For the past 25 years, protesters, demonstrators and celebrants have gathered together in Vancouver to toke up and celebrate cannabis. This year, however, concerns around COVID-19 have turned 420 celebrations into a virtual affair.

Dana Larsen, one of the organizers for 420, says moving the celebrations online was relatively easy.

"Usually I'd be battling politicians and the media to have our event at Sunset Beach which is usually quite controversial," Larsen said.

"[This year] there's a lot less work involved."

The annual event draws thousands of people each year. Vancouver Police say 60,000 people attended the event in 2019, with 400 vendor tents set up. Larsen says the number was higher, with 100,000 people coming and going throughout the day.

On top, the 420 celebrations at Sunset Beach during April 20, 2019. The bottom image is the same place, one year later, on April 20, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

Larsen said while the event is important, the health of the attendees when it comes to COVID-19 is also important.

He said online discussions, trivia competitions, contests, and giveaway would mark the occasion online.

"We'll have a wonderful day together, but I don't think it will be same numbers that we usually get for our 420," he said.

There were a few 420 enthusiasts on Sunset Beach Monday. Vancouver Police officers, who were monitoring the area, allowed them to stay in the park as as long they practiced adequate physical distancing.

Plenty of supply to go around

Jaclynn Pehota, executive director of the Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers, said it was great cannabis enthusiasts were embracing creative solutions to celebrate 420 and meet physical distancing requirements, pointing out there were not only local events, but international ones, like an online variety show hosted by country icon Willie Nelson.

Cannabis retailers were deemed an essential service, just like liquor retailers in B.C., a move Pehota applauded.

"It is important that the public maintain avenues for access that are regulated and readily available," Pehota said.

Pehota said the huge increase in cannabis sales at the start of the pandemic measures a few weeks ago could be attributed to the "toilet paper effect."

"I think there was a sense that there might be limitations on the availability of products," Pehota said.

"[But] that hasn't been the case, and we've had no issues with the supply chain up to this point."

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