4/20 draws smaller crowds in Vancouver but advocates say cannabis issues remain

April 20 used to mean crowds of people smoking and protesting to legalize marijuana, and today 4/20 still exists, but on a much smaller scale.

Clouds of smoke drifted above the Vancouver Art Gallery on Monday as cannabis users gathered to mark 4/20, a day long associated with cannabis culture, protest and advocacy.

The annual event featured vendors, music and speakers sharing personal stories, including how they use cannabis medically and why they say stigma around the drug still lingers.

Free joints were handed out and the crowd cheered as speakers took turns at the microphone. While the atmosphere was celebratory, many attendees said the event continues to serve a deeper purpose.

Cannabis has been federally legal in Canada since 2018, but the crowds at Vancouver’s 4/20 gathering were noticeably smaller than in years past. An event that once drew thousands and high-profile musical acts, now attracted only a few hundred people.

Some attendees suggested legalization has shifted public attitudes.

“When things are a little outlawed, they’re more fun, you know? And now it’s just pretty accepted,” one person said.

“The story’s different too. A lot of people are content with the access they have,” said Brynn Jones, one of the event organizers.

Others argued legalization has not solved key issues, especially for medical users and small businesses.

Glenn Wells relies on cannabis for prescribed medical use and says affordability remains a major barrier. He is calling for better access and lower prices.

“If you’re buying a gram at $15 and I smoke an eighth a day or an eighth a week, there’s no way I can afford that,” Wells said.

Across the city, cannabis friendly cafés and lounges also marked the day with events.

While cannabis is legal to buy, many of these venues operate in a legal grey area and are largely self-regulated.

Advocates say that needs to change.

“We believe that people who use alcohol or engage in risky activities elsewhere should have just as much of a right to use cannabis in a space with other like-minded people,” said Jodie Giesz-Ramsay, a long-time cannabis advocate.

She also argues cannabis is still treated differently than B.C.’s beer and wine industries and says government regulations continue to hold the sector back.

“Most Canadian cannabis businesses have to sell their product overseas, and retailers are having a really hard time,” she said. “We also don’t have the tourism, the marketing. We aren’t really visible as an industry.”

Back at the art gallery, despite smaller numbers, those who gathered said the sense of community remains strong.

“We’re just lucky to live here,” one attendee said. “Not every place in the world gets to celebrate this day.”