Vancouver 4/20: Cypress Hill to headline free show at Sunset Beach

Legendary hip hop group Cypress Hill will headline a free show as part of Vancouver’s 4/20 event this year.

Organizers shared the news Monday evening in a tweet, advertising the venue as Sunset Beach in Vancouver’s West End.

“We are highly excited to announce our special #420Vancouver music guests, the legendary @CypressHill!” the tweet read.

“Sunset Beach. April 20. Free show. Free weed. Free people!”

The event has been held at Sunshine Beach for the past three years, despite the city’s continued refusal to issue organizers a permit for the park. Previously, the event was held at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s plaza downtown.

Historically advertised as a rally or protest, the event has become the go-to spot for cannabis vendors and those seeking marijuana marketplace offerings. The city and park board has taken issue with the retail aspects of the event, citing federal and provincial laws governing the sale and consumption of cannabis.

Organizers, however, say vendor registration fees are how organizers are able to pay the city back.

Up to 40,000 people attended the event last year, according to police estimates, which cost about $100,000 for policing and other related expenses.

Event organizer Dana Larsen, who owns two illegal dispensaries in Vancouver, said organizers had paid $63,000 to the city and park board following the event’s conclusion to cover sanitation, security and park maintenance.

It will be the first 4/20 event in Vancouver since recreational marijuana was legalized last fall.

More to come.

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