Country music’s free spirit, Willie Nelson is counting on President Biden to instate a week-long, nationally recognized holiday celebrating cannabis. Nelson and his team are pushing to see Mr. President deem the current unofficial marijuana holiday (April 20) through Willie’s Birthday (April 29) “High Holidays.” We can’t make this stuff up.
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His efforts are already in action as he and his Texas-based concert team, Luck Reunion, have started a petition that already has more than 2,000 signatures.
“April 20th, known in these parts as 4/20, has long been celebrated as a holiday in smokey circles throughout this fine country, but in reality for cannabis users, one day just isn't enough” states the petition. “In fact, for us, the 'High Holidays' begin on 4/20 and end on 4/29, the birthday of the legendary Willie Nelson.”
While Nelson’s passion for the idea comes as a shock to literally no one, his motives may surprise many who believe he’s looking for just any excuse to get ‘willie’ high.
“We believe that recognition of the ‘High Holidays’ opens the door to much needed dialogue supporting the many benefits of cannabis while helping to remove the unjustified stigmas currently surrounding this amazing plant,” the petition reads.
The steps toward a national holiday aren’t the only effort Nelson has made towards decriminalizing marijuana. The petition was inspired by the a virtual event presented by Luck, alongside Nelson, called the "Luck Summit: Planting the Seed." The event, taking place this week, has been named the first annual cannabis convention and is striving to educate attendees, destigmatize the plant and promote cannabis culture in a fun and interesting way.
“Please puff, puff, and pass this to your friends in Congress for consideration,” closes the petition. “When you do, reflect on the immortal words of Willie: ‘I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?’" Hmmm does he have a point?
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