Politicians And Major Brands Celebrate Cannabis Culture On 4/20

April 20, or 4/20, is the unofficial cannabis holiday. And as legalization gains support and marijuana becomes more mainstream, a growing number of elected officials and companies are embracing cannabis culture.

Here’s a look at the politicians and brands that are marking 4/20 this year:

Politicians And Political Parties

No one should go to jail for smoking weed.

— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) April 20, 2026

Pennsylvanians who want to buy recreational marijuana are already driving across the border to one of our neighboring states who’ve legalized it.

That’s hundreds of millions in revenue going out of state instead of being spent here in Pennsylvania.

It’s time for us to finally… pic.twitter.com/ftYLZSpWvD

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 20, 2026

This year marks 10 years since Californians voted to legalize cannabis.

In the decade since, we've expanded opportunity and started to correct past injustices, and we continue building a safer, more accountable system. https://t.co/k3z4DgXsEv

— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20, fellow kids pic.twitter.com/OfHQ6L0dYy

— Governor Hochul Press Office (@NYGovPress) April 20, 2026

Medical cannabis is bringing relief to Kentuckians; it's also bringing in new business and good jobs. Today we cut the ribbon on Blügrass in Nicholasville, a Kentucky-founded company that has returned to its home state thanks to the legalization of medical cannabis. pic.twitter.com/7yHXWH2gQo

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) April 20, 2026

We know what day it is. If you’re celebrating, do it responsibly—don’t drive impaired. Plan a safe ride and look out for each other, Colorado. pic.twitter.com/WNN7PRHatJ

— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) April 20, 2026

The longer Pennsylvania holds out to legalize recreational marijuana, the longer we lose out on necessary tax revenue–or an expected $200 million annually.   It’s time for our state legislators to pass a bill and get it to the Governor’s desk.https://t.co/EgvuQqPXRR

— Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis (@LGAustinDavis) April 20, 2026

TODAY ONLY: Donate $4.20 and we'll send you a pack of our limited-edition rolling papers. Happy 4/20! 💨 https://t.co/e5wOebOBxcpic.twitter.com/cLs4W2HKCD

— Florida Democrats (@FlaDems) April 20, 2026

This 4/20, remember, a blue trifecta in Wisconsin is a huge step towards legalization. pic.twitter.com/fM16zwPZie

— Wisconsin Democrats (@WisDems) April 20, 2026

It's time to legalize it in Wyoming! Share if you agree. P.S. Wyoming Democratic Party supports the legalization of cannabis – WYGOP "stands against the legalization and decriminalization of medical and recreational marijuana (cannabis)." pic.twitter.com/xuBQWghaR9

— Wyoming Democrats (@WyoDems) April 20, 2026

As people celebrate 4/20, let’s be honest about the contradiction:

In many states, marijuana is legal. In too many lives, the consequences are still permanent.

People are still carrying records. Still locked out of jobs, housing, and opportunity – for doing what is now sold…

— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20, Colorado! We legalized marijuana as governor. It's time we legalize it nationally.

Hope Snoop got his milk and cookies. 🥛🍪 https://t.co/DePY9KnhaC

— John Hickenlooper (@Hickenlooper) April 21, 2026

It’s 4/20, Colorado! 🍃

As Governor, our state created the gold standard for marijuana legalization. 

Now, we’re taking it national, with our legislation to set us up for success when marijuana becomes legal nationwide.

— Senator John Hickenlooper (@SenatorHick) April 21, 2026

Minnesota and countless other states have proven how we can safely decriminalize and regulate the cannabis industry. Long overdue for the federal government to take a page out of that playbook.

— Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) April 20, 2026

✅ Best 4/20 meme

✅ Best Rubio meme https://t.co/kCG24X7Qkhpic.twitter.com/y9xICirrrJ

— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20! As Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, I am proud to introduce my Higher Education Marijuana Research Act to eliminate barriers to academic research on cannabis.

It makes no sense for the federal government to impede this research when millions of… https://t.co/RWb7R336ml

— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) April 20, 2026

No one should be in prison for marijuana possession.

It's time to pass the MORE Act to decriminalize cannabis nationwide and expunge records for cannabis-related offenses.

— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) April 20, 2026

I'm celebrating 420 by calling on Congress to pass my bill, the MORE Act, to end the criminalization of cannabis and correct the historical injustices of failed drug policies.

For too long, cannabis policy has been a patchwork of inconsistent state laws that have… pic.twitter.com/TCvTJEG8Xj

— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) April 20, 2026

The YEARS of progress to move cannabis out of Schedule I has stalled under Trump, with the DEA acting like the Strait of Hormuz.

Thousands are still in federal prison for non-violent marijuana offenses.

Proud to stand with advocates on 4/20 today pushing pardons, clemency, and… pic.twitter.com/3KOvVRNMbZ

— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) April 20, 2026

This 4/20, let’s recommit to fighting for equitable cannabis reform. Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to entry and to success in the cannabis industry. The CLIMB Act will address real-world, operational issues facing the cannabis industry and help open the… pic.twitter.com/zMBme6DxGk

— Congressman Troy A. Carter (@RepTroyCarter) April 20, 2026

From skincare to beverages, there’s a hemp-product for everyone.

This 4/20, remember to support your local hemp growers, brewers and small business owners!

Meanwhile, I’ll keep fighting to reverse the federal hemp ban.🍃

— Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) April 20, 2026

On 4/20, a lot of Mass residents will be able to "celebrate" legally, but so many veterans who actually depend on cannabis won't.

I served with men and women who came home with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress. Many say cannabis is the only thing that helps treat their…

— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) April 20, 2026

Happy first legal 4/20, Delaware!

— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) April 20, 2026

In Congress, I am proud to cosponsor the MORE Act.

It’s past time to end the federal prohibition of marijuana, expunge nonviolent cannabis convictions, and uplift communities harmed by the failed war on drugs.

This is about justice, equity, and common sense.

— Congresswoman Julie Johnson (@RepJulieJohnson) April 20, 2026

In Congress, I’m a proud cosponsor of the MORE Act.

I’ve heard from veterans across Texas about the need for more care options, and this bill delivers a commonsense fix, allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis and removing outdated barriers.

It’s time to pass it.…

— Julie Johnson for Congress (@juliejohnsonTX) April 20, 2026

Seems like a good day to say…we’ve gotta keep up the fight to legalize cannabis for adult use in PA. Let’s get it done!

— Chris Deluzio (@ChrisForPA) April 20, 2026

Decriminalize marijuana.

— Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (@RepKamlagerDove) April 20, 2026

On this 4/20, even with legalization in sight, there are still tens of thousands of people in prison for nonviolent cannabis “crimes.”

Legalization isn’t enough. Everyone caught up in prohibition deserves freedom and a clean record. pic.twitter.com/Ea4DYjen37

— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) April 20, 2026

It’s about time Wisconsin legalizes marijuana. Illinois got $36 million dollars in tax revenue from Wisconsinites in one year – we are giving our neighbors millions every year by not legalizing.

Happy 4/20, please enjoy responsibly!

— Mandela Barnes (@TheOtherMandela) April 20, 2026

Iowa’s facing a nearly $1.4 billion budget hole, and insiders won’t stop digging. Part of the solution? Legalize, tax, and regulate adult-use cannabis. We treat it like alcohol.

Right now, Iowans are taking money across state lines—let’s keep that money here and put it to work…

— Rob Sand (@RobSandIA) April 20, 2026

The cannabis industry is an essential part of New Mexico’s economy. As your next governor, I will bring stability to the cannabis industry and improve quality testing so that this industry can thrive

Happy 4/20 New Mexico!

— Deb Haaland (@DebHaalandNM) April 21, 2026

Patients with chronic pain. Veterans dealing with PTSD. Families watching a loved one fight cancer. These are the people who voted. These are the people still waiting.

— Dan Osborn (@osbornforne) April 20, 2026

I will go to Washington and fight to make sure the federal government respects what Nebraska voters decided. Patients and caregivers are suffering. I will stop the obstruction.

— Dan Osborn (@osbornforne) April 20, 2026

We need a smarter approach to marijuana policy.

Legalize medical use. Pardon non-violent charges. Let the people decide recreational use through a statewide referendum.

Compassion. Fairness. Accountability.https://t.co/gWBw9vMJ3wpic.twitter.com/7A9n4reVSS

— Jermaine Johnson 🇺🇸 (@Dr_JLJohnson) April 20, 2026

Legalize Weed 🤙

— Zach Wahls (@ZachWahls) April 20, 2026

It's 4/20 and you know what that means…

It's time for a new episode of the World's Greatest Audit Podcast. This one features a discussion on the audit of Missouri's Marijuana Program, which found Missouri's multi-billion dollar marijuana industry was launched using a flawed… pic.twitter.com/wWRbMxC5h6

— Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick (@Auditor_Fitz) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20 to those who observe!

Minneapolis’ cannabis legislation rollout is unfolding like a flower in bloom. We’re working to ensure small businesses and events have what they need to succeed—because local entrepreneurs should be at the forefront of this new industry.

— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) April 20, 2026

Federal And State Government Agencies

"We'ed" like to be blunt: driving high is illegal in all 50 states and DC — on 420 Day and EVERY day. pic.twitter.com/4GL4BctPQ8

— nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) April 20, 2026

It’s 4/20! Remember to “Make a Plan” if you choose to consume cannabis outside the home or participate in a cannabis-centric social gathering today. Drop the keys, stay put, and plan to use public transportation or catch a sober ride. Visit https://t.co/9rOFhkzg9b for more. pic.twitter.com/kHd1JPDjnu

— Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (@MA_Cannabis) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20.

If you’re planning to get high, plan not to drive.

High driving could lead to high penalties like heavy fines and even jail time. So plan ahead or call a ride. Just don’t drive high. Learn more at https://t.co/m20nJuh5q4. pic.twitter.com/bYkDFN6hWJ

— Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (@Virginia_CCA) April 20, 2026

This 420 breathe easy. If you use cannabis, explore non-smoking/non-vaping options. Visit https://t.co/nY5S33f3um to find a legal dispensary. pic.twitter.com/HczqhfwQkC

— New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (@NewJerseyCRC) April 20, 2026

🌿🍟 4/20 and the munchies often go hand in hand.   Cannabis can heighten taste, smell, and appetite—making food feel more intense than usual. Understanding these effects is part of consuming responsibly.   Explore the Cannabis Education Library to stay informed:… pic.twitter.com/cE0ckkQTZ3

— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2026

🔒 This 4/20, keep it cute… and keep it locked.

We’re giving away lockbags to help you store your #NYCannabis safely—out of sight and out of reach.

Want to enter? Tell us how you practice safe storage for your cannabis products: https://t.co/QxDtttT9Pspic.twitter.com/ktccumS1zg

— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2026

Companies And Brands

'Marijuana' is the only English word in which the 'j' is silent.

— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) April 20, 2026

How did “420” become associated with marijuana? pic.twitter.com/oT6hMp1Noi

— Encyclopaedia Britannica (@Britannica) April 20, 2026

happy 4/20 we packed you a bowl pic.twitter.com/NvT4T7hceP

— KFC (@kfc) April 20, 2026

View this post on Instagram

BYOB $4.20 all day in app for MyRewards members. blaze it.

— Carl’s Jr. (@CarlsJr) April 20, 2026

celebrate the toastiest holiday with this dreamy deal ☁️ get your BOGO Dream Rotation Meal today only 4.20.26 pic.twitter.com/KML1QHpzr7

— Jimmy John’s (@jimmyjohns) April 20, 2026

what u using this for on 4/20? pic.twitter.com/ffOCx2b4sh

— Wingstop (@wingstop) April 19, 2026

You know why you're here – $25.99 online only.https://t.co/7UEinCTpYMpic.twitter.com/bb0sZQsywp

— Blaze Pizza (@BlazePizza) April 20, 2026

Woody Harrelson And Bill Maher Complain That Marijuana Taxes Are Too High While Smoking Joints At The Dispensary They Own Together

California should ease up on taxes for marijuana businesses like the one they own together, Woody Harrelson and Bill Maher say.

The actor and comedian jointly complained about the state’s harsh cannabis taxes in a podcast interview released on Monday, known as the unofficial marijuana holiday 4/20.

“California sucks as far as—look, all businesses, but certainly this one,” Maher said on the episode of his Club Random podcast. “They still treat it like it’s poison.”

Harrelson agreed, saying, “They treat it like you’re lucky that we allow you to do this, and so we’re going to tax you 35 percent, which is way more—it’s more than double anything.”

“I don’t even know what’s the second” in terms of highly taxed items, the actor said, citing guns and beer as facing lower rates than cannabis.

“It’s ridiculous that they can just tax the fuck out of you and make it so hard,” he said. “Anyway, I don’t want to bitch and moan. I’m a happy person, generally.”

But Maher said, “I’m not happy about this.”

“I’m never happy when anybody fucks with my money,” he said. “I’m gangster like that.”

Harrelson and Maher own The Woods, a dispensary and cannabis consumption lounge in West Hollywood, where the two smoked joints while filming the new podcast episode.

In California, cannabis faces a 15 percent state excise at the point of purchase, as well as local excise taxes that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There are also regular state and local sales taxes that apply, plus taxes at other points of the supply chain such as at the cultivation level. Marijuana businesses can additionally face steep licensing fees in order to do business.

Harrelson further complained during the interview with Maher that “they also don’t allow you to write anything off,” an apparent reference to the federal provision known as 280E that blocks marijuana companies from taking tax deductions that are available to businesses in other sectors.

California lawmakers, however, like those in a number of other legal cannabis jurisdictions, have taken steps to decouple the state tax code from the federal policy, allowing operators to write off business expenses on their state taxes.

Maher, for his part, also noted the cannabis industry’s banking access issues.

“For the longest time, it was a very risky business because you couldn’t put the money in the bank, right?” he said. “The banks wouldn’t take ‘your dirty fucking pot money that you fucking hippies got by smoking pot.'”

“And everybody would have truckloads of cash around,” Maher said. “So of course, they were a target for robbers.”

To that point, Harrelson and Maher’s dispensary was burglarized in what appeared to be part of a string of crimes targeting cannabis businesses in the region.

While the situation is changing and more banks are taking on cannabis clients, as the two noted in the new interview, federal legislation to provide a broad fix for the issue has remained stalled for years.

Maher and Harrelson have long publicly embraced their cannabis consumption.

Last year, when Harrelson was asked to pick anyone living or dead he would like to patronize the dispensary’s cannabis cafe, he zeroed in on marijuana icon Bob Marley. But the actor also conceded that he doesn’t think he could go “toke-for-toke” with the late reggae star.

The actor also got involved in marijuana reform advocacy in California, calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to sign a bill legalizing marijuana cafes that passed in 2024, which he did end up approving.

Earlier this year, Harrelson joked about his experiences getting kicked out of two bars for smoking marijuana indoors with the mother of fellow star Matthew McConaughey.

Harrelson separately disclosed in 2017 that used cannabis to help get through a dinner with President Donald Trump.

Last year, Maher said he didn’t get high before attending a dinner with Trump at the White House, joking that it was a “missed opportunity.”

Image element courtesy of Angela George.

WNBA Offers To End Marijuana Testing For Women’s Basketball Players As Part Of Reported Deal With Union

The WNBA is potentially poised to join the ranks of sports leagues that have revised their marijuana policies, with details about negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA)—which has now been agreed to in principle—indicating that the women’s basketball league is prepared to eliminate cannabis testing for players.

As part of the negotiations between the Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association and WNBA, the league has reportedly put forward a number of potential policy changes, with proposals that touch on everything from salary caps to revenue sharing to travel expenses to drug testing rules.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne posted screenshots of slides she said were presented to players during a meeting with league representatives last month. In one slide titled “WNBA CBA Proposal: Summary of CBA Improvements,” a list of 37 potential compromises includes an item that says simply, “Elimination of Marijuana Testing.”

Adding to @alexaphilippou recap from yesterday, ESPN has obtained some of the information that was was presented to players at yesterday’s meeting—summarizing the WNBA’s current positions https://t.co/imM5elSO6Hpic.twitter.com/T9p2XRP42n

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 3, 2026

ESPN described the league’s offer to end marijuana testing as one of several areas in which it “compromised” with players.

Current WNBA policy treats cannabis significantly more restrictively compared to the NBA, as well as multiple other professional sports leagues beyond basketball that have also adopted reforms amid the state legalization movement. Marijuana remains listed as a “prohibited substance” for WNBA players, who are still tested for THC metabolites. First-time offenses generally result in treatment referrals, but repeated violations can lead to fines and suspensions.

The document describing the league’s position in the new CBA negotiations also lists “New Treatment Programs for Marijuana/Alcohol Abuse” and “Shorter Disqualification Periods under Anti-DrugProgram” as items it offered.

On Friday, WNBA and the players association announced that representatives signed a term sheet for a new CBA and released a summary of “key elements” of what they described as a “tentative” deal. Marijuana and drugs are not mentioned in the two-page summary of the full agreement, which is now subject to being ratified by players and the league’s Board of Governors, so it’s not clear how the issue will ultimately be handled.

You can read more about the key elements of the new CBA here:https://t.co/o8xx6be6f3pic.twitter.com/bUQBN1DHfg

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) March 20, 2026

The league did give some indication about its willingness to accept the changing tides around cannabis in 2024, when the WNBA team New York Liberty entered into a partnership with a CBD beverage company.

But CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, is federally legal—and the sponsorship arrangement didn’t change the fact that players would still be tested and potentially penalized for testing positive for THC.

Meanwhile, Brittney Griner—a WNBA player who was previously incarcerated in Russia over possession of marijuana—pulled out of an appearance at a cannabis event last year after discovering what she felt was a threatening message in her hotel room.

Conference attendees had hoped to hear from Griner about the nature of her incarceration in Russia, which helped fuel international debate about cannabis prohibition laws domestically and abroad.

How other sports leagues have navigated marijuana policy for players amid the reform movement.

NBA, for its part, removed marijuana from the banned substances list for players in 2023, and it also freed them up to invest in and promote cannabis companies.

The NFL, meanwhile, reached an agreement with its players union in 2024 to further reform its marijuana policies, significantly reducing fines for positive tests while increasing the allowable THC threshold for players. About four years after NFL ended the practice of suspending players over cannabis or other drugs as part of a collective bargaining agreement, the league again revised its Substances of Abuse Policy and Performance Enhancing Substances Policy.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 2024 voted to remove marijuana from its banned substances list for Division I players.

The reform builds on a 2022 change that increased the allowable THC threshold for college athletes, aligning NCAA’s rules with those of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

In October, Nevada regulators officially adopted a rule change that will protect athletes from being penalized for using or possessing marijuana in compliance with state law.

The head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) blasted the “unfair” ban on marijuana for athletes competing in international sport events, including the Olympics that were underway in Paris at the time of the comments.

USADA CEO Travis Tygart said it was “disappointing” that WADA has maintained the cannabis prohibition based on what he considers a misguided justification.

WADA did carry out a review into its marijuana policy at the request of USADA and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) following the controversial suspension of U.S. runner Sha’Carri Richardson, who was barred from participating in the Olympics in 2021 after she tested positive for THC. Richardson said she used cannabis to cope with the recent passing of her mother.

While UFC announced in late 2023 that it was formally removing marijuana from its modified banned substances list for athletes, the league notified participants that the reform didn’t apply under California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) rules.

UFC advised fighters that they could be subject to a $100 fine by CSAS if they tested over 150 nanograms of THC per milliliter ahead of the UFC 298 event that took place in February.

The New York-based clubs are partnering with Mynd Drinks, a hemp-based CBD sparkling beverage company that also made history in 2024 when it became an official partner of the Major League Baseball (MLB) team the Chicago Cubs.

That year, NFL announced it was partnering with Canadian researchers on a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of CBD for pain management and neuroprotection from concussions—key issues for many football players who experience injuries as part of the game.

Separately, NFL and the Denver Broncos in 2024 asked a federal court to reject a player’s lawsuit alleging discrimination over penalties he incurred due to positive THC tests from his prescribed use of a synthetic cannabinoid.

In a joint motion to dismiss filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, the league and team defended their marijuana policy for players, affirming it’s their view that use of cannabis can lead to on-field injuries, poor job performance and “alienation of the fans.”

Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.