4/20 Around the World
A Global Look at the Chillest Day of the Year
Back in the day, 4/20 was just an inside joke among some friends in California. Now? It’s a full-blown global phenomenon. Whether you’re celebrating with a bunch of people, keeping it low-key with your inside circle, or flying solo with your favorite (legal) herb, April 20th has become something of an unofficial holiday.
That said, the vibe isn’t universal. How people mark the day really depends on where they are—and how their country feels about herb in general.
So let’s take a lap around the world and see how 4/20 shows up beyond your backyard.
United States: Where It All Began
California, 1971. Five close friends meet by a statue at 4:20 PM everyday in search of a rumored hidden plant. They never find it, but they do accidentally spark a cultural movement.
(Okay, maybe we’re oversimplifying—but that’s not the point of this blog. Interested in the whole backstory? Click here.)
Fast forward to today though—
4/20 in the U.S. is kind of a choose-your-own-adventure.
In states where herb is fully legal, April 20th feels equal parts music festival, community gathering, excuse to hit up your favorite accessory shop.
But in those with tougher laws? The day's typically a little more wink-wink, nudge-nudge. Low-key hangouts, some online shopping (hey there!), and maybe a raised eyebrow when someone lights "incense" in their apartment a little too enthusiastically.
What about other countries though? How do they celebrate the big day?
That’s what we really want to break down.
Canada: Chill by Law
If the U.S. is where 4/20 got started, Canada’s the place where it finally got to exhale.
Since legalizing herb nationwide in 2018, Canadians have embraced the holiday with what can only be described as “enthusiasm”. (Very on-brand for Canada, honestly.)
Cities like Vancouver and Toronto throw huge 4/20 events. (Some are about celebrating, some lean more into advocacy, but either way, it’s a chill time.) You’ll find everything from concerts and public speakers to booths selling art, snacks, and of course—herb-friendly accessories.
Other, smaller cities though, keep it a little more simple: toss on some music, roll something up, and enjoy the view from the balcony.
Learn more about 4/20 events in Canada: https://www.kayapush.com/blog/top-420-events-to-attend-in-canada-in-2025
The Netherlands: Everyday is 4/20 (Kinda)
If you’ve ever thought, “I bet Amsterdam goes all-out for 4/20,” you’d only be half right.
The Netherlands has long been known for its coffeeshop* culture, but here’s the twist—4/20 isn’t really a big deal to the locals. That’s mostly because access to herb has been, well, kind of normal for a long time. (And when something isn’t taboo, it doesn’t exactly need its own day.)
That said, tourists definitely treat it like an event. You might find themed parties or specials near the more touristy coffeeshops. But for locals, it’s just another day. (Maybe with slightly longer lines.)
*Not sure what a “coffeeshop” is? Read up: https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/getting-around/information/a-guide-to-dutch-coffeeshops
Germany: Somewhere Between Protest and Party
Germany had been inching toward legalization for years—and in 2024, they finally made it official.
Cue the celebrations! (Especially in cities like Berlin and Hamburg.)
That said, it’s not a total free-for-all. The new laws come with some not-so-popular rules—like personal possession limits and restrictions on public use.
So this year? Expect more rallies, smoke-ins, and a whole lot of handmade signs.
Learn more: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-thousands-celebrate-new-cannabis-law-in-berlin/a-68879921
Jamaica: Deep Roots, Different Energy
Jamaica is often tied to herb culture because of its deep connection to Rastafarianism—but don’t assume that means the island goes all-out for 4/20.
Herb use has been decriminalized since 2015, but still, 4/20 isn’t really part of the local calendar. If you’re in tourist-heavy areas like Negril or Montego Bay, you might find events geared toward visitors.
Otherwise, the day tends to fly under the radar.
Mexico: Still in Protest Mode
Mexico has decriminalized personal possession, and full legalization is technically in the works. But the process has been slow—and a little complicated.
That’s why 4/20 events here usually lean activist. Marches, rallies, art installations, and peaceful protests are common in major cities like Mexico City. There’s celebration, sure—but it’s wrapped up in reform.
Learn more about Mexico’s “hazy” legalization: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/02/02/mexico-dithers-on-legalizing-cannabis_6486517_4.html
South Africa: Sparking Something New
Since 2018, private herb use has been decriminalized in South Africa. And since then, a small but mighty 4/20 scene has been growing.
In places like Cape Town and Johannesburg, you’ll find gatherings that mix music, community, advocacy, and education.
It’s not full Coachella vibes (yet), but the culture is building—and it’s only getting louder.
Japan, Singapore, UAE: Not the Place
Some countries just aren’t here for 4/20. Japan, Singapore, the UAE—they all have extremely strict laws when it comes to herb. We’re talking zero tolerance. Even trace amounts can land you in serious trouble.
Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12/12/japan/crime-legal/japan-cannabis-laws/
So yeah, don’t expect 4/20 festivals or Instagram-friendly pop-ups. In these regions, 4/20 exists in memes and DMs—not public spaces.
Same Day. Different Vibes.
What 4/20 looks like really depends on where you are. In one country, it’s a city-wide celebration. In another, it’s a quiet protest. And in some places, it’s not acknowledged at all.
But, big picture? 4/20 is growing. The conversations are getting louder. And the culture is expanding in ways that are actually kind of exciting.
Whether you’re heading to a festival or just kicking back with your go-to piece and stash—you’re part of it.
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