— Ever the gracious hosts, Southern Pines police stocked up on munchies for a 420 holiday party on Friday.

The police department posted images on its Facebook page of chips, cookies and sodas in a holding cell, saying they are "prepared for additional guests visiting our detention facility on the 4/20 holiday."

The post has been shared nearly 6,000 times, and Southern Pines Police Chief Bob Temme said he "proudly takes responsibility for it."

Friday is an unofficial holiday in the marijuana culture, as 420 – April 20, or 4/20 – is slang for smoking pot.

While many found the post humorous, the police station has received a bit of backlash.

Temme described them as "Some people who aren't happy unless they're unhappy."

While recreational marijuana use has become legal in some states, and less taboo in the culture at large, Temme reminds people the drug is still illegal in North Carolina.

"So it's not all comical," he said. "There are injuries that occur because of marijuana use. It's illegal. We don't get to pick and choose what laws we want to enforce and not enforce."

He said the post's main purpose is to engage more people on the department's Facebook page for community rapport, and he considers humor some of the best messaging.

"Take a look at some of the great work this department is doing to keep the community safe," he said.