POST 420 POUT

The previous year’s worth of
cannabis news and development of the herb in individual states brought thousands
of converted believers to the forefront of the community for this year’s 420
holiday. The celebrations became larger than ever before, where veterans, newcomers
and even tourists observed the holiday and came together to commemorate the recent
victories of the legalization movement and this beneficial plant. However, the
onslaught of the recent cannabis acceptance also gave way to strong
anti-cannabis protestors and organizations.

According to the Denver Post, one group felt concerned
about what affect the image of herb enthusiasts will have on children who
witness adults calmly enjoying a recreational dose of their favorite cannabis strains,
fearing that these events don’t “send the right message” to local youths. Even
Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown joined the skeptical crowd, admitting he
was convinced that 420 events aren’t beneficial to the city. The police reportedly
issued 92 citations for cannabis consumption during that weekend (the previous
year’s tickets were at a mere five). Organizers of the countless 420 events
warned participants that public consumption is illegal, but thousands of
patients and canna-fans alike still indulged in the consumption of the herb at
4:20 p.m.

One of the organizers of
Denver’s largest 420 event at the Civic Center park, Miguel Lopez, admitted
that the event is “more of a protest than a festival” despite the presence of
typical festival staples, such as vendors, security and live music. “Those who
smoked in public did so as an expression of civil disobedience against laws
they disagree with,” Lopez stated.

In response to the anti-cannabis
groups who stated concern for the example being set for minors, Lopez believes the
opposite, “I thought it was a very positive message for our children about
having safer choices when they become adults.”

Still, some anti-cannabis
groups are attempting to have the laws of legalization in Colorado and
Washington reversed. The group’s chairman stated that he recently met with
White House representatives from the National Drug Control Policy in an attempt
to convince them to “intervene” in Colorado and Washington’s legal cannabis
laws. Whether or not that statement appears to be a threat to cannabis culture
in the recreational states remains to be seen.