Celebrating 4/20 When You're Almost 30

For most people April 20th is a day like any other, full of work, errands, and the daily stressers of adulthood. But for those more highly aware to the days' impetus, 4/20 is a day for celebrating the discovery of the cannabis plant, as well one another and our opportunity to enjoy this wonderfully weird life together. Over the years my run of show for the most high of holidays has taken on many forms, from having to hide in the woods with the boys, to packing way to many people into tiny apartments, and now it's more about hoping I don't have any meetings scheduled after 12:00 PM. Yes, 4/20 has been and will continue to be celebrated in a variety of ways by the nearly 300 million people that use it globally, so here are a few of my favorite 4/20 activities to ensure that you are still having the best time on this highly anticipated holiday.

1. Get Outside

While this one could certainly come down to the weather, getting outside is my #1 recommendation for a Happy & Healthy 4/20. In my college days, 4/20 was spent packed into a friends's apartment with a circulation of blunts, bongs, and newly purchased paraphernalia, where we spent little to no time outside in fear of being spotted by a less festive individual. These days, with more and more states legalizing cannabis, the stigma is changing, and the thought of being under the influence in public is not such a daunting or displeasing activity. I like to smoke a bowl before going for a walk, or if you're in a state where public consumption is legal, bring a joint with you! Nothing wrong with getting your Vitamin D along with a little Vitamin THC on a nice day ;)

2. Eat Something Good

Even if you know absolutely nothing about cannabis there's a good chance that you have at least heard of the dreadful munchies. While a typical munchie menu could consist of convenient store snacks, sugary confections, and even a fast food delivery or two, 4/20 is a day where your hightend appetite should be met with an equally elevated assortment of provisions. If you aren't quite up for sitting in a restaurant fully baked, I enjoy cooking when I'm a little toasty, but please be careful if you are using a sharp knife as nothing kills a high quicker than a trip to the ER. Another fun option, in the spirit of getting outside, is to go pick up sandwiches or your favorite dish and have a little picnic in the park with friends. While it might sound like a myth, research has shown that your senses and pleasure receptors can absolutely be hightend while getting high, which means your favorite meal could get to a whole new level with a little extra ingredient from your end.

3. Get Creative

Cannabis has a storied history in the lives of artists and is often intertwined at the origins of inspiration. Whether writing a song, painting a picture, or thinking through a user interface, weed can help you see things through an entirely different lens, perhaps one you didn't even know existed. That's not to say that smoking a joint will turn you into Picasso, but it can be fun to think freely and create, and you never know what you will come up with until you give it a try. Plus, being creative isn't just about art or making something new, creativity can also be the key to thinking through the problems of your everyday life. So why not use your uninhibited state to let those creative juices flow and see what you can make or figure out along the way!

As you can see 4/20 certainly looks different for me these days as I'm sure it does for many, but I'd say it's a good thing overall. My relationship with cannabis has grown over the years as I have, and I enjoy finding new ways to utilize and incorporate it into my adult life. There are certainly some classic movies I won't outgrow like Mac & Devin Go to High School and How High, but I'm happy to have picked up some more active traditions for a nice change of pace. Please remember to enjoy cannabis responsibly and avoid driving or doing anything that could put you or others at risk while under the influence. Weed is meant to be enjoyed, not abused, so have a Happy & Healthy 4/20 and spread some love to your fellow herb enthusiasts.