Main Street News
What is 4/20 and Where Can I Celebrate?
Saturday is a big day for marijuana lovers. 4/20 (April 20th) is the day where marijuana fans rejoice in clouds of smoke, or with gummies, or cookies, or however else you like to partake in your weed.
Since Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize marijuana in 2012, there are now 24 total states, as well as the District of Columbia, that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana as of February 2024, according to the Pew Research Center. An additional 14 states allow marijuana for medical use only.
According to Pew, “the remaining 12 states have legalized limited access to cannabis products that contain little to no THC – the main psychoactive substance in marijuana – such as CBD oil.” Additionally, a total of 27 states across various levels of legalization have also decriminalized the recreational use of marijuana.
Why 4/20?
The origins of why April 20th is known as weed day have been murky, but the origins are said to have come from a group of students at San Rafael High School in California known as “the Waldos.” One of their friends was afraid of getting caught growing a patch of cannabis in the woods, so he drew a map for the group so they would be able to search for and harvest the crop.
The Waldos designated a statue outside of the high school as their meeting place and 4:20pm as their official meeting time. After searching for the cannabis crop multiple times to no avail, the group shortened their code phrase to “4:20”, which “ultimately evolved into a code-word the teens used to refer to consuming cannabis.”
Later, Steven Hager of High Times magazine popularized the story of the Waldos and the term “4:20.” Later, the reform organization Cannabis Action Network, which is associated with High Times, was credited for marking April 20 as a day of political and cultural protest, in addition to a day of celebrating cannabis.
How do I celebrate?
With cannabis, of course. While some cities, such as San Francisco and Seattle, host large public celebrations, you can celebrate on a smaller scale at local dispensaries, many of which are offering discounts and hosting celebrations on Saturday. We’ve rounded up some of the local dispensaries in the region below so you can easily decide where to celebrate, if you so choose.
Dispensaries Near Me
Massachusetts
Calyx Berkshire Dispensary
Calyx is the only 100% women-owned cannabis boutique in Berkshire County. The Calyx is the female part of the cannabis plant and “all flowering plants have calyxes, but the calyxes of female cannabis plants are coveted commodities. The calyxes are located at the base of the flower and hold everything together .. just like a woman!”
307 Main St, Great Barrington, MA 01230
https://www.calyxberkshire.com/
Canna Provisions
“At Canna Provisions Group, our mission is about making life’s journey better by providing premium cannabis products to all types of customers from first-time shoppers to experienced consumers. We make a simple promise to our clientele: we will always seek to provide the highest grade cannabis products that are completely natural and free of chemicals.”
Canna Provisions is hosting a 4/20 celebration with Biggins Diggins Food Truck, pop-ups, and more. The event is running from 11am to 4pm.
220 Housatonic St, Lee, MA 01238
https://cannaprovisions.com/locations/lee-ma/
Devine Berkshires
Devine Berkshires is the first Black and women-owned retail cannabis shop in the Berkshires and the fourth in the state. “With the owners having been in the health and fitness field for the last 15+ years, Devine is primed to bring you the knowledge and expertise you want, in order to have the best possible Cannabis or CBD experience.”
Devine is hosting a 420 and Second Anniversary Party on Saturday. There will be live music, food trucks, and hangouts with other cannabis vendors. RSVP on Devine’s website.
71 Main St, Egremont, MA 01258
https://devineberkshires.com/
Farnsworth Fine Cannabis
“Located at 126 Main Street in the heart of Great Barrington, MA, Farnsworth Fine Cannabis offers exceptional service and expert knowledge for customers ranging from the cannabis curious to bona fide connoisseurs. At Farnsworth, we put this magical little plant on a pedestal. Consider us a museum for marijuana, a palace for pot, a chapel for cannabis. After centuries of stigma, it is our mission to give cannabis the setting that it deserves.”
Farnsworth Fine Cannabis will be hosting multiple pop-ups on Saturday – Kick it with Kiva on 4/20 from 11am-1pm and the Healing Rose Pop-Up from 11am-2pm. Find details about the events here.
126 Main St, Great Barrington, MA 01230
https://farnsworthfinecannabis.com/
Great Barrington Dispensary
Great Barrington Dispensary is located inside a 170-year-old gothic revival mansion and is the newest recreational adult-use marijuana dispensary in the area. “Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been with us from day one, we want everyone to find their perfect fit and leave with a smile on their face and some new friends along the way. With an experienced staff ready to answer any questions you may have, know that there’s no reason not to give us a try.”
Great Barrington Dispensary is taking part in the Great Barrington VFW Fest on Saturday from 1-6pm. There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, glass blowing, and adult treats. Tickets are available here.
454 Main St, Great Barrington, MA 01230
https://greatbarringtondispensary.com/
REBELLE: Great Barrington Cannabis Dispensary
At Rebelle, they’re passionate about representing women in weed. Their commitment to empowering change and creating a new weed experience is at the heart of their mission. “We provide customers with the best products and the widest selection of cannabis and marijuana products near the Berkshires and in Boston. Most of all, we are focused on providing as much education and understanding as possible, to help you find your perfect high. Our budtenders are informed, experienced, and excited to help you on your journey.”
783 S Main St, Great Barrington, MA 01230
https://letsrebelle.com/
Theory Wellness
“Our Great Barrington recreational marijuana dispensary offers an array of cannabis products from flower, edibles, vaporizers, pre-rolls, and tinctures. Come visit the first dispensary in the Berkshires and learn more about why it’s the best in the area.”
394 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230
https://theorywellness.org/ma/great-barrington-recreational-cannabis-dispensary/
Connecticut
Still River Wellness
“Still River Wellness is the first and only hybrid (medical and recreational) cannabis dispensary facility to open in Litchfield County since the State’s Program was launched in 2013. Located in Northern Torrington directly off Route 8, the dispensary provides access to the thousands of Litchfield County residents and registered patients who currently need to travel to other counties for their cannabis needs.”
Still River Wellness is partnering with Bad Dog Brewery in Torrington for a Roaring Four20s Costume and Cannabis Mixer on Saturday. The event starts at 7pm and entry is free.
3568 Winsted Rd, Torrington, CT 06790
https://stillriverwellness.com/
The Botanist
The Botanist was “born from a desire to serve the needs of people who seek potential relief and balance, and we are proud to offer a variety of cannabis-derived products and services for our Medical Card Holders. We are here to help guide our guests as they discover cannabis and the potential power of herbal wellness through cannabis expertise and education.”
105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811
https://shopbotanist.com/locations/danbury/
Zen Leaf Waterbury
Zen Leaf initially started in Las Vegas in 2016, but has since expanded to dispensary locations across eight states. “We recognize people are wonderfully unique, as are their cannabis needs. In pursuit of wellness, our Zen Leaf Cannabis Advisors cater to the individual, asking questions, listening attentively, and offering thoughtful recommendations. Our dispensaries are designed for comfort and care, as cannabis shopping should be easy and enjoyable. Whether medical or adult-use, our focus will always be the wellness and satisfaction of the user.”
237 E Aurora St, Waterbury, CT 06708
https://zenleafdispensaries.com/locations/waterbury/
New York
Be. Hudson Valley – Medical Cannabis Dispensary
“Be. has three locations throughout New York and is a trusted partner to the medical cannabis patients and caregivers throughout the state. Our on-site pharmacists and Dispensary Agents are here to help guide new and existing patients through the process of patient registration and the appropriate product selection for each individual’s needs.”
Be. is hosting pre-420 celebrations from April 18 to April 20, where you can enjoy daily deals, 40% off PharmaCann products, 30% off storewide, and be entered to win a $420 gift card.
1147 US-9, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
https://bestores.com/hudson-valley/
Northern Lights Dispensary
Northern Lights Dispensary is family owned and operated and is the largest cannabis showroom in Albany, with over 2,000 square feet of space. They feature over 800 cannabis products from New York State’s top cultivators and processors.
Northern Lights Dispensary is hosting a 420 celebration with food, music, art, games, and free parking! The event starts at 11am and is free to attend.
100 Broadway #8, Menands, NY 12204
https://www.nldispo.com/
Stage One Dispensary
Stage One Dispensary is one of the first legally licensed, New York State retail cannabis dispensaries in the Capital Region. They’re open for cannabis delivery, pick-up, and in-person dispensary sales seven days a week.
“Stop by Stage One Dispensary for some NY grown and lab tested cannabis and stay a while for some cannabis knowledge from our expert bud tenders!”
Stage One Dispensary is hosting a 420 Party all day on Saturday with six DJs.
810 Broadway, Unit C, Rensselaer, NY 12144
https://stageonedispensary.com/visit-us/
To learn more about safe cannabis consumption, visit the CDC’s website here.
*Disclaimer: All medical claims made in this article are information provided by the subject. The information is general in nature and not specifically meant for any particular individual. You should always seek out medical assistance from a medical professional based on your individual needs and circumstances.
