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Preparing for 4/20 pot smoke-out
A student exhales smoke above the crowd gathered on Farrand Field for the 4/20 smoke-out in 2006.
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Student smokers, in perhaps the cliched easy-going fashion associated with marijuana, are getting ready for the annual 4/20 celebration on the University of Colorado campus.
Official smoke-out T-shirts sold online simply say: "University of Colorado. April 20. Farrand Field."
And a group on the networking Web site Facebook is demanding that Slightly Stoopid, an acoustic reggae hip-hop group, come play at CU for Sunday's event -- but it stops short of organizing a concert.
"Nobody got in touch with us," said Matt Phillips, public relations coordinator for the group, adding that Slightly Stoopid is interested in coming to Boulder for a fall concert. (The band is playing at Red Rocks on Aug. 15, and signed a contract agreeing not to play in the nearby market for five months prior to the concert).
But where the casual marijuana aficionados lack in the planning department, the student chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws has picked up the slack.
Every year, thousands of people gather on the CU campus April 20 for the unofficial pro-pot celebration -- and at 4:20 p.m. a cloud of smoke mushrooms above the crowd. The event is said to have grown from a northern California tradition.
CU police this year are bracing for a large crowd.
The NORML group has several on-campus events planned to take place near the Dalton Trumbo Fountain outside the University of Memorial Center, including daytime concerts by Tribe Zion, 303 Boys and Buncha Kindsa. The group also is bringing in marijuana-reform speakers and will have an art wall.
Alex Douglas, who does public relations for NORML's CU chapter, said there also will be a screening of the documentary "Super High Me" in Cristol Chemistry Building, Room 140. The group plans to rally for the legalization of marijuana with signs and banners on Norlin Quad.
Douglas said his group expects more than 10,000 people to attend the events Sunday.
"We think that many people that didn't want to miss class, or were busy because of school, will be able to join in this year with no worries," he said.
CU police Cmdr. Brad Wiesley said the department will likely need to pay overtime to its officers to monitor the event, given the possibility that the smoke-out could be heavily attended.
"We will obviously have a presence," Wiesley said. "We certainly don't condone, support or otherwise sanction this event."
People have the right to protest for marijuana law reforms, Wiesley said.
"But, breaking the law in order to change the law is not how our democratic society works," he said.
In past attempts to snuff out the event, campus police have turned sprinklers on the crowd and taken pictures of student smokers, posting them online and offering rewards to those who could identify them.
Wiesley, though, was mum on this year's planned tactics.
"We don't give our playbook to the other team before the game," he said.
University of Colorado police have tried a variety of responses over the years to the 4/20 marijuana smokeout, but they're mum about any tactics planned this year,
POLICING 4/20
In 2007: About 3,000 people showed up at Norlin Quad, and police ticketed six who were caught lighting up and inhaling.
In 2006: Officers posted 150 pictures of participants online, then offered a $50 reward for each positive identification. The ID'd students were ticketed for drug charges or trespassing on the closed Farrand Field.
In 2005: Crowds that ignored the closure of Farrand Field were soaked when police turned on the sprinklers there. Still, no one was ticketed or arrested on drug charges.
In 2004: CU police made sure the gathering didn't get out of hand, but they said it was impractical to enforce marijuana laws in connection with such a large gathering. "We don't want to create a larger issue than we're presented with," Lt. Tim McGraw said.
In 2003: Five officers, outnumbered by about 800 people, made no arrests but did confiscate some drug paraphernalia. "Because there were so many people, we decided to keep a low profile," Cpl. Jim Manzanares said.
In 2002: Officers largely monitored the crowd but also responded to a man who passed out and hit his head on the sidewalk outside of the University Memorial Center.
Source: Camera archives
Contact Camera Staff Writer Brittany Anas at 303-473-1132 or anasb@dailycamera.com.
Posted by meatpieandtatters on April 13, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The government hates pot because it's so easily cultivated and evades their tax-thirsty authority, thus why it's illegal. Anything that is fun the FEDS want a piece of the action. It's organized crime with a flag on the wall!
Posted by boulderhippie on April 14, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This day is better than christmas for me. I've got my special 4-20 bong (4 chambers/20 inches) and prepare all year long with what I like to call bongisthenics. I am glad the Camera ran this story to remind me, I had no idea it was April.
Posted by bobcat77 on April 14, 2008 at 6:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I am glad the Camera ran this story to remind me, I had no idea it was April."
---
LOL....ahh well, put down the bong!
Posted by bolderbabe on April 14, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Typical Camera story. No useful info. Where do I get my "official" smoke out t-shirt??
Posted by bobcat77 on April 14, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey meat, take another toke and chill.....but don't forget the government is watchin. They know who you are and what you are up to.
Posted by boulderjen on April 14, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"breaking the law in order to change the law is not how our democratic society works" Clearly the police need to brush up on history. Dont they know us smokers love the history channel. I believe our founding fathers were all guilty of treason for starting the USA....nice effort. Please try again. ENJOY 4/20 all!!!!
Posted by jwoodruff on April 14, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Comparing starting a revolution to break free from England to pot smoking? Wow. The Founding Fathers would be quite proud of what this country has come to.
Posted by albanal on April 14, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Founding Fathers grew pot.
Posted by nordberg on April 14, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"But, breaking the law in order to change the law is not how our democratic society works," he said.
Denver has now passed two marijuana law reforms, one to legalize it and another to deprioritize enforcement, and the Denver police have ignored both of them. The police prefer lawbreaking methods because then they can flex their power.
Posted by walongloop on April 14, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Responsible Boulder recreation.
How typical.
Posted by nofreebeer on April 14, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Student smokers? Not all. I bet non smokers would be shocked to learn just how many people around them in the business and professional world smoke but keep it hidden because of social and legal pressures.
There is only 1 path for the future of marijuana and that is legalization and uug, taxation. I hope it stays illegal!
Posted by blacksho89 on April 14, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
nordberg: Do you think the Denver cops would be writing pot tickets if the mayor told them not to?
The Mayor that made his fortune selling beer?
Posted by BuffMan6236 on April 14, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For some, pot is another recreatonal drug. But for others, pot is very addicting. Not physically, but psychologically. Pro-pot people have always claimed it isn't addicting, but that's based on its lack of physical addition, which is a definition that people in psychological professions quit using about 20 years ago.
My daughter is an addict. Not to pot. But the kids in her rehab program who are pot heads have the hardest time quitting. I didn't believe it when the program told me this, but since then I have seen it personally time and time again.
Meth or H will destroy your life in six months, pot takes years (and many people can function in a diminshed capacity for decades). So quitting it and getting back to a point where you can live life to the fullest means having to change your whole lifestyle at that point. That's why its so hard for heavy users to quit.
So, if you want to light up, that's your call. I did my fair share in college. But don't kid yourself, pot in excess (or if you have an addictive personality) will eventually start to tear your life apart piece by piece. It's not a safe drug. It carries its own risks as well.
Posted by The_Belfrey on April 14, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SHHHH! Hey gang - keep this on the down low, ok? We're being really sneaky and coy by wearing t-shirts that don't actually say we're going to be smoking pot. The paper might run a story, and the police might already have a plan to disrupt the event, but that's okay - they're not wearing the shirt, so they don't count.
Posted by Big_Ben on April 14, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't really have anything to add, but I want this story to receive enough comments to warrant the flaming "hot" emblem next to the headline. Lets make it happen!
Posted by nofreebeer on April 14, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey "walongloop", "Responsible Boulder recreation."
This is happening all over the world. I love how some people (who hate Boulder in general) think only the population of Boulder, smoke weed. People in Boulder are smart and see these comments as nothing more than rants. Still, there is no reason to not be more open minded and tolerant in general.
Expanding on my last post; I have lived in places in New England for example, where 80% of the population smokes regularly. Most treat it like fine wine in moderation after work. I know that image goes against the popular assumption that it's all long haired college kids smoking in excess but that's a major distortion from popular culture as seen and heard on TV and music. There are many, many more smokers than any census or poll will ever reveal.
Posted by brian on April 14, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jwoodruff,
Let me guess. You're related to the so called "Founding Fathers"? No they are a myth so you must be a myth too. Go back to where your grandparents are from.
Posted by Gambrinus on April 14, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's kind of sad to see the elevation of the police response from "they're not hurting anybody, so there's no reason to step in" to "THEY'RE UNDERMINING OUR AUTHORITY AND WE MUST STOP IT" over the years. I can't see anything the public gains by having the police interrupt this.
Posted by Doc_Brinkley on April 14, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you want to use civil disobedience to change the law, then you must be ready to be arrested and go to jail by the hundreds thus overwhelming the system. You ought to be begging the CU Police to put you in those funky bracelets!
But this 4/20 CU marijuana celebration isn't really civil disobedience, is it? Just another silly excuse to get stoned, get drunk, get laid, etc. And you want the cops to leave you alone!
Sissies.
Posted by lafayettelooney on April 14, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I still can't find the site to order a T-Shirt to show my support! Please help!
Posted by jwoodruff on April 14, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Brian -
My grandparents are from Indiana. Don't really want to go back to there. But thanks for the advice.
Posted by ogghead on April 14, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BuffMan6236 speaks the truth.
Posted by DimBulbs on April 14, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blah blah blah. Where are the damn shirts??!!
Posted by azenderq on April 14, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It sure would be nice if any other cause on campus could get anywhere near the support this does. Someone needs to figure out how to get f*ed up on some socially useful, worthy cause.
Posted by boulderhippie on April 14, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DimBulbs -
www.smokedown.com
Posted by lafayettelooney on April 14, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I want the Farrands Field shirt address - dimbulb!!!
Posted by brian on April 14, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BuffMan6236,
I wonder if you'll still be spouting the same BS when you're going through chemotherapy and your doctor tells you that the only relief from the nausea is to smoke that plant you so vehemently oppose. You so called conservatives speak out of the side of your mouth about smaller government but always want to legislate your so called morality.
Posted by Dogu on April 14, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't think Buffman said he "vehemently opposed" it. And he didn't adress the topic of medical uses in moderation with the appropriate medical followups. Chill out and try and have a dialouge brian.
4/20 has nothing to do with medical marijauna uses and you know it.
BUT on that note hemp makes realy strong rope too, that's why I want it legalized!
Posted by colinolmstead on April 14, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If anyone still does not understand the value of medical marijuana, they should go read the American College of Physicians position paper.
http://www.acponline.org/advocacy/whe...
It is a safer alternative to alcohol and people who are medicating with marijuana and dont realize it are legion.
All that aside who are these people who call themselves government and police and lawmakers? Who are they to tell me not to use a plant, an herb that has been around and used for more than ten thousand years.
Posted by ogghead on April 14, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brian,
You didn't read BuffMan6236's comment. He's not demonizing it, simply pointing to the growing body of study that shows a small proportion of pot smokers to be clinically addicted. Pot is generally safer than alcohol, but you're not thinking very hard if you don't consider that using it has tradeoffs.
Posted by samsmargolis on April 14, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It cracks me up that all the 420 attendees fancy themselves to be Bonnie and Clyde or something for smoking dope in public. It's a petty offense. You're not pulling one over on the man - the only thing you can get for it is a ticket. The DC is an enabler of this mentality by sensationalizing an event that is the legal equivalent of a mass parking violation. If they were interested in changing the law relating to pot, they'd take their "protest" to the capital. Who cares in Boulder?
Posted by JakPott on April 14, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Buff and ogg..
so ? Should it be illegal then ? If so, shouldnt tobacco and alcohol also be illegal ?
Who is claiming that smoking pot is the 'healthy' thing to do ?
Can you be'addicted' to anti-depressants or other pharms? Absolutely. I see all kinds of problems from people who are on anti-depressants.
All drugs have downsides...(even flouride). Every time you drink a beer you weigh the loss of liver cells to the psycological band-aid.
Should the government decide if this should be allowed - or you ?
Posted by frank_barnes on April 14, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All buffman is saying, is think about your actions. I don't know why people get so upset about some good advice. Seriously, thinks about the consequences of your actions. I am soo upset. How dare anyone say that to me.
Posted by Robert_Paul_Smoke on April 14, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's true... pot can destroy brain cells -- and is known to impact short term memory.
By the way, could you remind me of the 4/20 thing again the day before it happens instead of nearly a whole week in advance?
Thank you.
Posted by zpuldy on April 15, 2008 at 1:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
short term memory only last for 30 seconds max anyways. Take a psychology course
Posted by BuffMan6236 on April 15, 2008 at 2:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pretty vitriolic Brian and Jakpott. Did you even read what I wrote? I didn't say anything about it being illegal. Personally, the last thing I want is government involved in those choices. Like I said, I did my fair share of MJ in college.
I only point out that pot is a damaging and dangerous drug, just like many others. I am around 30-40 addicts twice a week. Pot is by far the worst drug for addicts to quit. The rehab folks would much rather treat a tweaker than a pot head. Read Bob Mehan's Beyond The Yellow Brick Road, you'll understand what I mean.
If you want to hit that bong, that's your choice. But don't kid yourself. Heavy, regular use can lead to addiction, just like alcohol, H, Meth, coke and the rest.
The myth that pot is never addictive and is a harmless, recreational drug is just that, a myth. And it doesn't mean you are a revolutionary free spirit to smoke pot on a football field in Boulder. That's like playing Gin Rummy on a street corner in Vegas. It's not even worth noticing.
Posted by jfj1538 on April 15, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Isn't it funny that drugs like alcohol and tobacco, which do absolutely NOTHING for you, are legal. And drugs that grow naturally on this planet, drugs that make you open your eyes and realize you're getting SCREWED every day of your life -- those drugs are illegal? Coincidence? I don't know. I'm sure their motives are pure...
Bill Hicks
Posted by jwoodruff on April 15, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Posted by zpuldy on April 15, 2008 at 1:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
short term memory only last for 30 seconds max anyways. Take a psychology course"
You do realize things enter your long-term memory through your short-term memory? I'll let you noodle through the ramifications of an impaired short-term memory to your long-term self.
Take a psychology course.
Posted by el_dusto on April 15, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://boulder420.com
Federal drug laws being what they are, it is true that smoking cannabis carries with it a set of known legal and health risks. Undoubtedly there are some unknown health risks as well.
Adults are fully capable of making responsible choices, and it is not the responsibility of the state to monitor what we put into our bodies, with exceptions for protecting consumers from concealed harms or misleading information.
Legalisation eliminates the organized criminal element from cannabis production and sale. Legalisation allows universities and private researchers to explore potential benefits and side-effects of long-term or high-dose marijuana use on humans. Legalisation frees millions of Americans, mostly minorities and mostly non-violent, from prison... or at least prevents our overcrowded prison system from being further stuffed with peaceable (if a bit spacey) potheads.
The draconian response that an event like this would generate in many American cities makes me grateful for the relative wisdom of Boulder's police force and proud of its citizenry as a whole.
Posted by BoulderHippy on April 15, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.newscientist.com/article/d...
"The link between regular cannabis use and later depression and schizophrenia has been significantly strengthened by three new studies.
Patton's team followed over 1600 Australian school pupils aged 14 to 15 for seven years. Daily cannabis use was associated with a five-fold increased risk of depression at the age of 20. Weekly use was linked to a two-fold increase. The regular users were no more likely to have suffered from depression or anxiety at the start of the study."
But who needs facts anyway in Boulder. It's shameful the way the Boulder mass media and CU admin encourage this.
Posted by whvacman on April 16, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know that everybody is getting screwed over every day but I don't need smoking pot to know that is going on just read the paper it's legal and it will show it HHHMMMMMM!
Posted by inmyriver on April 17, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
420 Event: An excuse for pot smokers to get high and thumb their noses at whoever, with a little bit of justification thrown in. In twenty years they will all be chuckling at how stupid and innocent they were as kids.
Camera Coverage of 420 Event: Boulder clinging to its past and acknowledgement of how stupid and innocent we were as kids.
Around and around we go.
Posted by johnbarleycorn on April 17, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
puff, puff, pass....
Posted by ottomandude on April 17, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
People have the right to protest for marijuana law reforms, Wiesley said.
But, breaking the law in order to change the law is not how our democratic society works, he said.
.........
"One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Posted by crfreeski on April 18, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
get an official "smoke out" t shirt at
http://boulder420.com
Posted by philw on April 27, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In these times when truth is regarded as an unimportant "special interest" -- even in matters of war and global human survival -- this act of humble peaceful anarchy is something all Americans can be proud of.
Here are some Photo webpages of the CU Boulder 420 2008 gathering:
LINK: http://www.ThirdTablet.com/2008/CU-420/
10,000 peaceably assemble at CU Boulder's Leader-less Annual 420 Celebration. Zero Leaders. Zero Tickets. Zero Arrests. University of Colorado at Boulder, Norlin Quad, Colorado USA -- April 20, 2008.
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