Tips for celebrating 420 when it’s illegal

420 in Canada is pretty massive, but in other parts of the world that are less permissive, pot lovers might need some tips on how to celebrate 420 when it’s illegal.

Celebrating 420, even if it’s illegal, means participating in global solidarity for cannabis without putting yourself in a precarious position. That being said, there’s no point in taking all the fun out of it and living in fear, so you should still make sure you enjoy yourself and have an unforgettable experience.

Here are some of our tips for celebrating 420 when it’s illegal and you need to keep things low-key.

Host a small gathering at home

Not to be confused with a house party, this celebration involves inviting a few (trustworthy) friends over to join in the good stuff, watch some chilled movies, play some games, or jam to music. If you are looking for community and camaraderie, this is the option for you.

However, you must be careful not to be too conspicuous as neighbors may suspect something and give you away.

Pro tip: If you’re afraid the smell will draw unwanted attention, stick to edibles. Prepare this in good time and in small amounts at a time so as not to arouse suspicion. However, if you prefer to smoke, make sure you prepare the room to mask the smell as much as possible. Air fresheners, incense and air purifiers can work wonders for you. You can also make your own sploof, a handy DIY device you can use to mask the smell of cannabis. Just take an empty toilet paper roll and fill it with dryer sheets. Tape one end and blow your joint or bong smoke into the other end. Have a few of these lying around.

Clubs, raves and live music

One of the challenges of living in a country where cannabis is illegal is that you may not know many people who also smoke. This 420 celebration proposal is perfect for people who have one or two friends attending.

It shouldn’t be too difficult to find a club that plays some good tunes on the big night, or even a bar, pub or live event venue that offers good music. With your small group of two to three people, you can easily get high through the night.

Pro tip: If you’re worried about being literally sniffed out, edibles are the way to go. If you do intend to smoke, make sure you do so in a secluded or private area and try to mask the smell with perfume or cologne. Also, have your cannabis products ready before entering the venue as some venues may conduct bag checks. You can always disguise joints in cigarette cases or in other more inventive ways as well. Typically, pubs and bars with small live music shows do not carry out bag checks, so they are safer.

food walk

More of a day celebration, this activity is all about fueling the cravings.

It’s particularly good for places with a strong street food scene, as you can quickly hop from place to place and sample a wide range of food in small portions without spending a lot of money.

Of course, the main disadvantage of these outdoor activities is that you have little privacy to enjoy a good hit. You must be extremely careful if you plan to smoke.

Pro tip: Vapes are probably the best option if you want to smoke in public without raising suspicion. Vaporizers tend to produce milder scents or scents that aren’t immediately recognizable as cannabis. That being said, it is difficult to acquire reliable cannabis vaporizers in many places where cannabis is illegal. To ward off suspicion while smoking a joint, try smoking with smaller groups of people, as a large group of people huddled together will draw attention. Make sure you disinfect your hands afterwards and mask the odor with scented sprays.

The age of virtual events

If COVID-19 has produced any positive results, it is the proliferation of virtual events that enable cross-border connections.

Nowadays there are many live events that allow everyone to celebrate 420 with like-minded people from all over the world. For example, look at the events that were held last year.

This year’s events can be found in this list.

Pro tip: From the privacy of your own room or home, you should be able to enjoy your 420 celebrations more comfortably. However, if you live with others who may not approve, beware of blowing smoke out of a window or attempting to purchase edibles from someone else rather than baking your own. It’s also important to remember that when it comes to edibles, a little can go a long way. This is especially important for more public activities, as apparent public intoxication can lead to discovery.

Wherever you are in the world, people deserve to be able to consume cannabis peacefully and safely. That’s what 420 is all about! One day we might not need tips on how to celebrate 420 if it’s illegal. Until then, stay safe and high!