It's 4/20!

Whatever you do for this international, weed-themed day of Cannabis celebration and community, be certain to make the move from 'slacktivism' to true activism this year. Why not get off the sofa, stop posting pointed comments on various Cannabis forums and articles, and do something with your opinion?

You can begin by checking out your local NORML chapter to see if there are events in which you can participate, petitions to sign, 'green prisoners' whose cases deserve attention, or other locally-beneficial activities that might interest you (www.norml.org) - or write a letter to your local officials regarding local ballot measures and other legislation.

Traveling

If travel is more your style, a slew of international festivals, expos and gatherings will take place on the eponymous dope day. The vast Soft Secrets family of publications is proud to be hosting its first ever Growmed Valencia in Spain from April 20th to 22nd. A weed fair with a twist, Growmed promises to offer all the usual weed-related goodies that you will typically find at these events, including grow equipment, seeds and smoking paraphernalia.

The twist at this new expo is the addition of a park-style setup, the Medical Arena. Here you can meet and interact with doctors and medi-weed celebrities, as well as experts from universities, dispensaries, collectives and medical labs around the world. Know what you smoke - especially if it's for medical purposes.

Netherlands

Our home base of the Netherlands will also host many local events, typically organized through forums and other online Cannabis communities. The largest and perhaps most attended gathering is likely to be the 'Anti-Weedpass Smoke-Out', occurring from noon until 5:30 PM. Under the theme of 'Puff, Puff... NO PASS!' the organizers plan to announce the location only one hour in advance, through the website www.coffeeshopnieuws.nl, perhaps in an attempt to avoid an early shutdown.

The impending Dutch Wietpas and ban on Cannabis products above 15% THC is stirring anger among coffeeshop customers, staff and owners, and so now is likely the best time to speak up. If you plan to be in Amsterdam for the week of 4/20, and if you enjoy the freedom of being able to visit our famous (and previously non-discriminatory) coffeeshops, be certain to add your shouts of protest to the cause.

Finally there is the Global Marijuana March - also known as the Million Marijuana March, Cannabis Liberation Day, or a variety of other monikers - usually held on the first Saturday of May, if not on 4/20 itself. Started in 1999, the March now attracts over 700 countries with a common message: celebrate Cannabis culture, end punitive Cannabis laws, stop the drug war, allow patients safe access to safe medicine, and free the green prisoners worldwide. Find out where the action is happening at www.millionmarijuanamarch.com.