Sunset Beach 4/20 event goes up in smoke

Despite warm weather, Vancouver’s unpermitted 4/20 events were notably smaller compared to previous years.

Often attracting thousands of cannabis lovers, the gathering at Sunset Beach has now been reduced to a few people on picnic blankets.

Police officers were patrolling on foot and on motorcycles around the park, which some say may be related to the lack of turnout.

Parkgoers had conflicting feelings about the presence of the police at the event. Some found it inappropriate for officers to be there.

“It scares the living crap out of me,” one attendee told 1130 NewsRadio.

“It’s not fair to have people feel like they’re in danger for something that’s already legal here.”

Some were comforted by seeing police in the area.

“It’s nice to kind of have that presence of safety, and there are minors here as well, so it is good to be keeping an eye out,” another parkgoer said.

The City of Vancouver announced measures would be put in place ahead of the unpermitted festivities, including changing the flow of traffic and shutting down Sunset Beach’s parking lot. In a release, the city said it was working with the Park Board, Vancouver Police Department, provincial government, TransLink, and public health partners to actively monitor the situation and ensure a coordinated response if needed.

“The following measures will be in place to minimize community impacts and ensure public safety and respectful use of shared spaces,” said the release.

Sunset Beach is now one of only a small number of cannabis-friendly gatherings for 4/20, with another happening outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

It’s been nearly seven years since the federal government legalized cannabis on Oct. 17, 2018. Advocates say these events are not only celebrations but a form of protest as many users still feel marginalized.