Happy 420

Happy 420

 Disclaimer: This blog is about cannabis, and while we think this is an important discussion to have, in an effort to reduce harm and educate, we are not promoting illegal drug consumption at our events. Please read this blog in its entirety and you will see that our goal is harm reduction, not increased consumption of any illegal drugs.

For those that don’t know, April 20th has become synonymous with a holiday for those who enjoy cannabis (aka marijuana). It’s 4/20 and the number 420 is known worldwide as a code for weed, pot, marijuana, Mary Jane, and other pseudonyms for cannabis.

Origin

In 1971, five high school students in San Rafael, California, used the term "4:20" in connection with a plan to search for an abandoned cannabis crop, based on a treasure map made by the grower. Eventually, this term would become the most well-known slang for consuming cannabis.

It took another 20 (April 2019) years before High Times finally listed April 20th as a holiday for cannabis fans.  April 20 has become an international counterculture holiday based on the celebration and consumption of cannabis.

From Wikipedia:

“As marijuana continues to be decriminalized and legalized around the world, cannabis activist Steve DeAngelo notes that "even if our activist work were complete, 420 morphs from a statement of conscience to a celebration of acceptance, a celebration of victory, a celebration of our amazing connection with this plant" which "will always be worthy of celebration".”

Current Legal Status

Currently, cannabis is legal for medical purposes in 38 states and is legal for recreational purposes in 21 states and these numbers will continue to grow until it becomes legal federally.

Research has shown that cannabis can be very effective when it comes to treating many different medical issues.

But what does all this mean for our events?

In New Orleans (Naughty N’awlins)

In Louisiana, medical marijuana is legal, but you have to apply for a certificate from a state-licensed doctor, who forwards it to one of the Louisiana dispensaries of your choice. You have to be a Louisiana resident and Louisiana does not recognize medical cards from other states.

Recreational use has not been legalized in Louisiana (yet).

In 2016, New Orleans decided to decriminalize marijuana. The law applies to anyone over the age of 17 holding less than 2.5 pounds of marijuana. Not only has it been decriminalized in New Orleans, but the NOPD has also changed its policy and no longer issues tickets nor summons for consumption or possession as long as it is under 14 grams in public.

We advise everyone to follow local laws while in New Orleans and we advise against smoking/vaping in public. Learn more and book.

 Education

We will have two seminars that will address the topic of substances at our event. One will be a seminar that discusses cannabis in detail by a local doctor who is state-licensed to approve a medical marijuana prescription for Louisiana residents. It will be a very informative class for those who do not know a lot about cannabis, especially when it comes to medical issues.

We will also have a class on Psychedelic Sex, to explain more about experiences while using psychedelics that will focus on it from a point of sexuality and where it can be used legally, as well as safety. 

Naughty Sin City (Las Vegas)

 It is legal for both medical and recreational use of marijuana in Las Vegas. There are local laws about consumption and they change often, so we will share information about where you can legally consume cannabis in Las Vegas when we get closer to the event.

There is a great dispensary named Cookies on the Strip, which is within a short walking distance of the hotel and other dispensaries are just a short Uber ride away. Las Vegas is the only place that accepts other states’ medical marijuana cards, so if you have a card back home, you can get medical options (and discounts!) while you are in Vegas.

If you don’t have a medical card, no worries, Vegas is legal for recreational use and has options for anyone that is over 21 years old (you will need a photo government-issued ID).

We will offer classes (similar to New Orleans) as part of our overall Naughty Sin City program to help newbies as well as seasoned consumers know more about what is available in Las Vegas. Learn more and book.

 At Naughty Beach (Zipolite, Mexico)

Cannabis in Mexico is legal for both recreational and medicinal purposes. It became legal for recreational purposes in June 2021, upon application and issuance of a permit from the health secretariat, COFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios).

 So, there are no worries if you want to partake while in Mexico, it is perfectly legal.

 Safety first

Having seminars and discussions about cannabis and other substances is designed to help make sure our events are safer. As stated earlier, our actions are not in an effort to condone or expand substance use at our events. In fact, we will use these seminars to try to discourage use at the event and to educate people who might want to try substances.

 The Future

The country’s stance on plant medicine has changed dramatically over the past decade, as has tolerance for alternative lifestyles. Not only has cannabis become legal in many states, but current studies on MDMA, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and ketamine have had very promising results in treating mental health issues. 

We applaud the fact these studies are happening so there can be alternative options for people struggling with these issues, but we strongly discourage using these substances at our events.

Not only do some of these substances impair people and make consent not possible, but they also have side effects that make it difficult for people to have sex with their partners (or others). We believe that sober sex is the best sex, especially when it comes to the issue of consent.

So, if you are somewhere where marijuana is legal, enjoy 420 (April 20th) responsibly.

This blog is provided for informational purposes only.  This blog does not recommend or endorse any product or any third-party sites.  The author of this blog is neither a doctor, healthcare professional, lawyer, nor other legal advisor.  The information contained in this blog does not and is not intended to constitute medical or legal advice.  Nothing contained in this blog is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or legal advice.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for all medical matters, including, but not limited to, any medical conditions, diagnosis, treatment, or undertaking any healthcare regimen.  Always contact your own attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.  Do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of information in this email without first seeking legal advice from your own counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.  Only your own individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein and your interpretation of it is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.