That special day only comes once a year and today is that day. It’s a day where nearly every restaurant in America is sure to be short handed because so many cooks are suddenly ‘sick.’ It’s a day where cigar and lighter sales soar through the roof. It’s a day like no other. It’s 4/20.
In 1970, the use and possession of cannabis was made illegal all thanks to the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. This law also prohibited the medical use of marijuana as it was deemed to have no medical use at all. There were several states whose laws regarding the medical use of cannabis contradicted the federal law.
Many states have laws that allow for the medical use of cannabis and now there are 17 states that legally allow the recreational use of marijuana plus the District of Columbia. However, marijuana is not legal in Tennessee. Possession is deemed a misdemeanor with a jail time of up to one year with and as much as a $500 fine. The selling of marijuana is considered a felony where up to 10 pounds could bring you up to six years and a $5,000 fine. 300 pounds could land someone up to 60 years in prison and a $200,000.
As time has passed since the incarnation of the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, many states outside of the 17 who have legalized pot have decriminalized it and it truly feels that we are so close to seeing it made legal on the federal level. There is just so much money to be made by the government for it not to make sense to legalize it across the board.
The most heart breaking part of the whole marijuana debate is the fact there a large growing number of companies that are making millions of dollars off a drug that has sent thousands and thousands of people to prison for the exact same thing. The stigma that weed is a dangerous drug and has no benefits to you is tired and dated. The time is now for a massive change to be made to our judicial system so people incarcerated for petty marijuana crimes can be freed.
Not all is woe though as marijuana has inspired some of the greatest musicians and artist to create some of the greatest music ever recorded. Weed is an immense part of the hip-hop culture as it can found traced throughout the lyrics of countless rap songs. Naturally, weeds inspiration flows throughout every genre of music. Jazz great Fats Waller sang about being high in “You’re a Viper” and the Beatles sang about their love of getting high in “Got to Get You Into My Life.” Willie Nelson is not the only country artist to praise Jesus Lettuce, Eric Church demands everyone light up during “Smoke a Little Smoke.”
No matter the genre there is bound to be songs about marijuana or songs that were created using it. I have curated a playlist of some of the great songs made about smoking Jazz Cabbage and some that are meant to smoke to. Whether you puff puff pass or not please enjoy the playlist and have a safe 4/20.
Steven McCash is the Music Columnist for SoBros Network, and host of the ‘Drinking With…’ podcast. He is the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music, in addition to the occasional live show review. Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75
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