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An Oxford college has been accused of cultural appropriation for attempting to throw a “cannabis themed” party.

Mansfield College was forced to cancel a "420 themed" bop scheduled for this Friday - April 4 - after students complained.

In an email sent to students and seen by The Daily Telegraph, organisers explained that the party would be a celebration of the “internationally recognised day of protest for the legalisation of Marijuana” on April 20.

It invited undergraduates to “dress up as their favourite stoner.”

“420 is not about the consumption of da herb itself, and more about the arts, music, and literature surrounding it; it’s a celebration of a rich culture including everything from hippies to Hip-Hop, from Seth Rogan to the Dude,” organisers wrote.

It also warned: “If you’re white, don’t try to go as Snoop Dogg or Bob Marley. Blackface isn’t cool.”

Alongside the invite they emphasised that the entertainment team did not condone any drug usage.

The invite sparked backlash from some students who said they felt the event encouraged “cultural appropriation.”

One undergraduate said the college’s elected welfare representatives were worried that the event could be exclusionary.

“Anyone who might have negative experiences of drugs or addiction might be affected by it,” the student told The Daily Telegraph.

“There are of course risks related to the theme that people might have come in costumes which might have perceived as offensive.

“Fundamentally people were concerned about the inappropriate nature of a drug themed bop in a college both from a welfare perspective.”

Within hours the entertainment team sent round an email cancelling the event and apologising for anyone they offended.

They said: “We understand that this was met with offence and we want to apologise dearly to those who were offended,” they said.

“We overlooked the clear issues with this theme and now realise our very significant mistake in the matter. We can’t apologise enough.”

They added: “And clearly nor did we expect any members of the College to be dressing in a manner so as to be culturally appropriating any culture.”

The Standard has contacted Oxford University for further comment.