BUFFALO, N.Y. — Saturday, April 20 is recognized across the Globe as 4/20. It's a day based on celebrating and consuming marijuana.
It's also the favorite day for stoners across the world. In New York State, the product became legal in March 2021, making this the fourth year to celebrate it without fears from local and state law enforcement. Since legalization, marijuana has brought more businesses, jobs, and revenue to the area.
2 On Your Side's Keelin Berrian and photojournalist Jackson Hickey took to Chippewa Street, asking residents how they're spending their 4/20.
"I probably stop at Dank and grab a pre-roll and go home. I'll make a dinner and some tacos. It's 4/20. It's what we do," one resident said.
"I have work, so I'm not celebrating," another resident said.
When legal dispensaries came into Western New York, it changed things for weed smokers.
To add, this is the first year legal weed dispensaries are open for 4/20 in Western New York. According to Buffalo Business First, there are 11 legal marijuana dispensaries in the area.
Honey Kenmore packed out its dispensary amid its grand opening. It started with a ribbon cutting followed by live music and entertainment. Darcell Thomas and former County Executive Joel Giambra own the business.
Keelin: How do you go from politics to weed?
Giambra: I grew up in the housing projects. I was in the middle of the war on drugs and saw firsthand how ridiculous the war was.
The dispensary had a wide range of products, from flowers to treats. Ironically, this party was over at 4:20 PM.
"There are some people who just aren't going to accept it," Giambra says. "It's less harmful. I think than alcohol is to our society. It has much more healing potential."
However, for Darcell Thomas, this shop was unimaginable.
"A guy like me from the Eastside majority of the time we are statistics. So, it's a great thing when we can be icons," Thomas said.
Early on, Thomas said he faced many challenges. He says he was incarcerated for minor marijuana infractions. Thomas said he never was one to sell, or abuse the drug. He would use it for recreational purposes, so he took his story and turned it into success.
"Now I'm doing cannabis and construction, and it's still unaccountable business adventures along the way. The hope started a long time ago. I just keep adding more levels to it," Thomas said.
Thomas said he feels like the sky isn't the limit for him. He says it took a lot of dedication and hard work to get out of his tough situations.
Despite that, he says he hopes one day his journey will inspire others to do the same.