420 Tribute to the Late Greg ‘Marijuana Man’ Williams – Cannabis News, Lifestyle
Today is going to be a great day because guess what… it’s 420! Vancouver has been celebrating the 420 for over two decades. It’s a massive event with a market, music, guest speakers and of course lots of weed. It goes without saying that this hasn’t happened in the last two years due to health regulations. But today, the cannabis community can celebrate together for the first time since before the pandemic.
However, there is one person who will not be at the meeting and his presence will certainly be missed. Every year, crowds at the Vancouver 420 enjoyed the MC stylings of Greg Williams, aka the Marijuana Man. Unfortunately, he succumbed to cancer in February. As a popular and respected cannabis activist, he left a legacy that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Today is 420, a day we connect, celebrate cannabis and smoke it together; There has never been a better day to pay tribute to the activists who made the party possible. Here’s a tribute to one of them, Greg ‘Marijuana Man’ Williams.
Vancouver 420
If you’ve ever been to a 420 Vancouver event downtown, you’ve probably seen Marijuana Man host the show. Of all those who could be chosen, why did the event producers choose Greg? First and foremost, he was good at it! With his cool manner, he was very personable both on and off stage. Second, the guy had a tremendous amount of knowledge, especially when it came to plant genetics. But third and most importantly, he was a prominent grassroots activist and had personally risked his life for the cause.
From selling seeds to cannabis activism
Greg Williams has been politically active in the fight for cannabis rights, but that wasn’t his intention at first. All he really wanted was to make cannabis genetics available, especially when it came to variety. In 1996 he ran the Seed Desk at Cannabis Culture Headquarters in downtown Vancouver. Over the years he has sold millions of cannabis seeds in a wide range of different strains. A great source of knowledge, Greg was always open to chatting and sharing tips with local breeders. When it came to shipping orders, Greg provided written instructions and shipped seeds throughout Canada and the United States.
Michelle Rainey, Greg Williams and Marc Emery
In 2005, Greg Williams, Marc Emery and the late Michelle Rainey were arrested for selling cannabis seeds. Initially, each of them faced life imprisonment. Luckily, Greg Williams and Michelle Rainey got parole; Marc Emery received a five-year prison sentence.
Who was Greg “Marijuana Man” Williams?
For some police officers he was a threat, for others a cannabis activist. For breeders in the late 90’s he was a phenomenal source of information on cannabis plant genetics and a great source of seeds. But most importantly, Marijuana Man has been a gift to the cannabis community at large. After all, what word better describes a person willing to risk themselves for others.
Pot.tv Greg Williams addresses the crowd on Canada’s Cannabis Legalization Day in the BC Legislature
Some people think that celebrating 420 is really all about getting high like a dragon. For many stoners, that’s basically the sum of the day’s activities. But that’s not what the party is about. 420 is a celebration of cannabis and the fallen heroes who brought it to us. It’s time to honor the people who have been penalized for making cannabis accessible. Without their commitment the party would never have been possible. We honor our fallen heroes by setting their favorite herb on fire. This year we honor Greg. As Vancouver gathers for the first time in years, they will feel the absence of their beloved presenter. Greg ‘Marijuana Man’ Williams may not be there in person, but his ghost will likely linger by for a puff. Let’s roll up something delicious and make sure it’s good.
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