Coinciding with the unofficial World Marijuana Day, activists and advocates of its legalization in New York have given away cigarettes of this drug to all people over the age of 21 on Tuesday and who can show that they have received at least one dose. of the covid-19 vaccine.
“Literally, if you’ve received your Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or whatever and you can show your vaccination card today to prove you got it, then we’ll give you a leek for free,” Todd Hinden told Efe. distributes cannabis cigarettes in downtown Union Square.
Under the equestrian statue of the first president of the United States, George Washington, who according to a walker has his arm outstretched because he also wants to smoke, Hinden has dressed for the occasion in a tailcoat patterned with colored marijuana leaves. green and a matching top hat.
Nearly a hundred people are waiting their turn with the vaccination card in hand to receive their award this Tuesday, April 20, which in the United States is written as 4/20, a number that is synonymous with marijuana.
“Today is a happy day, it’s April 20, today we celebrate marijuana, which is legal in New York State and it’s good that people who have received the vaccine can take a leek for free,” he tells Efe Bill while waiting his turn.
LEGAL MARIJUANA IN NEW YORK SINCE MARCH 30
New York legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use on March 30, after years of discussions in legislative chambers.
According to authorities, the regularization of this drug, which is legal in 14 other states and in the Washington capital, could generate $ 350 million in annual taxes and create between 30,000 and 60,000 jobs.
With its legalization, it also wants to give priority to marginalized communities, which are the ones that have suffered the most from police and judicial repression against the use of this drug.
“This is a historic day in New York, one in which the mistakes of the past are corrected by ending harsh prison sentences; in which an industry that will grow the economy of the United States is embraced. ‘Empire State’ (New York), and a day that gives priority to marginalized communities so that those who have suffered the most are the first to reap the benefits, “said then-Governor Andrew Cuomo.
THE HOPE OF RETURN TO NORMALITY
Cameron had just received his second dose of the covid vaccine and as he was returning home he learned of the initiative and did not hesitate to stop by Union Square to pick up a wrapped marijuana unit which he enthusiastically displays.
“It’s exciting, things are moving forward and we’re going to get out of this,” she confesses dressed in a colorful red mask on a sunny, spring morning in New York City
Among the organizers of the initiative is pro-marijuana activist Dana Beal, one of the main proponents in 1999 in New York of the Global Marijuana March, which is held annually on the first Saturday in May.
“We have prepared some wonderful big, long and fat leeks. Everything he can teach us (who has been vaccinated) can be put in line. They are people who have been vaccinated and come to take their leek,” says Beal who shows his desire for everyone to be vaccinated as soon as possible so they can get back to normal life and live without a mask.
MARIJUANA, “AS NORTH AMERICAN AS APPLE CAKE”
For the activist, just as people can get a free donut or a beer if they have been vaccinated today they can take a marijuana cigarette that for Beal “is as American as the apple pie.”
The veteran advocate of this drug referred to the numerous initiatives launched by restaurant and cafe chains in which they offer products or discounts to encourage Americans to get vaccinated.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could do without these masks? All we have to do is get vaccinated and we can do without them,” he says before complaining about the deniers and blaming former President Donald Trump for fueling his feelings. people who refuse to get vaccinated.
It’s 11.30 in the morning, the line is long and the cast promises to continue until 4.20 in the afternoon (to mark today), but Hiden, who while handing out the leeks he keeps in transparent bags lights one, he is convinced that there will be something for everyone.
“I’m not entirely sure, but we’ve done about 3,000 leeks, possibly. And what we’re trying to do is make people aware of the situation and get them vaccinated and take care of themselves and help everyone to get back to normal, if things ever get back to normal, “he says right in front of several posters that read” leeks for punctures. ”