LIGHT UP TORONTO: Cannabis lovers to gather for first 4/20 ‘holiday’ since legalization

Happy weed day!

This year’s 4/20 is the first since cannabis was legalized in Canada.

In cannabis culture, 4/20 stands for firing up a joint at 4:20 p.m. on the 20th day of the fourth month — April 20.

It’s also code for smoking pot.

Each year those in the cannabis culture gather to toke up to celebrate the marijuana lifestyle while also protesting perceived oppressive legislation against pot.

Although this is the first 4/20 in Canada since legalization, there is much more activism work to be done, longtime cannabis advocate Jodie Emery said.

“Everyone thinks it’s legal, but it’s fake legislation,” she said. “It’s legal for rich corporations.”

Emery said activists pushing for legalization wanted a end to raids and endless test laws and the expunging of past convictions.

“It’s (4/20) still a protest and an international holiday,” she said.

The legislation isn’t perfect and there is still much to do, said Toronto cannabis advocate Neev Calm.

“If you want to get into the business you need hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s too difficult for most who want to grow and sell without that investment and there is a huge appetite to join the industry,” Calm said.

He admits there was a time he doubted there would be any legalization for pot.

“(4/20) is the time to celebrate the cannabis culture, even though there is room for legislative improvements. It’s Christmas for stoners,” Calm said.

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Toronto’s third legal cannabis store Nova Cannabis, located at 499 Queen St. W., is set to open on 4/20 after securing its licence agreement with the province’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission. The store was one of 25 winners in the Ontario lottery for a retail licence.

There are a number of 4/20 events being held Saturday in Toronto, such as at Woodbine Park — near Eastern and Coxwell Aves. — where there will be activities and music from noon until 6 p.m.

The 4/20 Comedy Festival is hosting multiple evening events at various venues; the Hotbox Lounge and Shop in Kensington Market will have music, vendors and joint rolling competitions from 1-10 p.m.; and the B-Side Lounge, 669 College St., will host Funkfest 420.

Other events can be found through a quick Google search.

Meanwhile, Toronto’s enforcement officers continue to bust illegal cannabis shops in the city.

Since the legalization of pot in October 2018, the city has laid 41 charges at illegal cannabis storefronts.

There are 15 cases before the courts and 26 awaiting a court date.

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