Thousands light up for 420 celebrations across the state

Thousands lit up at 420 festivities across the state on Monday to celebrate marijuana’s unofficial holiday.

A crowd gathered outside of Denver’s civic center and released a plume of smoke at 4:20 p.m.

“Got here from Alabama, first time here, heard about it. You see videos about it on YouTube, so me and my buddy come down here,” said Alabama resident Joshua Greenwood at the rally.

Pot shops along Manitou Springs were busy on Monday. Emerald Fields said business started to build over the weekend as people prepared for the unofficial holiday.

“I think we are pretty lucky that 420 fell on a Monday because we have just had so much business over the weekend,” said manager Margaret D’Amour.

D’Amour said the crowd celebrating 420 this year felt more touristy than past years.

“People are traveling for the event of 420 more than our locals. I’ve gotten a lot more tourists this year than locals. I think locals know they have to stay home and take it kind of easy,” said D’Amour.

Sarah Allspaw and Alex Fraser visited from Ohio and stopped by Emerald Fields.

“It’s not that much different than it is at home, it’s just a little more out in the open,” said Fraser.

People visiting from out of state must consume or leave the marijuana they purchase before traveling across state lines. It is illegal to take marijuana outside of Colorado.