In 1971, amidst the everyday hustle of school life, a group of five teenagers — Steve Capper, Mark Gravich, Jeffrey Noel, Dave Reddix, and Larry Schwartz — found their refuge by a statue of Louis Pasteur at San Rafael High School. It was 4:20 p.m., a time now etched in history. They sought escape from the usual high school cliques and drama, lighting up in a small act of rebellion. This ritual, repeated day after day, sparked a realization among them: they yearned for something beyond their current experiences. They embarked on what they termed “safaris,” adventures that promised new thrills and deeper connections.
This humble beginning at San Rafael laid the groundwork for what we now celebrate as the 4/20 holiday. It’s a call to action, a nudge to create your own memorable escapades on this revered day. Whether you’re planning a chill evening at home or aiming for a grand celebration with friends, our curated list of 4/20 party ideas is designed to enhance your experience, elevating your celebration and your spirits to new heights.
Change Your Perspective
Occasionally, all it takes to have an elevated way to celebrate 4/20 is to form a plan for an unforgettable change of scenery. Consider platforms like Peerspace, essentially the Airbnb for party and event locations. Here, you can find an array of unique venues. From vibrant neon dance floors and sleek industrial-chic warehouses to eclectic, pop art-inspired spaces perfect for Instagram, there’s something for every vibe. Why not elevate your 4/20 festivities quite literally this year by organizing a rooftop party by the poolside?
Take a Forest Bath
For a genuinely joyous 4/20 experience, it’s essential to engage in activities that complement your chosen strains and methods of enjoyment. The Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, directly translating to “forest bathing,” is a perfect match for those enjoying their favorite vape pen. This eco-therapy practice involves leisurely strolls in the forest, meditative moments, and a conscious detachment from our technology-saturated lives. It’s an invitation to leave your screens behind, and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty around you. Take in every sight, smell, and sound as intimately as you would your breath.
Go Formal
The stereotype of weed culture, once confined to lava lamps and dragon-shaped bongs, has evolved. It’s time to fully embrace this new era. For another elevated way to celebrate 4/20, have a formal party. Opt for embossed paper invitations, light up the candelabras, curate a menu that caters to the munchies, and establish a dress code that calls for your guests’ most exquisite attire. Don’t your friends look stunning in this refined setting?
Bring the Drive-In Home
With today’s digital projectors becoming incredibly affordable, it’s the perfect opportunity to elevate your home cinema experience into the great outdoors. Enhance the evening by pairing your chosen strains with a selection of whiskies or crafted cocktails and tapas. Invite your friends and thoughtfully match these flavors with the night’s cinematic lineup.
Venture beyond the typical “stoner flicks” and explore films that resonate deeply with your elevated state of mind. Consider diving into the rich visuals and emotional depth of movies available on the Criterion Channel. Wong Kar Wai’s mesmerizing “In the Mood for Love,” Jacques Demy’s colorful musical “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” or the electrifying energy of Prince’s “Sign o’ the Times” are all excellent choices. If documentaries are more your style, captivating nature documentaries are particularly awe-inspiring while high.
Create, Together
Touching on the theme of stargazing, Carl Sagan famously remarked that cannabis could foster “the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.” If that doesn’t encapsulate the perfect mindset for creating art, it’s hard to imagine what does. Another elevated way to celebrate 4/20 is by getting creative. Organizations such as Puff Pass and Paint offer a structured way to engage in group art sessions across the U.S., taking the hassle out of planning 4/20 activities. Alternatively, you have the option to host your very own cannabis-inspired painting evening right in the comfort of your home.
Just Listen
Sound and smoke are as harmonious a pairing as the moon and the stars, yet one 4/20 tradition seems to have quietly faded into the past: the listening party. With the advent of Spotify, these gatherings have largely become exclusive to industry release events. However, it’s time to reclaim the magic of shared soundscapes.
Polish the hi-fi system, and invite your friends to bring along their most cherished vinyl records. Take turns playing tracks that hold special meaning. This can help create a space where everyone can share, smoke, laugh, and connect through the power of music. Let’s rediscover the art of just listening.
Smoke Trees, Plant Trees
Celebrating is inherently joyful, but one elevated way to celebrate 4/20 is a way that also contributes to combating climate change. That’s even more meaningful. Whether you choose to do it alone, with a significant other, or in a group, there’s something uniquely fitting about planting a tree on 4/20.
The Arbor Day Foundation suggests planting trees in your local community, a national forest, or even your own front yard as a way to give back to the planet. For those looking to add a bit of guerrilla gardening to their 4/20 activities, The Wildlife Trusts provide step-by-step guides for creating seed bombs using compost, water, and powdered clay, perfect for a more hands-on approach. This 4/20, embrace the ethos of “sowing flowers while you enjoy your flower.”
Celebrating 4/20 in Maryland
Dispensary works has products designed to fit all your needs to celebrate 4/20. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. We are here to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
