High School Code: From California Kids to Political Influencers

A

Half a century ago, a group of high school students in California’s Marin County started using the secret
code “4:20” to refer to their illicit activities of smoking marijuana. This code became synonymous with the
counterculture and the fight for cannabis legalization, a movement that has gained momentum over the years.

A Political Shift: President Biden’s Surprising Stance

Health Department’s Bold Announcement

T

In a surprising turn of events, political advisers to President Joe Biden, known for his abstinence from alcohol and drugs, began
signaling that their old and teetotaler leader was becoming familiar with “reefer” slang for marijuana.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced at precisely 4:20 p.m. on a day
last year, that a groundbreaking plan to reschedule the drug was in motion. This was a decisive step towards
softening the stance on marijuana regulations and acknowledged the growing call for its legalization.

Biden and Harris’s Public Support

P

The rescheduling plan gained further momentum and public support when President Biden and Vice President Harris
joined the conversation. On April 20 of this year, at the international celebration of cannabis known as “4/20,”
the President tweeted at 4:20 p.m. his endorsement for reducing criminal penalties
for marijuana users, aligning with the growing opinions favoring marijuana decriminalization.

Vice President Harris echoed this sentiment, and her tweet reaffirmed the commitment
to reduce criminalization, highlighting the potential for change and reform in the coming months.

Shifting Paradigms: Revolutionizing Drug Policymaking

A

The announcements from political figures hold significant implications for the ongoing debate over marijuana legalization
and the broader War on Drugs. By openly voicing their support for reducing penalties associated with marijuana
use, President Biden and Vice President Harris have signaled a potential shift in government policy.

These statements have ignited discussions across America, with proponents rejoicing at the prospects of a more
lenient and evidence-driven drug legislation framework. It remains to be seen how these promises will translate
into concrete policy reform and legislative change.