How Politicians Are Celebrating The Marijuana Holiday 4/20 This Year

Marijuana advocates and enthusiasts have a lot to celebrate on this year’s unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20.

State-level legalization has continued to spread in 2021—adding New York, Virginia and New Mexico to the list of adult-use states within the span of weeks. Congressional leaders are on the verge of introducing legislation to end federal prohibition, and Democrats are in control of both chambers plus the White House, raising hopes that comprehensive reform will be enacted this session.

But one thing hasn’t changed in 2021: companies and organizations are still doing their most to promote brands and products with marijuana-themed promotions and events on April 20.

And it makes sense. Cannabis reform is popular, with a new national poll finding a record 69 percent of Americans in favor of legalization. Plus, more adults have access to marijuana products to safely and legally enjoy the festivities, even if things still look a little different amid the pandemic.

The result of all of this is a lot of businesses and organizations trying to get in on the action, including those that aren’t necessarily tied directly to the cannabis industry.

Here’s a rundown of major brands that are celebrating 4/20:

Ben & Jerry’s

Keeping with a theme it set out last year, ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is using its platform to promote federal marijuana reform. Digital billboards and a van covered in advertising promoting the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act could be seen in the nation’s capitol, paid for by the activist-minded business.

Have you ever noticed that most people making money from legal cannabis are white, while most of those still locked up for possession charges are Black? We think that’s wrong. Take action to support the MORE Act now: https://t.co/yH1t5PKkzB #420 #MOREAct pic.twitter.com/m69u50kNvl

— Ben & Jerry’s (@benandjerrys) April 19, 2021

And in partnership with the ACLU, Ben & Jerry’s is launching a call-to-action, asking Americans to text “MORE” to 40456 “to show their support of the MORE Act.”

When you see the numbers, you can’t deny that cannabis legalization has consistently left people of color behind — and in many cases behind bars. Learn more and take action to support the #MOREAct here: https://t.co/D3rsTpHaYz pic.twitter.com/wyLnmFtEab

— Ben & Jerry’s (@benandjerrys) April 19, 2021

Jimmy John’s

The sandwich company is inviting enthusiasts to engage with its social media feeds on 4/20 for a chance to win limited-edition merchandise—a bean bag chair modeled after its signature jalepeno chips.

They will also be streaming a “wake & bake” session on their Instagram live account that features actor and comedian Rob Huebel taking viewers through a “guided breaditation” that involves “vibe-filled, euphemism-filled, bread-science-filled words of introspection.”

Hotels.com

Up until 4:20am on 4/20, people who book hotel reservations through Hotels.com can send an email with their confirmation receipt to [email protected] for a chance to win a $200 room service credit… or “munchie money.”

“The perks included as part of this Munchie Money deal are truly the culmination of all the best aspects of being a Hotels.com rewards member,” Jennifer Dohm, head of PR, said. “From late checkout to a bonus night stay, onlyHotels.com allows you to get rewarded just for reserving a stay. Getting your massive room service spread covered doesn’t hurt either!”

Nuggs

The plant-based food company is getting in on the holiday as well, offering a $420 giveaway to select Instagram followers who send them a message showing a receipt for any product that ends in $4.20.

“You can buy literally anything from anywhere, and any variation of $4.20 counts (ex: $64.20, $114.20, etc),” Nuggs said. “Remember, we said we MIGHT send you $420… winners will be randomly selected over the next few days and notified via IG DM.”

BarkBox

The dog toy and treat business is back at it again with another round of 4/20 themed dog goodies. Get a “spinach burrito,” “spice grinder” or a “single maple leaf” for your furry friend.

“In honor of the upcoming very normal April 20th in this very normal month, we would like to direct your attention to these very normal toys available for a limited time,” BarkBox said in a blog post. “We sourced these toys from a totally normal farm owned by a totally normal Jared, a farmer.”

Slim Jim

Slim Jim is latching onto the converging 4/20 and DogeCoin trends to raise money for World Central Kitchen.

⚠️#DOGE420 LAUNCH⚠️

Mission #DoOnlyGoodEveryday is LIVE!
I need the #DOGEARMY to show ALL THEIR POWER NOW!

1️⃣Go here & bid this charity NFT to the Moon: https://t.co/uz9sKoSJkH
2️⃣RT this post like crazy!

100% of net proceeds go to @WCKitchen + SJ’s donation of $10K
R🚀SE 🆙 pic.twitter.com/wa5NFxjnoK

— Slim Jim 🚀 (@SlimJim) April 20, 2021

Snickers

Snickers is also trying to ride the Doge and cannabis wave.

Guess what day it is? #DogeDay. Tomorrow? #DogeDay420 😎 (not an actual Snickers pack, just a cool #doge gif) pic.twitter.com/9GAeFsRJU9

— SNICKERS (@SNICKERS) April 19, 2021

discovery+

The TV station is launching a new marijuana-themed version of the cooking competition show Chopped.

🔪 💨 4/20/21 ⁦@discoveryplus⁩ pic.twitter.com/tQIrsMMaPt

— Funch (@RonFunches) April 13, 2021

Paramount+

Paramount+ also wants you to stay home and watch TV today.

Not to be blunt, but we’ve got the best way to spend your 4/20. #ParamountPlus https://t.co/1dC6AggqoG pic.twitter.com/H2qO9OCRRd

— Paramount+ (@paramountplus) April 20, 2021

Grand Theft Auto

Rockstar Games is offering free virtual gifts and bonuses in GTA Online.

4/20 Gifts and Bonuses in GTA Online

Get these Rockstar Camo shirts by playing today, plus get a free High Flyer Parachute Bag from Ammu-Nation, and more.

Details on all of today’s bonuses at the Rockstar Newswire, claim them before they go up in smoke: https://t.co/0Dr5KVr7bw pic.twitter.com/lgb1ZvhiZD

— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) April 20, 2021

Call of Duty

Cannabis-themed items launched in Black Ops Cold War and Warzone.

🍃 Tracer Pack: Stoner’s Delight is now available in #BlackOpsColdWar and #Warzone 💨

This bundle may or may not appear for you. It didn’t for us, thanks to @Blizzsane for sending this in. pic.twitter.com/Jy5dRsCFHh

— ModernWarzone ☢️ (@ModernWarzone) April 17, 2021

White Castle

The burger joint with a reputation for attracting cannabis enthusiasts is promoting its $4.20 Muncheese meal and offering free deliveries through UberEats for orders of $15 or more.

The $4.20 Muncheese meal could be aaaaalll yours. And there’s $0 delivery on UberEats orders of $15+ so, happy holidays! https://t.co/TVjVXJxTiQ pic.twitter.com/7RAo5o8LQH

— White Castle (@WhiteCastle) April 20, 2021

Lagunitas Brewing Co.

The beer company launched a new ale to commemorate the Waldos, the group California teens who began the 420 craze in the 1970s.

Back in 1971 on a wall in West Marin, The Waldos met at 4:20 to head out on a hunt for a secret garden. They did so daily but never found it. In honor of their quest, we brew our dankest & hoppiest beer, the #WaldosSpecialAle, for all the treasure hunters: https://t.co/IUVYGvuuFV pic.twitter.com/nO8hiCNwX7

— LAGUNITAS BREWING CO (@lagunitasbeer) April 20, 2021

Weedmaps

Weedmaps is hosting a 4/20 livestream event, with musical performances by artists like Snoop Dogg and A$AP. There will also be a panel led by the Last Prisoner Project to discuss the need for social equity in legalization legislation.

Musicians are also taking a moment to celebrate 4/20:

Wiz Khalifa

Happy 4/20. There’s gonna be more people getting baked this year than ever before

— Wiz Khalifa (@wizkhalifa) April 20, 2021

The Flaming Lips

Great tickets JUST RELEASED for our “420” Space Bubble Concert tonight at @CriterionOKC. We’ll be performing the entirety of the new album ‘American Head’ and more. Get your ticket now while they last at https://t.co/qU1PC4ciJh. pic.twitter.com/kKG9DDWnBG

— The Flaming Lips (@theflaminglips) April 20, 2021

Advocacy organizations are also marking the cannabis occasion:

ACLU

The civil rights group is promoting its cannabis-themed products such as a marijuana stress ball.

These products are best buds.

Check out our entire 420 collection before it’s gone at https://t.co/7z5gnZ8owv pic.twitter.com/6Q84TwOrJu

— ACLU (@ACLU) April 18, 2021

Get some needed 🌿 releaf 🍃 with our new stress ball.

Comes free with any order of $50 or more. Check out the full 4/20 shop before it’s gone at https://t.co/7z5gnZ8owv pic.twitter.com/Tpt2HooMQ2

— ACLU (@ACLU) April 19, 2021

NORML

The pro-legalization organization put out a call-to-action ahead of 4/20 to encourage supporters to hemp them “Finish the Fight” to end prohibition.

“While we have undoubtedly made immense progress in recent years, hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens are still arrested each year for simple possession of a plant,” NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said. “That is why we are calling on all legalization supporters to take time out of their 4/20 celebrations this year to help us finish the fight, both at the federal level and in those states that still are living under the dark ages of prohibition.”

DC Marijuana Justice (DCMJ)

On 4/20, DCMJ is organizing an event where members will give away free marijuana at COVID-19 vaccination centers across the nation’s capital.

This 4/20 DCMJ is organizing #JointsForJabs, a free cannabis giveaway at vaccination sites across the District of Columbia! Spread the word!
Volunteer @ https://t.co/I01XUgQ493

Audio by @KaoticShock
Video by Gabriel Laurence (IG: @gabenawoc) pic.twitter.com/6BXSkx9j0b

— DC Marijuana Justice💨🏛💨🏛💨🏛💨 (@DCMJ2014) April 6, 2021

Other organization are using the holiday for public education purposes around cannabis laws:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The federal agency is urging people not to drive while impaired, using the hashtag #420 in a tweet.

There is a lot of prep leading up to a party, and if you’re hosting, your job doesn’t end when the party gets going. Keep your guests safe by not letting them drive impaired. #ImpairedDriving #420 pic.twitter.com/kpVnAxoD45

— nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) April 19, 2021

U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA’s Risk Management Agency saw 4/20 as an opportunity to educate hemp growers about crop insurance.

If you’re a hemp producer, spend this 420 making sure you’ve got nursery #cropinsurance. Starting this year, hemp is insurable if grown in containers and in accordance with federal and applicable state or tribal regulations. Learn more: https://t.co/NXFy8rVvwq pic.twitter.com/VgMR9xKVwF

— Risk Management Agency (@usdaRMA) April 20, 2021

Colorado Department of Transportation

The department is raising awareness about the dangers of driving while impaired by alcohol or marijuana.

To remind cannabis consumers to plan ahead and stay safe this 420, we’re teaming up with MADD Colorado. We’ve asked Coloradans impacted by alcohol- and marijuana-impaired driving to share their stories.

To hear each powerful stories, visit https://t.co/ZRpsaKD8U2. #DriveHighDUI pic.twitter.com/htP215IPKo

— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) April 19, 2021

MADD

MADD is also reminding people not to drive while impaired.

On 4/20 and every day: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It’s that simple. #420 #ImpairedDriving https://t.co/FNwIUDbv8Z

— MADD (@MADDOnline) April 20, 2021

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

TSA says it wants to “clear the smoke when it comes to traveling with medical marijuana.”

We want to clear the smoke when it comes to traveling with medical marijuana. Marijuana remains illegal federally unless it’s less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. This means you can’t travel with it, even if going from one legalized state to another. https://t.co/V268y767yF pic.twitter.com/v0r4w4XQtF

— TSA (@TSA) April 20, 2021

“Marijuana remains illegal federally unless it’s less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis,” it said. “This means you can’t travel with it, even if going from one legalized state to another.”

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

While not explicitly tied to 4/20, the federal agency did tweet on Tuesday a link to a blog post about the rules around adding cannabis ingredients to cosmetics.

Is #cannabis an approved ingredient that can be used in cosmetics? Learn more here about CBD here: https://t.co/MSDyjvydUd pic.twitter.com/pbzJGW5Kc0

— FDA Cosmetics (@FDACosmetics) April 20, 2021

Even prohibitionists are trying to take advantage of the occasion:

Smart Approaches to Marijuana

Smart Approaches To Marijuana’s Kevin Sabet released a book on 4/20 that attempts to lay out reasons not to pursue legalization and offers insights into the man behind the anti-reform movement.

Here it is: The hardcover for “Smokescreen: What the Marijuana Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know”

Preorder link: https://t.co/ecEIy8V5k1

Preorder if you can; preorders are important and I’d also be grateful if you could spread the word.

Promo video: https://t.co/tnGfPQUls9 pic.twitter.com/rK8gFF0J6c

— Kevin Sabet (@KevinSabet) March 28, 2021

Drug Enforcement Administration

Even the DEA wanted to join in on the 4/20 fun.

What is 420? https://t.co/f44YnGFJOs pic.twitter.com/Og219PawHm

— DEA HQ (@DEAHQ) April 20, 2021

In other words: no matter where people stand on marijuana, it seems everyone has something to say about it at least once a year.

Schumer Celebrates 4/20 Marijuana Holiday On Senate Floor

Photo courtesy of Martin Alonso.