Friday is due to be a celebration unlike any prior one for Californians.
The day will mark the first 4/20—a day that celebrates marijuana—since weed was legalized in the state.
So far, California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control has issued 47 temporary event licenses to groups across the state to hold marijuana celebrations on county fairgrounds.
In San Francisco, a city that has historic ties to the drug, city officials are preparing for tens of thousands to flock to Golden Gate Park. Unlike in years past, when groups of ‘stoners’ and marijuana enthusiasts convened somewhat surreptitiously on Golden Gate Park’s Hippie Hill, a formal event is being organized in park.
The event is expected to draw up to 15,000 people. In an effort to supervise the celebration, the city has partnered with a private sponsor to fence off the park, put security in place, and organize shuttles for participants. Only people 18 and older will be allowed within the secured area, and no alcohol will be permitted.
Other cities have been less enthusiastic about marijuana celebrations. The San Bernardino City Council, for instance, denied an application from marijuana counter-culture magazine High Times to host what would have been one of the largest organized 4/20 events in the nation.
Across the state, AAA will be offering free “tipsy tow” services. Available from 4:20 p.m. on Friday to 4:20 a.m. on Saturday, tow trucks will provide a vehicle tow and free rides up to 10 miles.
The average 4/20 participant reportedly plans to spend $71 on marijuana to celebrate the holiday and 35% plan to take work off on Friday, according to a survey by LendEDU published by The Los Angeles Times.
Cannabis has grown into a nearly $7 billion industry, and, by one estimate, is California’s largest cash crop.