Contributor: William T. Sampson
How are we supposed to celebrate 4/20 while quarantined?!
That’s a pretty common question that I’ve been hearing more and more these days, and it makes sense why such an inquiry is being spouted in various phone calls and text conversations. Nobody really knows how to handle themselves in such unprecedented circumstances.
Well, I think it’s safe to say that nobody expected our lives to end up like this. In January, the majority of people felt like this futuristic-sounding year was going to be the time for personal redemption, discovery, and well-being. Instead, we’ve been hit with an onslaught of negativity, depression, and a global pandemic that has completely shut down the entire planet.
Needless to say, we need our weed now – more than ever.
While there’s a substantial amount of other things to be “bummed out” about during these uncertain times, a little lower on that list of issues has got to be this year’s annual cannabis celebration, 4/20.
With it being 2020, this was going to be the only year we were going to be able to celebrate our love for this miraculous plant for an entire month – guilt-free. We all had plans to meet up with friends in parks, or to go on “stoney” nature walks in the woods, or maybe even catch an outdoor concert (or three). The possibilities of pot-related activities seemed endless. There were so many options to choose from, it was almost impossible to decide how to spend your baked days during this one-of-a-kind marijuana month.
Which begs the question, again: How are we supposed to celebrate 4/20 while quarantined?
Because, sadly, none of those events are even a remote possibility. With the nation, and world, undergoing a quarantine period, the notion of even being around other people can cause anxiety and fear. However, all is not lost, especially for us, marijuana enthusiasts, who are still able to purchase and partake in our beloved bud throughout the course of this whole endeavor, as the government has rightfully deemed cannabis an “essential” service. Which is something I’ve been saying for years, way before any of this virus nonsense.
But I digress.
What started out as a two-week test of our national patience has quickly evolved into a much longer period of time, wherein we are all better off staying indoors as much as possible, in addition to practicing “social distancing.”
SEE ALSO: Is Marijuana Allowed In Nursing Homes? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
This, of course, all in effort to “flatten the curve” of this pandemic, so our hospitals don’t become any more overwhelmed with patients than they already are. It’s an attempt to stop the spreading of this virus (and other germs), which also means the smoke sessions you were planning on enjoying with your stoner buddies for the entire month cannot happen anymore.
It’s best to keep your sessions “solo” activities for the time being, which is a tremendous let down, especially for those of us who enjoy the social aspect of cannabis. But, seeing as how we live in tumultuous times, where everyone needs to do their part by distancing themselves from one another, it’s just the necessary thing to do at the moment.
So, what was supposed to be an iconic, month-long celebration of cannabis, and the stoner lifestyle, has been completely shut down, much like the rest of society. Which leaves the cannabis community asking themselves the same question: Now what are we supposed to do?
Well, have no fear, my fellow enthusiasts. It is still completely possible to celebrate 4/20 while quarantined. Just because we live in these uncertain times, doesn’t mean we can’t unwind, be joyous, and kick back with a little bit of ganja throughout this wonderfully celebratory month of April. That’s why I’ve gone ahead, done a little research on the matter, and have come up with an amazing way you can still celebrate 4/20 while quarantined, and have a great time while doing it.
First of all, I’d suggest skipping the lines at the dispensary, and ordering your bud online, or over the phone. Sure, you may have to wait a little longer due to the increase in demand, but you won’t have to risk being near anybody, so this is always the preferred route. Taking that into account, you should look up when they start taking orders, and be one of the first customers, with a shopping list ready, to help expedite the whole process.
Plus, while you’re ordering, I’d urge you to stock up. Most people just grab enough for the day or week, but in this instance, with a whole month ahead, I’d say you’re better off grabbing a larger quantity of bud to enjoy. Not only will it last longer, but you’ll often save money when buying in bulk, so it’s definitely something to think about.
While we’re talking about “deliveries,” you should think about what kind of food to order-in.
Yes, you should absolutely continue to support local eateries, especially during these hard times. Many precautions are being taken to ensure that things are as safe as can be, and these honest people are still trying to keep the lights on with their small business, so please consider them when planning on what to partake in when the “munchies” inevitably hit.
If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion, I’d say you should aim for a smorgasbord of goodies. Grab a little of everything, if possible. That way, when it arrives, you can lay it all out on the coffee table (or kitchen counter), and continually graze over to it, like a starving actor at the crafts services table, throughout the course of the day.
Plus, with your smoke sessions occurring throughout the day, you’ll be feeding that hunger every hour or so, if not more. And you’ll be happy that you have so many culinary options to choose from, trust me.
Next, you should think about how you’d like to spend your time.
I believe that arts and entertainment are the best way to go about this task. By arts, I mean you could grab an old canvas or sketch book, get stoned, put on some music, and simply doodle your daydreams into reality. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it, as this creative release will satisfy your mind in ways you never thought possible.
Want to schedule a period of time to play video games? Do it!
Feel like going in on that reality series everyone keeps talking about? Do it!
Have an old book that’s been staring you in the face for years, just begging for you to read it? Do it!
Have a couple bucks leftover after bills? Go on an online shopping spree, and treat yourself to a little something.
There’s really no wrong way to go about celebrating 4/20 while quarantined, because the main objective is to get high, eat great food, and do anything that makes you happy and/or enriches your soul. That could be through creating art, listening to music, watching a movie, or simply just laying down with your pet for some quality cuddle time. The possibilities are endless.
Plus, the more things you find to do with your “high time” throughout the course of this month, the faster it will go by, and before you know it, this whole virus fiasco will be in our rear view, and we will all slowly creep back to normalcy together.
Because, remember, as grim as things may seem now, this too, shall pass. We will get through this together. So, take one day at a time, grab some bud, fire it up, and stay as high as possible.
And, most importantly, stay safe, my fellow cannabis enthusiasts.
Hope these tips help you celebrate 4/20 while quarantined!
