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7 months ago
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Crowds of cannabis smokers lit up in full view of the police at the annual '420' rally in Hyde Park today - to demand that the illegal drug is decriminalised.
Royal Parks said they expected thousands to take part in the 'unauthorised event' and that 'police were aware'.
Marijuana lovers unite for the rally every year on April 20 which is a reference to the term 420.
The annual tradition is said to have started in America because April 20 in the US date format reads as 4/20.
There are many stories behind the significance of the number in stoner culture, but the most common is that 4.20pm is touted as the best time of the day to start smoking the narcotic.
But in London hundreds gathered way before the 'allotted' time.
Revellers in bucket hats take part in the annual 420 rally in Hyde Park today
A police officer talks to attendees at the 420 gathering - which is a protest to demand that cannabis is legalised
Revellers - some wearing bucket hats - were seen sitting on the grass, smoking in groups.
The event was also heavily attended by the Metropolitan Police who said they would 'intervene and use enforcement where proportionate and necessary'.
Cannabis, which is Class B drug in the UK, carries a five-year sentence for possession and a maximum term of 14 years for dealing or producing the illegal drug.
The law on cannabis
Cannabis is a Class-B drug in the UK.
Possession carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. A magistrate's court can fine someone £2,500 for the offence.
Dealing, supplying or producing can land a person in jail for up to 14 years.
It is also illegal to sell drug paraphernalia.
A spokesperson for Royal Parks said: 'The Royal Parks has not given permission for this unauthorised assembly in Hyde Park, and it is in breach of The Royal Parks’ regulations.
'The Metropolitan Police are aware that this unauthorised assembly is due to take place and have advised that people may be liable for prosecution or arrest.
'Enforcement of the law and of park regulations is a matter for the Metropolitan Police.
'While the park will remain open, we advise visitors to be aware that this event is taking place and to note that both The Royal Parks Shop and boating on the Serpentine Lake will be closed that day.
'We will continue to work closely with the Police to make sure the Royal Parks remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.'
420 does not just take its name after the event's date, but also has ties to its roots in California, where it began during the 1970s.
The convention is said to have been created by five Californian high school students - Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz and Mark Gravich.
In 1971, the five students, who attended San Rafael High School, came up with a secret term.
They used the expression '420' to communicate that they would meet later in the day to smoke marijuana.
After exchanging the phrase '420' whilst at school, they would subsequently convene at 4.20pm to smoke cannabis, although it is unclear if the timing actually had anything to do with the naming of the ritual.
The annual tradition is said to have started in America because April 20 in the U.S. date format reads as 4/20
The group became known as the 'Waldos' because their chosen smoking spot was against a wall, near a statue of the famous chemist Louis Pasteur.
What does '420 rally' refer to?
Cannabis lovers unite on April 20 each year for 420 rallies which are a reference to the date in the American style 4/20.
The phrase originates from a a group of high school students that coined it in the 70s.
Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz and Mark Gravich came up with the term to secretly communicate that they would meet after school to smoke cannabis.
There are many stories behind the significance of the number in stoner culture, but the most common is that 4.20pm is touted as the best time of the day to start smoking the narcotic.
Now in their 60s, the original founders of 420 still meet together to mark the event they inadvertently founded over 50 years ago.
The event is now a celebration across the world - with New York and Melbourne, Australia among cities attracting crowds of cannabis fans.
Last year, four arrests were made and drinks thrown at police officers moving in to apprehend cannabis users breaking the law by openly smoking in public.
Two were arrested for possession with intent to supply, one for assault on an emergency worker and a fourth for failing to comply with park regulations.
A Section 35 Dispersal Order was also put in place around Hyde Park and some surrounding areas of plush Kensington and Westminster.
At the gathering in 2022, a shocking brawl broke out among attendees before they were separated by police officers. Ten people were arrested for a range of drug and violent offences.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: 'The Met will be policing the cannabis day event in Hyde Park on Saturday, April 20.
'Using cannabis and other recreational drugs is illegal. Officers will intervene and use enforcement where proportionate and necessary.
'If there are aggravating factors such as safeguarding issues or evidence of drug supply, we will take proactive action to protect vulnerable people and pursue offenders.
'Officers may also enforce legislation under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 through community resolution orders, postal charge requisitions and arrest if there is associated anti-social behaviour, disorder or crime.'
English (US)