What is the significance of 420?

420 is a term used by people who smoke marijuana. It is actually more than a term, as it is reflective of a time of day, and a day of the year(April 20th), when people who smoke marijuana choose to smoke. If you think about people drinking alcohol at 5pm, and calling it Happy Hour, this would be the same thing for those who smoke marijuana. 4:20pm is a clandestine happy hour for people who smoke marijuana to smoke marijuana. April 20th has become a clandestine marijuana smoking holiday, with 4:20pm on April 20th being especially connected to smoking marijuana.

Why is 420 popular?

Articles on 420 history cite that there is evidence that traces the usage of the term back to the 1970's. It became more popular in the 1990's through media, movies and music lyrics. In many cities and towns worldwide there will be parties and social gatherings on April 20th where people will smoke marijuana openly. In some cities the marijuana smokers will gather in specific public parks and celebrate at 4:20pm on April 20th. In many advertisements seeking roomates, individuals will post, "420 friendly" to let others know that they are OK with marijuana being smoked in their house. Any Google search for 420 will pull up a variety of sites that parents will likely not want their kids to visit.

Why send out a prevention message connected to 420?

Marijuana is the most common illegal drug in the U.S. Many people believe that it is harmless, and does not deserve the federal illegal status. If one were to look at the facts, they would find that marijuana DOES affect the functioning of the brain, and DOES affect the development of the brain if smoked by youth.

As seen in this image above (referenced from Discovery fit & health website, 4/15/11), marijuana releases dopamine in the brain which causes the high sensation.The brain releases dopamine naturally, though marijuana use will trigger 2-10 times the normal amount of dopamine. By receiving such a reward inside the brain, the brain seeks more, which triggers the addictive behaviors. Over extended marijuana use, the brain will get used to the higher amounts of dopamine released, and need more and more to receive the same feeling of being high, causing the user to need to consume greater amounts of marijuana.

What are the risks associated with smoking marijuana?

Health risks: Studies have shown increased rates of anxiety, depression & schizophrenia. There is also a risk for increased heart rate and respiratory problems.

Legal risks: While many states are passing medical marijuana laws, it remains a federally mandated Schedule I drug. Having a drug offense on your legal record (either felony or misdemeanor) can affect your future dramatically. Drug offenses usually mean high legal fees and potentially time in jail.