Thousands attend 420 rally in Denver

The threat of rain held off Saturday as people from across the country gathered at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver for the annual 420 Rally.

Thousands of spectators rolled, lighted and smoked joints while enjoying live music, a beer garden and other activities. Dozens of vendors displayed marijuana-related products.

Each attendee was patted down by security guards at park entrances as a safety precaution. There was a strong police presence but officers said there was little trouble.

John Valdez and his family came from Pueblo not only to have fun, but to learn.

“I’m a medical marijuana patient with a neck injury,” he said. “We’re trying to find out what non-smoking, non-eating exterior rubs are here to help my bones. I’ve got $1 million of metal in my neck.”

Valdez arrived near the end of the rally but said he plans to return Sunday when the event continues.

Robert Sanders of Florida also attended the rally. He said he smokes marijuana discreetly because the drug remains illegal there.

“This is actually the first time I’ve ever legally smoked weed as an adult,” Sanders said. “I support what’s happening here.”

Jonathan Peeters is editor of the monthly magazine “Dope,” which focuses on the legalized marijuana industry.

“There’s no turning back now,” he said. “And there’s a huge population that’s not yet in the market. When that bubble pops, it’s going to be a whole new high like we haven’t seen before.”

Also in the Denver area this weekend is the Cannabis Cup, another marijuana celebration. Both events boost the regional economy, virtually filling every hotel and motel room along the Front Range.

The use of 420 as a code for marijuana started in California in 1971. Since then, supporters have used the date of 4/20 (April 20) as a day to celebrate use of the drug and encourage greater legal access to it.