If you’re not familiar with 420, you need to be, especially now that Illinois has legalized marijuana for “recreational” use. 420 is an international cannabis counterculture holiday where marijuana users congregate in open-air celebrations that occur on April 20th.

Every year in major cities and countries, participants protest in civil disobedience by gathering in public on April 20th to light up their joints at 4:20 PM. They gather by the hundreds and thousands. Google ‘420 celebrations’ and you’ll understand the significance of this article in light of COVID-19. [i] [ii]

The picture above was taken at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

Various scientific studies have discovered  that marijuana may suppress the immune system.[iii] [iv] [v]  Plainly said, regular marijuana consumers may be much more susceptible to viruses, even among young users. This should concern every parent/grandparent, every first responder, every medical professional and every responsible Illinois lawmaker. April 20^th is right around the corner.

Policy makers should also be concerned that chronic drug users don’t abide by rules or sound medical advice. Do we really expect that inebriated residents will keep the 6-foot rule to avoid spreading or contracting COVID-19? They’re not doing it now at dispensaries. I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures. And on April 20^th, they will likely gather by the hundreds, if not thousands.

Additionally, the research linking regular use of high potency marijuana to psychotic episodes is alarming! According to Lancet Psychiatry, daily users of today’s high-potency marijuana are 5 times more likely to develop psychosis.  “Given the increasing availability of high-potency cannabis, this has important implications for public health.” [vi]

A cloud of smoke covers the crowd at 4:20 PM at the Annual Denver 420 Rally in Civic Center Park.

The British Journal of Psychiatry states, “It is now incontrovertible that heavy use of cannabis increases the risk of psychosis.” [vii]

Contemplate psychotic events at large gatherings of intoxicated people on April 20^th, liberally using high potency weed, amid a viral pandemic.

And lastly, it’s hard to fathom that marijuana dispensaries are now considered “essential” businesses. People don’t “need” a Schedule 1 drug to survive. [viii]  Does Governor Pritzker actually believe survival is dependent on being high?

Take ACTION: Click HERE to ask Governor Pritzker this important question: “What will you do to halt the drug-charged 420 celebrations that will surely occur in Illinois in order to keep COVID-19 from potentially spreading even further? Or will you take responsibility for fostering an environment where more Illinois citizens are who are vulnerable to disease and illness could come in contact with COVID-19?”

[i] https://www.bing.com/videos/searchq=420+celebrations+denver%2c+co&docid=607990261454016154&mid=E4A817E2E074D01B358BE4A817E2E074D01B358B&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

[ii] https://www.bing.com/videos/searchq=420+celebrations+denver%2c+co&docid=608030720016060326&mid=1C26D234ED1F6C05CB1B1C26D234ED1F6C05CB1B&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

[iii] https://www.livescience.com/9008-marijuana-suppresses-immune-system.html

[iv] https://www.webmd.com/lupus/news/20030415/cannabis-may-suppress-immune-system

[v] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101124214728.htm

[vi] M Di Forti et al, Lancet Psychiatry, 5-5-19

[vii] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/cannabis-and-psychosis-what-do-we-know-and-what-should-we-do/D09D5E6B7A77D475B3BD63D81462BF7A

[viii] https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling