Wednesday marks the unofficial marijuana holiday known colloquially as 4/20—and there’s no deficit of politicians and government agencies hopping on the trend this year.
State and congressional lawmakers, party organizations and various regulatory bodies are touting progress on cannabis reform and calling for a federal end to prohibition. This has become a theme over recent years as more states have moved to legalize marijuana for medical and adult use.
To be sure, there’s a lot of progress to highlight this year. But politicians are making clear that there’s more work to be done, and they’re not shying away from the issue as the popularity of reform continues to grow on an increasingly bipartisan basis.
Here’s what politicians, office-seekers and federal agencies are saying on 4/20 this year:
Support for cannabis legalization is at record levels.
As we move forward, the Senate is working to end the federal prohibition on cannabis and ensure those impacted by the failed War on Drugs are made whole.#420Day
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 20, 2022
Legalize marijuana. Expunge past marijuana convictions. End the failed War on Drugs.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 20, 2022
It’s long overdue that the Senate respect the will of voters nationwide and end federal cannabis prohibition. Let’s get this done once and for all.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) April 20, 2022
Legalization of adult-use cannabis is about more than a day on the calendar.
It’s about creating jobs and opportunities.
It’s about supporting small businesses and farmers.
It’s about righting the wrongs of the past.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 20, 2022
I’m all for legal marijuana in Pennsylvania.
Tell your legislators it’s time to get it done. #LegalizeIt
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) April 20, 2022
If you want a governor who will legalize marijuana in Texas, donate $4.20 today.https://t.co/Yx8SGVB0o6
— Beto O’Rourke (@BetoORourke) April 20, 2022
It’s time for NC to move forward on medical cannabis, decriminalization of simple possession, and expungement of criminal records. Let’s act but let’s get it right – including strong protections for kids, no advertising, state controlled sales, and putting NC farmers first.
— Josh Stein (@JoshStein_) April 20, 2022
Happy 4/20! When I’m governor of South Carolina, we’re going to legalize and tax marijuana, generate hundreds of millions in new revenue for schools, teacher pay raises and roads, then expunge the records of ppl who have been convicted of pot offenses.https://t.co/xYVLErbdfB
— Joe Cunningham (@JoeCunninghamSC) April 20, 2022
With a new regulated adult-use cannabis market on the immediate horizon, now’s the time for our city to make proactive investments to ensure the people disproportionately impacted by the criminalization of these substances can reap the benefits of the new industry. https://t.co/IZzfwGDggZ
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 20, 2022
For the second year, Mayor Woodfin again issues blanket pardons for closed marijuana possession convictions. pic.twitter.com/Bp8kNjz3AN
— City of Birmingham (@cityofbhamal) April 20, 2022
I’m spending 4/20 the way I know best—advocating to end the failed war on drugs. Join me in urging our friends in the Senate to pass the #MOREAct, the #SAFEBankingAct and my #MedicalMarijuanaResearchAct
— Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) April 20, 2022
4/20 reminder: the Senate has the power to make this the last year that Black and brown people sit in jail for a substance that is now a $25 billion industry dominated by white men.
#WeNeedMORE— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) April 20, 2022
It’s time Florida joins 18 other states in legalizing the use of recreational marijuana.
Not only could we use the tax revenue to support our police and teachers, but it’s an opportunity to expunge all related existing charges for misdemeanors and third degree felonies. pic.twitter.com/lExKPtMftb
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) April 20, 2022
Today would be a great day for the Senate to end the filibuster and pass the MORE Act — which would legalize marijuana and expunge records.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) April 20, 2022
More than 90% of Americans support legalizing marijuana in some way.
Let’s listen to them: legalize it, expunge records, and right the wrongs of the racist War on Drugs. pic.twitter.com/1iJW61qae3
— Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) April 20, 2022
RE: today’s date, the House voted to decriminalize marijuana 2+ weeks ago! https://t.co/lkU9S8keY6
— Congresswoman Chellie Pingree 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 (@chelliepingree) April 20, 2022
It’s one thing for #DCStatehood opponents to leverage the filibuster to maintain DC’s marijuana rider, but the Biden admin has never adequately explained how the president can support #DCStatehood while simultaneously supporting a rider dictating how DC can spend local funds.
— Eleanor #DCStatehood Holmes Norton (@EleanorNorton) April 20, 2022
Let’s be blunt.
We’ve got people behind bars while others make millions in the cannabis industry. On 4/20, we need @POTUS to pardon all cannabis convictions, wipe marijuana debt, free anyone currently incarcerated for it and LEGALIZE marijuana.
— Jamaal Bowman (@JamaalBowmanNY) April 20, 2022
It’s time for @POTUS to pardon and release anyone incarcerated for cannabis use and posession, and to legalize cannabis nationally.
— Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) April 20, 2022
Legalizing and regulating marijuana would reduce prescription drug abuse. It’s time for the Senate to vote on the MORE Act! https://t.co/LPopctzxsc
— Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) April 20, 2022
It’s not just about legalizing marijuana.
It’s about ensuring racial justice. It’s about ending mass incarceration. It’s about giving thousands a clean slate by expunging records for minor possession.
I can think of about 420 reasons why we should #LegalizeIt.
— Rep. Mark Pocan (@repmarkpocan) April 20, 2022
The House has already taken the first step by passing the MORE Act. This bill, which I cosponsored, would decriminalize cannabis.
You can learn more here:https://t.co/mSV0vp3Y8Z
— Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (@RepBonnie) April 20, 2022
My Drug Policy Reform Act, which I introduced alongside @RepCori, would decriminalize drug posession and replace our country’s failed drug policy with a health-focused approach.
Learn more here:https://t.co/kmWOP8Zj96
— Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (@RepBonnie) April 20, 2022
The criminalization of #marijuana is inherently racist in its enforcement, unscientific in its foundation, and out of step with public opinion. This 4/20, let’s #LegalizeIt
— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) April 20, 2022
Got plans for today? 🌿
Remember, to protect our PNW environment #cannabis isn’t allowed on BLM-managed lands! Cannabis grows can have a lasting impact on native plants and animals—not to mention our waterways. Please #RecreateResponsibly!📸 Illegal grows in Medford. BLM photo. pic.twitter.com/7bXSeds2Yi
— BLM Oregon & Washington (@BLMOregon) April 20, 2022
It’s time to legalize marijuana and invest that tax revenue back into our communities to create new, good-paying jobs. #OHGov #OHDemGovDebate
— John Cranley (@JohnCranley) April 20, 2022
Today is 4/20, a joyous occasion not only to celebrate weed, but to *seriously* commit ourselves to full marijuana legalization + ending the racist War on Drugs.
LEGAL WEED FOR PA + USA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/gYUCZtHIb3
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) April 20, 2022
Dr. Ezell literally lost *everything* after he was hit with a truly pointless weed charge after growing medicinal marijuana for his dying wife.
He finally got his life back from a devastating and truly pointless weed charge after receiving a full pardon.https://t.co/yHnoBmYRPt
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) April 20, 2022
It’s 4/20 so let me run this back.
America is still jailing people for cannabis use, it’s immoral, wrong, and dumb. We need to end cannabis prohibition in this country and right the wrongs.
I’m running for the U.S. Senate with justice and equity on my agenda. #MoreOfUs pic.twitter.com/jpzNRAOq0E
— Gary Chambers (@GaryChambersJr) April 20, 2022
Marijuana sales will reach $33 billion this year.
We have the chance to provide a huge boost to Wisconsin’s economy AND fix a massive injustice with incarceration.
Happy 4/20. It’s time to legalize weed. 🌿
— Mandela Barnes (@TheOtherMandela) April 20, 2022
The taxes generated from the sales will address racial and economic injustice and launch a new industry to add more revenue for tax relief and other important state programs.
https://t.co/VZJOENNEj2— NJ Dems (@NJDSC) April 20, 2022
In TX, arrests for cannabis possession:
🍃 Account for 97% of all cannabis arrests
🍃 Are disproportionately ↑ for Black & Latino Texans
🍃 Cost taxpayers millions
🍃 Make up 15% of all U.S. cannabis possession arrestsLet’s take Texas higher. Legalize and expunge. #txlege pic.twitter.com/1VgiuQmhzg
— Texas Democrats (@texasdemocrats) April 20, 2022
It’s time to free Alabamians ensnared in the criminal justice system for non-violent drug offenses. It’s time we were all free to light up at the end of a long day. It’s time to Free Weed in AL.
Follow along today to learn more about the urgent need for cannabis reform in AL. 🍃
— Alabama Democrats (@aldemocrats) April 20, 2022
Even though over a third of states have already legalized marijuana with overwhelmingly positive results, Tennessee still lags way behind.
If you support legalizing weed in Tennessee, help us fight for it 👉 https://t.co/rRUO5HP0UV
— Tennessee Democratic Party (@tndp) April 20, 2022
About 80% of Hoosiers want to legalize cannabis in some form. @INDems stand firmly with this majority and it’s past time to make marijuana available for adult use. Indiana is falling behind – let’s get caught up.
Elect pro-cannabis candidates in 2022. #LegalizeIN pic.twitter.com/XKSlcaOAOI
— Indiana Democrats (@INDems) April 20, 2022
TODAY: @INDems will join Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis and @INORML to call marijuana legalization in Indiana.
After protecting our nation’s freedoms, veterans should not have to cope with PTSD or other disorders alone. Veterans asked, let’s deliver for them. #LegalizeIN pic.twitter.com/HvPt0GxZxi
— Indiana Democrats (@INDems) April 20, 2022
ICYMI: House Dem leadership introduced constitutional amendments to legalize medical & recreational marijuana. The amendments bypass legislative obstruction by putting the issue on the November ballot. 😙💨🍃 #ksleg #YesWeCannabis https://t.co/hGCFzMAN9B
— Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) April 20, 2022
As lawmakers continue to push for the passage of federal #cannabis banking legislation, state treasurers across the U.S. are making clear their support. And Colorado Treasurer Dave Young has been among the most vocal in his advocacy for the banking fix. https://t.co/hBiG5DIfXb pic.twitter.com/6twjN1CCru
— Colorado Treasurer Dave Young (@ColoTreasurer) April 20, 2022
On this April 20th, we recognize the steps we have taken to ensure we have fairness in our cannabis laws:
✅ Decriminalizing municipal marijuana offenses
✅ Pardons for past minor marijuana offenses
✅ Support for statewide legal recreational use and fair licensing
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) April 20, 2022
I spent 30 years working to legalize marijuana and when Democrats took total control of Richmond we finally did it! There’s much work left to be done but I am honored to be recognized on 4/20! https://t.co/Nztlqw6Lgd
— L. Louise Lucas (@SenLouiseLucas) April 20, 2022
My name is Lillie Louise Lucas, I am a 78 year old great-grandma who legalized weed in Virginia as President Pro Temp of the VA Senate. Thanks to all of you who are recognizing me on 4/20. Please RT, I need to build my following to stop @GovernorVA from rolling back our progress.
— L. Louise Lucas (@SenLouiseLucas) April 20, 2022
Today is April 20th.
Cannabis is legal for adult-use in New York State. #420facts
— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2022
New York has already expunged more than 300k cannabis possession and sale convictions. Another 100,000 convictions are in the process of being expunged.
We are only able to celebrate today because we are righting historic wrongs #420facts
— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2022
#MRTA is a much-needed step to end the social and racial injustice of the criminalization of marijuana – and, it’s a matter of equity. https://t.co/g1e8w7dk7h
— Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan (@MayorSheehan) April 20, 2022
Who says the leadership of the @risenate doesn’t have a sense of humor? The chamber released findings from an online marijuana survey on 4/20 pic.twitter.com/EsX1bxMZ6b
— Ian Donnis (@IanDon) April 20, 2022
Today’s a good day to remember that we not only need to legalize marijuana, but we also need to expunge past marijuana convictions.
— College Democrats of America (CDA) (@CollegeDems) April 20, 2022
Discriminatory enforcement of marijuana possession laws harms Black and Brown people in this country. According to the ACLU, Black Americans are 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession. (2/9)
— DA Larry Krasner (@DA_LarryKrasner) April 20, 2022
Brands, celebrities and organizations are also feeling emboldened to lean into the 4/20 occasion with cannabis-centric deals, quips and campaigns.
From food companies like Ben & Jerry’s and Domino’s to nonprofits such as the ACLU to celebs like Snoop Dogg (because of course), the 4/20 holiday has attracted numerous influencers that are hoping to appeal to cannabis consumers this year.
Florida Official Sues Biden Administration Over Gun Rights For Medical Marijuana Patients On 4/20
Photo courtesy of Brian Shamblen.
Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.
