Lawmakers and government bodies across the U.S. are again noting—and in some cases openly celebrating—the unofficial marijuana holiday 4/20, with numerous posts touting past reform accomplishments and pledges to continue working to advance the issue.
While Thursday is a time of celebration within the cannabis community, politicians have increasingly used it as a platform to advocate for more reform. That’s no different this year, and top congressional lawmakers are even speaking about the issue at a first-of-its-kind event inside the Capitol Building on the holiday.
Officials at various stages of government are playing into the culture. The list of lawmakers and agencies that use 4/20 to talk about marijuana policy has expanded year-over-year, underscoring how the legalization movement has helped shift marijuana from a controversial taboo to an accepted societal norm.
Here’s what politicians, office-seekers and federal agencies are saying on 4/20 this year:
Federal agencies
Want to learn more about FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products? Information for consumers, regulatory resources, and questions and answers are available on our website.
Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/HHnyUTX0Cl
#420 pic.twitter.com/5TRKaLTvwm
— FDA Drug Information (@FDA_Drug_Info) April 20, 2023
Today’s 4/20! So, here are a few rather sticky #TBT finds. Weed like to remind everyone that your high heals remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3% THC. Blunter info can be found here: https://t.co/mpDMAVe7lq #ProhibitedItemsWeek pic.twitter.com/wQaHLMRRcH
— TSA (@TSA) April 20, 2023
Before you light up to celebrate #420day, know the risks. Cannabis use has been linked to mental illness. To learn more about the dangers associated with cannabis use, visit https://t.co/soW9ErUIr1
— @DEALouisville (@dealouisville) April 20, 2023
Members of Congress
Happy 420 to all who continue to fight unjust laws, and the majority of Americans they represent.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) April 20, 2023
The prohibition of marijuana has cost taxpayers billions of dollars and has resulted in the unnecessary criminalization of millions of Americans, particularly people of color. It’s time to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) April 20, 2023
Happy 4/20 to all who celebrate!
To mark the occasion we need to legalize marijuana AND make the industry more accessible to those who have been unjustly criminalized at its hands so that Black and brown communities aren’t being incarcerated while others are making millions 🍃💨— Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) April 20, 2023
State and local agencies
Happy Holidaze, New York!
From,
The OCM team
.
.#NYcannabis #420day— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2023
State and local elected officials and political parties
Happy 420 day everyone! pic.twitter.com/4OvkgloCsn
— L. Louise Lucas (@SenLouiseLucas) April 20, 2023
🍃 Let’s be blunt. IN is surrounded by states reaping the benefits of legal marijuana.
We forced a vote to legalize it & bring in more tax $ & benefits for chronically ill Hoosiers.
When House Republicans say “no,” House Dems say “Yes, we cannabis.”https://t.co/Ehw1HjB9vG pic.twitter.com/MP0bPZO5WQ
— Indiana House Democrats (@inhsedems) April 20, 2023
🌿Take it from Rep. @SummersH99: it’s high time we legalize cannabis in Indiana.https://t.co/iPyJKWikgi pic.twitter.com/8x3Xhy5xPs
— Indiana House Democrats (@inhsedems) April 20, 2023
Don’t forget, this week is a Medical Cannabis sales tax holiday thanks to my and @CMMcDuffie’s Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022….
…not that today has any significance, but just ICYMI.
Read the details of the law here: https://t.co/8rO0zP7wDM
— Phil Mendelson (@ChmnMendelson) April 20, 2023
Brands and advocacy organizations are also getting in on the celebration again this year, promoting various campaigns and products to mark the day.
Read the full article here