Pop my culture: Celebrate non-commercialized tradition: 4/20

[Medical Marijuana]

It’s springtime, and with the arrival of daffodils, long evenings and warm breezes, comes thoughts of only one thing: 4/20.

Yes, it’s that wonderful time of year again, a time when the counter-culture becomes the mainstream for those smoky 24 hours, where the love for little green nuggets is practiced everywhere, from the most prestigious frat houses to the shadiest back alleys. A day to honor the age-old act of smoking pot, and in doing so, follow in the footsteps of the great tokers of our time, from Jerry Garcia to Al Gore and everyone in between. Like Rick James — it’s a celebration, bitches.

But from where did this infamous holiday stem? We all know the origins of mainstream, popularized holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, even the fake ones like Sweetest Day (the lamest excuse ever to go to Hallmark), holidays associated with organized religion, money or simple consumption. But devoting a holiday to baking out your mom’s basement (or best friend’s car, or what have you) isn’t quite religious and is only lucrative to a select few — those who risk being your weed dealer. So money, corporations and religion aside, could it be that 4/20 represents something else? A true social celebration? One brought together by the people themselves and no external influence? The simplest way of loving your fellow man? — pass the peace pipe.

According to urban legend, “420” is the police code for smoking weed, as in “we’ve got a 420 down at the schoolyard, bring backup.” But this is false. Police use this code, not in reference to the actual coding of the crime, but more a cultural slang. According to something more credible (answers.com), “420” was probably started by a group of high school kids in San Rafael, California, who would meet every day after class to blaze up. This of course took place at the perfect after-school time — 4:20. This tradition spread like wildfire, burning up the country (pun intended, of course), bringing stoners, potheads or simple lovers of marijuana together for that one moment everyday. So of course, the date 4/20, or “April 20th,” is an entire day devoted to smoking, eating, coughing and consuming the infamous plant.

Today, with the corporatization of some of our most popular holidays, it’s difficult to see what we’re really celebrating. Santa Claus? The Easter Bunny? Anything from vampires to Reese’s cups on Halloween? Even the most red-eyed stoner around can tell you a holiday for smoking ganja is a lot more logical than a bunny that lays colorful eggs.

This spread of socially stemmed tradition, this popularization of a simple act taking place at a specific time, has brought millions together, regardless of race, class, gender or location. Not only a stoner’s favorite time of day, but a true representation of the unity of humanity as well. It’s a powerful thing. We can all learn from 4/20. Let’s all give a warm thanks to marijuana and those kids in Cali for showing us that regardless of our differences, we can still form perfect unions. No corrupting corporations, no Easter bunnies. Thank you, pot.

So this 4/20, when you’re packing that pipe, rolling that spliff, listening to Bob Marley, Cypress Hill, Grateful Dead or what have you, forget that it may be illegal, and remember you’re not the only one. You’re upholding a great, underappreciated tradition. And millions of others just like you are sharing it, toking up at the same time. Just turn down the music, and listen for the synchronized lighters. Emily Glauser is a junior journalism major. Tell her your favorite smoking device at eg293805@ohiou.edu.

Published: Friday, April 18, 2008

Emily Glauser eg293805@ohiou.edu