The unofficial "official" holiday of 4/20

By Florentina Cercel

Group arriving in Hyde Park on 4/20. Photo credit: Florentina Cercel

April 20th or 4/20 has become part celebration part protest against laws around cannabis around the world. This “holiday” originated from a group of students from California who would catch up at 4:20 pm every day for a joint.

Man smoking a cannabis joint. Credit: Florentina Cercel

While cannabis possession, distribution, and growth are still illegal in the UK, that didn’t stop recreational users from gathering in Hyde Park to celebrate one of the UK's biggest holidays.

A recent survey conducted after 4/20, showcased different opinions in terms of use and legalising the use of cannabis.

Credit: Florentina Cercel via Survey Monkey

Entering Hyde Park on 4/20 has to be one of the most labyrinthic missions possible.

Police officers surrounding all entry points, be that in vans, on horses, or on foot, leading into a never-ending crowd of people patiently waiting for the clock to strike at 4:20 pm, to stand up and light up their joints in unison.

People stood up when the clock stroke 4:30 pm. Photo Credit: Florentina Cercel

While everyone was gathering in groups in Hyde Park, the air filled up with smoke and concerned police officers patrolled the pathways.

Mariana, an attendee at 4/20 whose identity wanted to remain anonymous, said that she agreed with the police presence. “It is as good as always, great atmosphere” she added.

In the crowd, performers of all kinds could be seen, from dancers to singers, to sports enthusiasts and documentary makers as well as reporters from different news stations, all enjoying the sun and trying to make the most of it.

Different 4/20 activities

4/20 attendees doing various activities. Photo Credit: Florentina Cercel

24-year-old bartender, Harry Hawkins, present in the crowd of 4/20, said that the police presence was “a bit much, it made it a bit daunting” and felt that they were “looming over the crowds, with more and more police showing up throughout the day”.

“Authorities should be less strict about the usage of cannabis, more aggressive crimes have been committed whilst drunk than high; it’s a waste of police time trying to stop people from smoking something that can be grown almost everywhere” Hawkins added.

As the sun went down, so has the number of attendees, and people fleeing the park as police presence grew.

Police officers patrolling in Hyde Park. Photo Credit: Florentina Cercel

Upon exit, a group of people could be seen protesting in favour of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, which was a confusing turnaround as authorities, as they stated, later on, were making arrests due to some individuals being involved in criminal activities.

#FreeAssange protestors at Hyde Park exit. Photo Credit: Florentina Cercel

“Hyde Park 4/20 just proves that there is a community of people who use cannabis, people who aren’t out to cause trouble, as some people bundle everyone into the category of ASBO drug users,” Hawkins added as a final remark.