Los Angeles Events Planned for 4/20
With 4/20 fast approaching, we’ve compiled a list of Los Angeles and area events next week. You can download this free list here, with dates, ticket rates, links, and details.
The Granddaddy of them all, the High Times US Cannabis Cup, kicks off in San Bernadino today (4/15) and runs through Sunday. Expect a dense crowd of enthusiasts and activists, all enjoying live music, discussion panels, and an expo hall with over 100 vendors – glass, accessories, cool swag, etc. Although they do not sell marijuana or infused anything, there is marijuana happening at the event. You can (discretely) bring your own, except foodstuffs (they don’t allow outside food); also, leave the “gear” at home. Prepare to be swallowed up by crowds in a festival celebration of all things marijuana.
Also on the scene this weekend and again next week are “pop-up” 4/20 events. These are events where marijuana is sold directly by vendors – California ID or driver’s license, as well as REC forms/card (doctor’s recommendation) are usually required to purchase. They are nimble events, to say the least, since there is no law in CA (or elsewhere, for that matter) that permits sale and consumption events. As a result, they do not release the location where the event is being held (many times, a warehouse or parking lot) until the day before or even same-day, so if you buy a ticket, they alert you via email or post the event address on Instagram. The crowds are young – it’s a rave, after all. We’ve attended “pop-ups” with 1000s of people. Marijuana Media’s team will be covering these events (for media and research purposes, of course), as we are curious to follow whether sale and consumption “pop ups” are entering the twilight of their existence as the state moves toward regulating the industry. (If it’s a sign of things to come, Colorado is holding almost as many serious discussion groups, policy meetings, and summits on 4/20 as other events with a “420-Friendly” atmosphere or consumption.)
Apart from “pop ups” in LA, there are also bar-produced “420 friendly” parties (again, the organizers do not sell product) with outdoor patios, private VIP areas, and the like. Collectives are getting into the scene by hosting events – we tracked several selling tickets in expectation of larger turnouts. Collective events sell product to existing and new members. While some are opening their doors to non-patients, a CA Driver’s License and REC cards are mandatory to purchase products.
Things to note:
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If going to a collective event, find out if there is an outdoor area, as we’ve seen very few collectives willing to flagrantly violate CA indoor smoking laws (or Collective rules) just for a party. If there is no outdoor area or usage on-site, it may just be a promotion to drive sales or new members.
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Pop-ups: do some research on the event you’d like to go to before purchasing tickets (check Instagram, social accounts, number of followers, etc). If you can get in the door (over 18 or over 21, depending on the event), it’s usually not difficult to purchase anything. (After all, the event itself is illegal.)