It’s the most wonderful time of the year: 4/20.
On the 20th’ of April, weed celebrations will take place across the country, and with the recent legalization of cannabis in New York and Virginia, as well as three other states in November, cannabis enthusiasts have a lot to celebrate.
But while the 4/20’s of yore would be filled with cannabis festivals, protests, and smoking circles, this 4/20 will be the second day of cannabis spent in the pandemic, meaning smoke sessions will be socially distanced once again.
On top of that, many cannabis enthusiasts are still reeling from the fact that an entire month of 4/20 (April of 2020) was taken from them last year as COVID-19 cases surged in the U.S. and much of the country was under lockdown. Safe to say, there’s a lot of pent up stoner energy out there.
Good news: We hear you.
Vaccinated or not, you don’t have to puff, puff, pass to adequately celebrate your favorite plant this year. We found nine festive ways to ring in 4/20 without endangering yourself or your canna-loving loved ones.
And the best part? They don’t (all) involve being on a Zoom call.
1. Eat a taco (or four)
Ok, so it’s nothing as exciting as celebrating 4/20 in the 4th month of 2020, but the day 4/20 falls on this year is still worth some hype: Taco Tuesday.
Accepted by most Americans as the day of the week when eating too many tacos is not only socially acceptable, but encouraged (especially if you make an aesthetic Instagram story out of it,) this is an ideal day of the week for a “high”-quality feast. Log off work, pop an edible and guiltlessly satisfy your munchies with a juicy, spicy, delicious treat.
2. Take a hike
A classic 4/20 activity, this is one that actually holds up in 2021. If you live within walking distance of a sparsely trafficked trail, a walk through nature can be a euphoric experience after consuming cannabis, and hiking is a comparatively safe activity to do with friends, provided you wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
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After a year like 2020, who couldn’t use that?
3. Paint (or color)
Time to unleash your inner Bob Ross. Art is another activity that can be euphoric for the “high”-minded, particularly if you tend to become anxious after consuming THC.
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Painting, coloring, and crafting are all focused, creative activities with clear steps to completion that can put your mind in a creative flow far away from the many stressors of this past year. Whether you find your creativity is liberated through cannabis or you prefer to stick to paint-by-numbers and coloring books, try letting your artistic side take over this 4/20 – you may just discover there’s some creative genius in your “happy trees.”
4. Try a cannabis-infused recipe
If you’re going for a light buzz this 4/20 (it is on a workday, after all) or just want an on-theme treat to pair with your celebration, you might try doing a little baking before you get baked.
A quick Google search of cannabis and CBD recipes will yield dozens of cannabis-infused goodies that are easy to make from the safety of your home, from cannabis cocktails to CBD peanut butter cookies. These recipes use tinctures and cannabutter to add a little weed to nearly any dish. You can even bring friends into the fun by hosting your own canna-cooking class over Zoom.
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While they usually won’t get you high (check the recipe to be sure you know what to expect,) many of these recipes claim infused cannabis makes the final product reduce inflammation and stress.
5. Play virtual games
Thanks to Zoom, just because you can’t pass a joint around doesn’t mean you can’t be with friends 4/20. However, we know that Zoom fatigue is real. Rather than forcing conversation with floating heads on a dark screen, try introducing an activity into your smoke sesh.
Many games have app versions that allow you to play with friends virtually, including Scrabble, Uno, and Yahtzee. You can also invite friends to play video games with you, which can be trippy in all the right ways when you’re stoned.
6. Binge stoner flicks
Tried and true, stoner flicks (i.e., movies about weed) are a great way to push away the stress of the world, especially if you’re celebrating from the couch this 4/20.
Check out our list of best canna-comedies for every kind of cannabis-enthusiast – from classics like “Pineapple Express” to “Saving Grace,” the stoner-flick even Grandma could love. Or, you could browse through TheWeedTube – the YouTube for… well, you get the idea.
7. Research 4/20 discounts in your area
Whether you live in a state where recreational cannabis is legal or where only CBD products are sold, many recreational cannabis and CBD sellers will have major 4/20 discounts. Start your day by taking advantage of these sales and you’ve got yourself a gift that will certainly keep on giving.
8. Treat yourself to a green spa
Finally, it’s high time you treated yourself to some serious R&R. Another 4/20 spent in the midst of a global pandemic means you have more than enough excuses to put your feet up for a night. Fortunately, helping you relax is one of the things cannabis does best.
From CBD bath bombs to cannabis face masks, there are dozens of cannabis and CBD spa products on the market that promise to rejuvenate your body and help your mind unwind. Just be sure to purchase from reputable companies and check ingredients before using.
Elissa Esher is Assistant Editor at GreenState. Her work has also appeared in The Boston Guardian, Brooklyn Paper, Religion Unplugged, and Iridescent Women. Send inquiries and tips to elli.esher@hearst.com.