26th Annual 420 Vancouver 2024

"Get ready to unite, ignite and celebrate at Vancouver's most anticipated event of 2024- 420 Vancouver 2024! This is not just any ordinary event, it's a powerful protest for the rights of all Canadians to have fair and affordable access to cannabis and a momentous celebration of the progress and unity of our community.

The past few years have been a test of resilience, but we have persevered. Now, it's time to come together and make our voices heard, while also basking in the glory of cannabis culture. With an all-star lineup of special guest speakers and talented musicians, this year's 420 event is set to be an unforgettable experience.

Join us in our quest for justice, community and celebration. Let's prove that nobody should be left behind because of unjust regulations. Mark your calendars and don't miss out on this epic gathering, a celebration of all things cannabis, culture, and community."

Limited booths available!

The 42 Live cup 4pm to 8pm

WHAT DOES 4/20 MEAN?

The number “420” was first used in reference to cannabis in the 1970s by a group of high school friends in California. They called themselves “The Waldos” and met every day at 4:20pm after school to smoke cannabis.

They eventually popularized the420 term among the Grateful Dead community, which was then picked up and promoted in High Times magazine. You can read more about the history of the 420 term here.

Vancouver’s first April 20 protest was organized in 1995 by Danna Rozek and Cindy Lassu, who worked at Marc Emery’s revolutionary Hemp BC shop.

In 1997 the 4/20 protest was moved to the Art Gallery grounds downtown, and over 1000 people attended. The event grew every year, led for many years by local activist David Malmo-Levine who hosted cannabis raffles and a big joint giveaway at 4:20.

Malmo-Levine encouraged people to sell and share cannabis at 4/20, creating a safe space for dealers and buyers. People started bringing bags of joints and infused cookies to sell.

By 2007 there was over 7000 people at 4/20, packing the front of the Art Gallery. The event had grown to include day-long live music, public speakers and many tables openly selling cannabis products. Inspired by Vancouver, other 4/20 protests were becoming established in cities across Canada.

The 4/20 protest continued to grow exponentially in size and scope. By 2014, the crowds had exceeded 30,000, filling the whole Art Gallery and surrounding area and forcing the shutdown of Hornby, Howe, Robson, and Georgia streets.

After consulting with city officials, the 4/20 organizing committee decided to move the protest to Sunset Beach in 2016. This larger venue allows for increased public safety, less disruption, and a better event for everyone. While the Park Board voted with a one-vote majority not to grant 4/20 a permit, the protest has continued as an act of civil disobedience.

From humble beginnings, 4/20 has grown into one of Vancouver’s biggest and most popular public events, drawing tourists from across Canada and around the globe.

We welcome you to join us, enjoy some of the world’s best cannabis products, celebrate the cannabis culture, and protest against the stigma and harassment that cannabis users still face in Canada and around the world.

Host or Publisher World Cannabis