Four years into cannabis legalization in Illinois, celebrations of the April 20 informal weed holiday known as 420 are getting bigger and more widespread.
Named for the time of day a group of friends met to get high, 420 has become a chance for marijuana users to publicly share a previously illegal drug and the counter-cultural atmosphere surrounding it.
The main event in downtown Chicago likely will be the second annual 420 Sesh Fest, at Green Rose Dispensary. The party will include live music, a magic show, carnival games, food trucks, pop-ups and product discounts. It also will feature Grammy-nominated rapper, activist and Chicago native Vic Mensa and his 93 Boyz line of cannabis products.
Mensa won’t perform, but will be there for a meet and greet from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
“It’s definitely continuing to grow,” Green Rose manager Ross Morreale said. “There’s more people who aren’t afraid to celebrate something like this. It’s more socially accepted.”
Last year’s event drew about 500 people, and this year’s is expected to attract a few hundred more.
Sesh Fest 2024 is open to the public age 21 and older outside the dispensary, at 612 N. Wells St. General admission is free with
