Today is a special day for people who love weed. Not an official holiday yet, 4/20 is the high holiday that takes place every year on April 20th. There is definitely a cause for celebration, because there are 21 states in the U.S. that allow adult use of cannabis and medical use is allowed in 39 states.
It’s equally important to talk about the 40,000 people that are in prison in the U.S. for cannabis crimes. And still, according to the non-profit Last Prisoner Project, every 90 seconds someone in this country is arrested for cannabis.
On this 4/20, let’s be grateful for the cannabis advocates who have worked so hard for legalization. They faced a lot of stigma and judgment, which might all be wrapped up in the word we explored in our episode, Weed Words: Stoner.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “Stoner?” We look back on its shame-ridden roots in the early 20th century to today, as cannabis enthusiasts speak out about having happier, healthier, and more productive lives that include weed. Whether you identify as a stoner or not, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of language, culture, and cannabis.
(18 minutes)
Read the full transcript here
