From psychedelic shirts and beanies to hemp-infused energy drinks, Denver s Civic Center park is filled to the brim with cannabis-themed vendors for the weekend s annual 4/20 rally.
Some, like New York-based clothing company Not Fade Away, traveled to Colorado for the event — billed as the world s largest marijuana rally. Others, like Canna Energy, are based right here in Denver.
This year s 4/20 rally runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with after parties in the nearby McNichols building from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. In addition to the hundreds of food and merchandise vendors filling the park, there will be a full lineup of concerts, including headliner Rick Ross.
All Things 4/20
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Performances are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4:20 p.m. each day with additional concerts during the after parties. are required for the late-night festivities, but the daytime rally is free.
Our goal is to create a positive environment for users to share stories, learn about the industry and create informed opinions on the remaining issues facing the industry, rally founder Miguel Lopez said in a press release.
Many people are there to do just that. Lauren Croucher, a founding partner at Modolo Consulting, is there doing research for her new firm focused on the cannabis industry.
You don t often get to see the birth of an industry right in your backyard, Croucher said. This is a great chance to meet new folks and see what s new in the industry.
The actual 4/20 holiday isn t until Monday, but a on new three-day events kept the rally s organizers from expanding beyond the weekend. Earlier this week, though, authorities began with event organizers in anticipation of a large turnout on Monday whether there s an official event or not.
Denver became Colorado s epicenter for 4/20 events after the University of Colorado Boulder began shutting down its campus on that day in 2012.
This is the second year the Denver rally has been highly structured, with monitored entrances, fences around the park and security guards. In 2013, and another person grazed by a bullet at the Saturday rally, resulting in the next day s celebration being canceled.
Police will also be present at the rally, issuing citations for public consumption of marijuana. While recreational use was legalized in Colorado with the in 2012, it remains illegal to consume it in public. At last year s 4/20 rally, police issued .
For more information, visit the 4/20 Rally .
Anna Gauldin: 303-954-1666, agauldin@denverpost.com
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