By: burgundy bug
Photograph of the LOVE statue printed on canvas
Source: LOVE Statue on Canvas | Penelope Peru Photography P3
*The Burgundy Zine does not support or condone criminal activity. This is an informative post, discussing the legal rights of the people in the Philadelphia area. For more information, please feel free to contact us.
Apr 20th is a global, counterculture holiday with hazy origins.
Some accredit the existence of “4/20” to a group of high school students known as the “Waldos” who would meet up near a wall at school to smoke at 4:20 P.M. in the 70s, according to a High Times recipe book.
Others attribute 4/20 to Bob Marley, the musician an iconic figure in the cannabis community.
In any case, 4/20 is a day to kick back, exhale, and celebrate cannabis – legally and responsibly.
How to Celebrate 4/20/19 in Philadelphia
This year, 4/20 falls on the Saturday before Easter and just two days before Earth Day.
Among Easter egg hunts and global rights activists, cannabis advocates can be found celebrating at dispensaries and festivals across the city.
In previous years – and in other parts of the world – cannabis users would gather in large, peaceful protests to light up for the cause.
However, this year is a little different for Philadelphia.
Medicinal marijuana has been legal in the state of Pennsylvania for three years, and it’s been a year since dispensaries started operating throughout the state, as we had previously discussed in our article about medical marijuana cards in Pa.
Read: How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania
Source: The Burgundy Zine
While there may still be protesters found sparking up around the city of Philadelphia, the act of smoking marijuana within the city has been decriminalized since Oct 2014, according to Young Marr & Associates Law Firm.
What Cannabis Decriminalization Means in Philadelphia
Don’t let the word “decriminalized” fool you. The possession and use of cannabis without a medical marijuana card is still illegal in Philadelphia.
With that being said, decriminalization means that it is no longer a criminal offense; rather, it’s a civil offense.
The penalties associated with civil offenses are less harsh than criminal offenses. Civil cases are punishable by fines, citations, and community service.
Cannabis-Related Penalties in Philadelphia
Possession of 30g of cannabis or less is punishable by a $25 fee and a citation in the city of Philadelphia. Possessing more than 30g is considered a criminal offense, punishable by jail-time.
Smoking cannabis in public carries a penalty of a $100 fine, a citation, and up to nine hours of community service.
It’s also worth stating that these laws are not applicable outside of the city of Philadelphia.
Celebrating 4/20 in Philadelphia
Dispensaries in Philadelphia
Source: Embed Google Map
Medical marijuana patients are encouraged to stop in to dispensaries around the city for special events and promotions.
Most dispensaries will not announce their events until the day of the event or will keep the news exclusive to subscribers of their newsletter.
That being said, many dispensaries will have music, food, special stickers, and new products to commemorate the holiday.
There are also a variety of events and festivals that will be taking place throughout Philadelphia today.
Some of these events may be found on Facebook, EventBrite, or Pot Guide. Others may rely on guerilla marketing or word to mouth to be heard of.
About two hours north of Philadelphia the 5th Annual Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival will be taking place in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pa.
5th Annual Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival
Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pa
Source: Embed Google Map
Hours: The event begins at 9 A.M. on Apr 20th.
Admission: Free
The 5th Annual Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival will feature 300 vendors, a variety of food, 10-hours of live music, speakers from the industry, and cannabis organizations from all over the world, according to their website.
In Conclusion
The historic counter-culture holiday has come a long way in the last four decades.
There’s a lot to celebrate on Apr 20th in the US, with more states inching closer to legalizing or decriminalizing the use of cannabis with every passing year.
Whether you’re a Pennsylvanian or reside on the opposite side of the country, voting is the most important contribution you can make to the Marijuana Movement.
The beauty of living in a democracy is the ability to have your voice heard. Get educated. Read up on your local legislation, contact your local government, attend town halls and debates.
The importance of midterm elections are often overshadowed by the presidential election. About 40% of the voting-eligible population vote in the midterm election, compared to the 60% who participate in the presidential election, according to FairVote.
United States Voting Population Turnout: Presidential Elections v. Midterm Elections
Chart: The Burgundy Zine | Data: FairVote
Midterm elections are your opportunity to have a say in what’s happening in your state. It is your chance to vote for candidates who share your ideologies, such as state representatives and senators who are pro-cannabis.
Although the midterm elections just passed in 2018, there is still the upcoming 2020 US Presidential Election. Get out there and vote!
In the meantime, kick back, relax, and enjoy today as responsibly and legally as possible.
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