@repmarkpocan) April 20, 2021
Happy 420
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) April 20, 2021
We must end the federal criminalization of #marijuana, expunge all low-level convictions, and invest revenues in communities, mostly of color, targeted by the “War on Drugs.”
The best time to do this was a long time ago. The second best time is now.
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) April 20, 2021
Marijuana #legalization is about racial equality + economic justice. It's how we can ensure small businesses and communities of color can participate. It's why I voted to legalize cannabis last year and will do so again. @NORML @MarijuanaPolicy https://t.co/Wn8D5px1Vg pic.twitter.com/abZZniV9aL
— Dwight Evans (@DwightEvansPA) April 20, 2021
One of the more popular bipartisan issues today is the #legalization of marijuana. Reach out to your elected officials and find out where they stand. #FinishTheFight #LegalizeIt pic.twitter.com/h8NlFbD3JP
— Dwight Evans (@DwightEvansPA) April 20, 2021
We know that people of color in this country—specifically Black Americans—are disproportionately arrested for marijuana possession. Part of reforming our criminal justice system means getting rid of laws that allow for discriminatory enforcement.
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) April 20, 2021
Congressional candidates
The criminalization of marijuana has been a disaster. It’s time we finally legalize it, expunge past convictions and invest in the communities of color that have been devastated by the failed and racist War on Drugs.#420day
— Nina Turner (@ninaturner) April 20, 2021
State officials and parties
Proud that New Jersey is standing on the right side of history. We’re leaving an unjust approach to marijuana behind for greener pastures and a budding new industry. #420day
— Phil Murphy (@PhilMurphyNJ) April 20, 2021
As people around the state celebrate 4/20 today, I want to be blunt in recognizing that the purchase of legal marijuana products through state-licensed facilities not only means a more safe product, but it also means more tax dollars for schools, roads, and communities.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 20, 2021
Other states that have legalized marijuana have seen a boost in jobs and their budgets.
Pennsylvanians want to see these benefits here.
Tell your legislators you want them to #LegalizeIt: https://t.co/erM8VoWREl. pic.twitter.com/FGtc5sjaDm
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) April 20, 2021
The right side of history:
Legal Weed ✅ for PA
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) April 20, 2021
You can read all about our #legALize agenda at https://t.co/rpDlDqsFOd. The economic and social benefits of legalizing recreational cannabis use are well-documented. Other states have done it. Alabama needs to be next!
— Alabama Democrats (@aldemocrats) April 20, 2021
Harmful cannabis policy has put thousands of non-violent Alabamians in jail– most of them Black and Brown people– and cost the state and municipalities millions of dollars.
It's time AL restored the lives destroyed by centuries of unfair policing and sentencing. #legALizeit pic.twitter.com/ritvXw9LjU
— Alabama Democrats (@aldemocrats) April 20, 2021
Legal marijuana is a budding industry for Michigan, it has:
💼 Supported more than 18,000 jobs
💵 Generated $100 million in sales last month and on track for $1 billion this yearLegal marijuana is good for Michigan — to put it bluntly. #420day https://t.co/kYfznxgSNQ
— Michigan Democrats (@MichiganDems) April 20, 2021
Pass it on.
— Wisconsin Democrats (@WisDems) April 20, 2021
✅DO support our budding industry – residents can purchase up to 1oz of marijuana, but only do so from a licensed store (& help fund our schools!)
🚫DON’T be a trailblazer – smoking & driving will get you a DUI.
— Colorado Senate Dems (@COSenDem) April 20, 2021
✅DO keep the grass off the grass – smoking in public parks is illegal in CO.
🚫DON’T be a dope – have fun, but be responsible.
Be smart Colorado, we have high expectations!!!
— Colorado Senate Dems (@COSenDem) April 20, 2021
On Tuesday, @SenSharifStreet will be hosting a bipartisan roundtable discussion on legalizing marijuana in Pennsylvania.
The discussion –which you can watch online at 8am Tuesday — will take place in Harrisburg.
You can watch the discussion ⬇️ https://t.co/Yowv72POLn pic.twitter.com/jiicfAOvt3
— PaSenateDems (@PaSenateDems) April 19, 2021
Join @SenSharifStreet & @senatorlaughlin as they host a bipartisan roundtable discussion this morning on legalizing adult-use marijuana in Pennsylvania.
Watch the discussion live ⬇️ https://t.co/Yowv72POLn pic.twitter.com/nvEq8Vye3I
— PaSenateDems (@PaSenateDems) April 20, 2021
Florida should be improving medical marijuana, working on decriminalization & moving towards legalization for adult use.
But instead, legislators consistently try to restrict access & reduce the program's impact.
We're going to change that. #420day
— Nikki Fried (@nikkifried) April 20, 2021
It’s #420day — it’s not blowing smoke to say today’s a big deal!
Florida’s hemp program is creating revenue, jobs, and consumer safety, and we continue pushing for improved medical marijuana and adult legalization.
Celebrate responsibly — visit https://t.co/9WpcgsfDru for more. pic.twitter.com/Ftkug01Wzv
— Commissioner Nikki Fried (@NikkiFriedFL) April 20, 2021
Happy 420 From the NYS Assembly Majority Leader
— Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (@CPeoplesStokes) April 20, 2021
The time to end the prohibition of cannabis in PA has come.
Join me and Senator Laughlin on Tuesday, April 20th at 8 a.m. for a conversation with the Commonwealth on Adult Use.
Watch live on facebook or https://t.co/DwJPdUF4PE
Register here:https://t.co/APMtMdymQM #LegalizeIt pic.twitter.com/APQvlmiya7— Senator Sharif Street (@SenSharifStreet) April 20, 2021
I am committed to making sure marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania is constructed around safety and social equity. This effort is historic and bipartisan, and the time is now. #420day pic.twitter.com/dE8t2xobTc
— Senator Dan Laughlin (@senatorlaughlin) April 20, 2021
For decades, April 20 has been an important anniversary for consumers of cannabis & it’s high time we celebrate how Democrats in the states have blazed ahead this year to decriminalize, legalize, & regulate marijuana with an important focus on racial justice! A thread!
— Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (@DLCC) April 20, 2021
Local officials
On this day, let’s resolve to (at least):
➡️ Decriminalize marijuana in Missouri and Kansas
➡️ Expunge records for all those convicted of past stand-alone marijuana offenses
➡️ Correct Missouri’s inequitable marijuana operation and farming licensing— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) April 20, 2021
Former federal officials
Legalize marijuana. Release those incarcerated for it. Expunge the records. #Happy420
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) April 20, 2021
International lawmakers
▶️ El Día Mundial del Cannabis es una oportunidad para informarse y romper los estigmas alrededor de esta planta, sobre la que el Senado legisla para garantizar los derechos humanos.🌱⚖️ pic.twitter.com/eDFOFtKNQx
— Senado de México (@senadomexicano) April 20, 2021
Meanwhile, dozens of brands and organizations are also celebrating 4/20 with a variety of promotions, events and calls to action.
Schumer Worries Senate Marijuana Banking Vote Could Undermine Broader Legalization Push
Photo courtesy of Brian Shamblen.
Culture
Free Marijuana For Vaccinations And Cannabis Dog Toys: How Brands Are Celebrating 4/20 This Year

Marijuana advocates and enthusiasts have a lot to celebrate on this year’s unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20.
State-level legalization has continued to spread in 2021—adding New York, Virginia and New Mexico to the list of adult-use states within the span of weeks. Congressional leaders are on the verge of introducing legislation to end federal prohibition, and Democrats are in control of both chambers plus the White House, raising hopes that comprehensive reform will be enacted this session.
But one thing hasn’t changed in 2021: companies and organizations are still doing their most to promote brands and products with marijuana-themed promotions and events on April 20.
And it makes sense. Cannabis reform is popular, with a new national poll finding a record 69 percent of Americans in favor of legalization. Plus, more adults have access to marijuana products to safely and legally enjoy the festivities, even if things still look a little different amid the pandemic.
The result of all of this is a lot of businesses and organizations trying to get in on the action, including those that aren’t necessarily tied directly to the cannabis industry.
Here’s a rundown of major brands that are celebrating 4/20:
Ben & Jerry’s
Keeping with a theme it set out last year, ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is using its platform to promote federal marijuana reform. Digital billboards and a van covered in advertising promoting the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act could be seen in the nation’s capitol, paid for by the activist-minded business.
Have you ever noticed that most people making money from legal cannabis are white, while most of those still locked up for possession charges are Black? We think that’s wrong. Take action to support the MORE Act now: https://t.co/yH1t5PKkzB #420 #MOREAct pic.twitter.com/m69u50kNvl
— Ben & Jerry's (@benandjerrys) April 19, 2021
And in partnership with the ACLU, Ben & Jerry’s is launching a call-to-action, asking Americans to text “MORE” to 40456 “to show their support of the MORE Act.”
When you see the numbers, you can't deny that cannabis legalization has consistently left people of color behind — and in many cases behind bars. Learn more and take action to support the #MOREAct here: https://t.co/D3rsTpHaYz pic.twitter.com/wyLnmFtEab
— Ben & Jerry's (@benandjerrys) April 19, 2021
Jimmy John’s
The sandwich company is inviting enthusiasts to engage with its social media feeds on 4/20 for a chance to win limited-edition merchandise—a bean bag chair modeled after its signature jalepeno chips.
They will also be streaming a “wake & bake” session on their Instagram live account that features actor and comedian Rob Huebel taking viewers through a “guided breaditation” that involves “vibe-filled, euphemism-filled, bread-science-filled words of introspection.”
Hotels.com
Up until 4:20am on 4/20, people who book hotel reservations through Hotels.com can send an email with their confirmation receipt to [email protected] for a chance to win a $200 room service credit… or “munchie money.”
“The perks included as part of this Munchie Money deal are truly the culmination of all the best aspects of being a Hotels.com rewards member,” Jennifer Dohm, head of PR, said. “From late checkout to a bonus night stay, onlyHotels.com allows you to get rewarded just for reserving a stay. Getting your massive room service spread covered doesn’t hurt either!”
Nuggs
The plant-based food company is getting in on the holiday as well, offering a $420 giveaway to select Instagram followers who send them a message showing a receipt for any product that ends in $4.20.
“You can buy literally anything from anywhere, and any variation of $4.20 counts (ex: $64.20, $114.20, etc),” Nuggs said. “Remember, we said we MIGHT send you $420… winners will be randomly selected over the next few days and notified via IG DM.”
BarkBox
The dog toy and treat business is back at it again with another round of 4/20 themed dog goodies. Get a “spinach burrito,” “spice grinder” or a “single maple leaf” for your furry friend.
“In honor of the upcoming very normal April 20th in this very normal month, we would like to direct your attention to these very normal toys available for a limited time,” BarkBox said in a blog post. “We sourced these toys from a totally normal farm owned by a totally normal Jared, a farmer.”
Slim Jim
Slim Jim is latching onto the converging 4/20 and DogeCoin trends to raise money for World Central Kitchen.
⚠️#DOGE420 LAUNCH⚠️
Mission #DoOnlyGoodEveryday is LIVE!
I need the #DOGEARMY to show ALL THEIR POWER NOW!1️⃣Go here & bid this charity NFT to the Moon: https://t.co/uz9sKoSJkH
2️⃣RT this post like crazy!100% of net proceeds go to @WCKitchen + SJ’s donation of $10K
R🚀SE 🆙 pic.twitter.com/wa5NFxjnoK— Slim Jim 🚀 (@SlimJim) April 20, 2021
Snickers
Snickers is also trying to ride the Doge and cannabis wave.
Guess what day it is? #DogeDay. Tomorrow? #DogeDay420 😎 (not an actual Snickers pack, just a cool #doge gif) pic.twitter.com/9GAeFsRJU9
— SNICKERS (@SNICKERS) April 19, 2021
discovery+
The TV station is launching a new marijuana-themed version of the cooking competition show Chopped.
🔪 💨 4/20/21 @discoveryplus pic.twitter.com/tQIrsMMaPt
— Funch (@RonFunches) April 13, 2021
Paramount+
Paramount+ also wants you to stay home and watch TV today.
Not to be blunt, but we’ve got the best way to spend your 4/20. #ParamountPlus https://t.co/1dC6AggqoG pic.twitter.com/H2qO9OCRRd
— Paramount+ (@paramountplus) April 20, 2021
Grand Theft Auto
Rockstar Games is offering free virtual gifts and bonuses in GTA Online.
4/20 Gifts and Bonuses in GTA Online
Get these Rockstar Camo shirts by playing today, plus get a free High Flyer Parachute Bag from Ammu-Nation, and more.
Details on all of today's bonuses at the Rockstar Newswire, claim them before they go up in smoke: https://t.co/0Dr5KVr7bw pic.twitter.com/lgb1ZvhiZD
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) April 20, 2021
Call of Duty
Cannabis-themed items launched in Black Ops Cold War and Warzone.
🍃 Tracer Pack: Stoner’s Delight is now available in #BlackOpsColdWar and #Warzone 💨
This bundle may or may not appear for you. It didn’t for us, thanks to @Blizzsane for sending this in. pic.twitter.com/Jy5dRsCFHh
— ModernWarzone ☢️ (@ModernWarzone) April 17, 2021
White Castle
The burger joint with a reputation for attracting cannabis enthusiasts is promoting its $4.20 Muncheese meal and offering free deliveries through UberEats for orders of $15 or more.
The $4.20 Muncheese meal could be aaaaalll yours. And there’s $0 delivery on UberEats orders of $15+ so, happy holidays! https://t.co/TVjVXJxTiQ pic.twitter.com/7RAo5o8LQH
— White Castle (@WhiteCastle) April 20, 2021
Lagunitas Brewing Co.
The beer company launched a new ale to commemorate the Waldos, the group California teens who began the 420 craze in the 1970s.
Back in 1971 on a wall in West Marin, The Waldos met at 4:20 to head out on a hunt for a secret garden. They did so daily but never found it. In honor of their quest, we brew our dankest & hoppiest beer, the #WaldosSpecialAle, for all the treasure hunters: https://t.co/IUVYGvuuFV pic.twitter.com/nO8hiCNwX7
— LAGUNITAS BREWING CO (@lagunitasbeer) April 20, 2021
Weedmaps
Weedmaps is hosting a 4/20 livestream event, with musical performances by artists like Snoop Dogg and A$AP. There will also be a panel led by the Last Prisoner Project to discuss the need for social equity in legalization legislation.
Musicians are also taking a moment to celebrate 4/20:
Wiz Khalifa
Happy 4/20. There’s gonna be more people getting baked this year than ever before
— Wiz Khalifa (@wizkhalifa) April 20, 2021
The Flaming Lips
Great tickets JUST RELEASED for our “420” Space Bubble Concert tonight at @CriterionOKC. We’ll be performing the entirety of the new album ‘American Head’ and more. Get your ticket now while they last at https://t.co/qU1PC4ciJh. pic.twitter.com/kKG9DDWnBG
— The Flaming Lips (@theflaminglips) April 20, 2021
Advocacy organizations are also marking the cannabis occasion:
ACLU
The civil rights group is promoting its cannabis-themed products such as a marijuana stress ball.
These products are best buds.
Check out our entire 420 collection before it’s gone at https://t.co/7z5gnZ8owv pic.twitter.com/6Q84TwOrJu
— ACLU (@ACLU) April 18, 2021
Get some needed 🌿 releaf 🍃 with our new stress ball.
Comes free with any order of $50 or more. Check out the full 4/20 shop before it's gone at https://t.co/7z5gnZ8owv pic.twitter.com/Tpt2HooMQ2
— ACLU (@ACLU) April 19, 2021
NORML
The pro-legalization organization put out a call-to-action ahead of 4/20 to encourage supporters to hemp them “Finish the Fight” to end prohibition.
“While we have undoubtedly made immense progress in recent years, hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens are still arrested each year for simple possession of a plant,” NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said. “That is why we are calling on all legalization supporters to take time out of their 4/20 celebrations this year to help us finish the fight, both at the federal level and in those states that still are living under the dark ages of prohibition.”
DC Marijuana Justice (DCMJ)
On 4/20, DCMJ is organizing an event where members will give away free marijuana at COVID-19 vaccination centers across the nation’s capital.
This 4/20 DCMJ is organizing #JointsForJabs, a free cannabis giveaway at vaccination sites across the District of Columbia! Spread the word!
Volunteer @ https://t.co/I01XUgQ493Audio by @KaoticShock
Video by Gabriel Laurence (IG: @gabenawoc) pic.twitter.com/6BXSkx9j0b— DC Marijuana Justice💨🏛💨🏛💨🏛💨 (@DCMJ2014) April 6, 2021
Other organization are using the holiday for public education purposes around cannabis laws:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The federal agency is urging people not to drive while impaired, using the hashtag #420 in a tweet.
There is a lot of prep leading up to a party, and if you’re hosting, your job doesn’t end when the party gets going. Keep your guests safe by not letting them drive impaired. #ImpairedDriving #420 pic.twitter.com/kpVnAxoD45
— nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) April 19, 2021
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA’s Risk Management Agency saw 4/20 as an opportunity to educate hemp growers about crop insurance.
If you're a hemp producer, spend this 420 making sure you've got nursery #cropinsurance. Starting this year, hemp is insurable if grown in containers and in accordance with federal and applicable state or tribal regulations. Learn more: https://t.co/NXFy8rVvwq pic.twitter.com/VgMR9xKVwF
— Risk Management Agency (@usdaRMA) April 20, 2021
Colorado Department of Transportation
The department is raising awareness about the dangers of driving while impaired by alcohol or marijuana.
To remind cannabis consumers to plan ahead and stay safe this 420, we’re teaming up with MADD Colorado. We’ve asked Coloradans impacted by alcohol- and marijuana-impaired driving to share their stories.
To hear each powerful stories, visit https://t.co/ZRpsaKD8U2. #DriveHighDUI pic.twitter.com/htP215IPKo
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) April 19, 2021
MADD
MADD is also reminding people not to drive while impaired.
On 4/20 and every day: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It’s that simple. #420 #ImpairedDriving https://t.co/FNwIUDbv8Z
— MADD (@MADDOnline) April 20, 2021
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA says it wants to “clear the smoke when it comes to traveling with medical marijuana.”
We want to clear the smoke when it comes to traveling with medical marijuana. Marijuana remains illegal federally unless it's less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. This means you can’t travel with it, even if going from one legalized state to another. https://t.co/V268y767yF pic.twitter.com/v0r4w4XQtF
— TSA (@TSA) April 20, 2021
“Marijuana remains illegal federally unless it’s less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis,” it said. “This means you can’t travel with it, even if going from one legalized state to another.”
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
While not explicitly tied to 4/20, the federal agency did tweet on Tuesday a link to a blog post about the rules around adding cannabis ingredients to cosmetics.
Is #cannabis an approved ingredient that can be used in cosmetics? Learn more here about CBD here: https://t.co/MSDyjvydUd pic.twitter.com/pbzJGW5Kc0
— FDA Cosmetics (@FDACosmetics) April 20, 2021
Even prohibitionists are trying to take advantage of the occasion:
Smart Approaches to Marijuana
Smart Approaches To Marijuana’s Kevin Sabet released a book on 4/20 that attempts to lay out reasons not to pursue legalization and offers insights into the man behind the anti-reform movement.
Here it is: The hardcover for "Smokescreen: What the Marijuana Industry Doesn't Want You to Know"
Preorder link: https://t.co/ecEIy8V5k1
Preorder if you can; preorders are important and I'd also be grateful if you could spread the word.
Promo video: https://t.co/tnGfPQUls9 pic.twitter.com/rK8gFF0J6c
— Kevin Sabet (@KevinSabet) March 28, 2021
Drug Enforcement Administration
Even the DEA wanted to join in on the 4/20 fun.
What is 420? https://t.co/f44YnGFJOs pic.twitter.com/Og219PawHm
— DEA HQ (@DEAHQ) April 20, 2021
In other words: no matter where people stand on marijuana, it seems everyone has something to say about it at least once a year.
Photo courtesy of Martin Alonso.
Culture
Seth Rogen’s Marijuana Biz Expands To U.S. While Jay-Z Gets Political With Cannabis Ad Campaign

Monday was a big day in the celebrity marijuana space, with actor Seth Rogen announcing the U.S. launch of his cannabis brand and rapper Jay-Z revealing an ad campaign for his company that’s meant to highlight the absurdity of the war on drugs by pointing out that some states are more lax on cousin marriage, cannibalism or sex with farm animals than they are on weed.
Rogen’s elation in bringing his business, Houseplant, to the U.S. market was evident in a one-minute video he shared on social media.
Almost ten years I go, I envisioned having my own weed company. And today I can say that my company Houseplant's weed will be available in California next week! Also, Houseplant is making lovely Housegoods like ashtrays, lighters, and YES, even ceramics. https://t.co/TNjpWFhbWB pic.twitter.com/00xR8QKNH3
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) March 1, 2021
After showcasing the tins his line of sativa and indica strains come in—as well a “table lighter” that’s part of the Houseplant collection—the actor of Pineapple Express and Superbad fame said that this is “honestly my life’s work and I’ve never been more excited about anything.”
The company also produced vinyl records with playlists that are meant to complement the effects of the various marijuana varieties like Pancake Ice.
This is our Pancake Ice sativa. (All our strains are named after weather systems like we did with Pineapple Express). Our Pancake Ice is what I smoke all day. It’s over 33% THC. pic.twitter.com/buLcuLwZgg
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) March 1, 2021
Rogen has also leveraged his marijuana stardom for philanthropic purposes, putting on an adult carnival last year where the plant was featured to raise money for research into Alzheimer’s disease.
He appeared at a congressional hearing in 2014 and joked that while people might expect him to advocate for marijuana reform before the Senate committee, he was actually there to promote research into the disease, which his mother-in-law suffers from.
The actor also appeared in a PSA for National Expungement Week, an effort to help people free themselves from the burdens of prior marijuana convictions.
Meanwhile, JAY-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has his cannabis business, MONOGRAM. And on Monday, the company started a “national awareness campaign that draws attention to the hypocrisy of current regulations governing cannabis” in the U.S., a press release states.

Via Monogram.
Billboards and murals featuring text that compare laws prohibiting marijuana and other state and federal statutes have been posted in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and New York.
You can marry your first cousin in more states than you can buy recreational weed. pic.twitter.com/BcC7PANmck
— MONOGRAM (@monogramcompany) March 1, 2021
Here are a few examples of the campaign messages:
“Weed is a federal crime. Even in the states where sex with farm animals isn’t.”
“You can marry your first cousin in more states than you can buy recreational weed.”
“The war on drugs worked. If systemic racism was the goal.”

Via Monogram.
“Cannabis laws are out of date and disproportionately cruel and punishing when compared to the rest of the legal code,” Carter said. “I created this campaign to amplify the voices of those who have been penalized for the very same thing that venture capitalists are now prospering from with the emerging legal cannabis market.”
There's a state in America where cannibalism is technically legal and cannabis isn't.
The hypocrisy of America’s drug policy needs to end. pic.twitter.com/4wyHYK6kcC
— MONOGRAM (@monogramcompany) March 1, 2021
Earlier this year, the artist announced that he was putting $10 million toward a fund to promote participation in state-legal marijuana markets by communities most impacted by prohibition—an action that earned the praise of California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).
I led the effort to decriminalize & legalize cannabis because the war on drugs has been an abject failure—with disproportionate & devastating impacts on communities of color.
These are the types of entrepreneurial opportunities we dreamed of—thanks Jay-Z! https://t.co/jHag1DdWBd
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 21, 2021
“I led the effort to decriminalize & legalize cannabis because the war on drugs has been an abject failure—with disproportionate & devastating impacts on communities of color,” the governor said. “These are the types of entrepreneurial opportunities we dreamed of—thanks Jay-Z!”
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Photo courtesy of Monogram.