4/20 Isn't About You, Denver, and the Shows Are Still Awesome

This might come as a shock to many of the citizens in Denver, but 4/20 ISN'T ABOUT YOU. The infamous date has gotten a lot of flak lately, mostly in the argument that it has become overrun with commercialization. Everyone is trying to capitalize off the plant in every way possible — including in the music industry. But that doesn't mean that 4/20 shows suck. In fact, they are still awesome, and here are seven reasons why.
7. Can everyone just chill the f*ck out?
If being "too popular" is the complaint, then that's a first-world problem. Denver is currently like the freshman kid who has a joint and now everyone likes him, but deep down, he has a feeling it's not going to last. So enjoy it while it does. 
6. There are SO MANY SHOWS.
I don't care what you want to call it, any random day in April that draws more national bands to the state than the year before is a good day in my book. There are a ton of shows to choose from; it's become an entire week of music representative of how many musicians want to be somewhere cool and close to legal marijuana. And we don't blame them. 
5. Mo' Money, Mo' Problems
Weed isn't the only thing flying off the shelves on 4/20 week. It's a compliment that there are so many shows booked and selling out. Not to mention, a compliment to the pockets of tourism businesses all over the state, as we are predicted to make about $5 million every day this week selling cannabis alone. So imagine the amount of money spent on traveling to, staying in and eating all over the city. Marijuana is the blood of our economy this week. And it's safe to say our economy wouldn't pass a drug test.
4. There actually IS variation in shows.
Yes, it is a hip-hop-heavy lineup for the week of 4/20, one that includes Wiz Khalifa and Lil' Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Flatbush Zombies, Redman, Method Man and the Kottonmouth Kings. But let us not forget that there really is a lot of bizarre diversity among the shows. For example, country babe Kacey Musgraves's sold-out show at the Bluebird. Jeff Dunham will be at the 1STBANK Center. Two members of the Trailer Park Boys are at the Summit. There's even the Regis Jesuit Advanced Jazz Ensemble at Dazzle Jazz Club. Nothing you like? Maybe you don't like anything.
3. Because weed.
Let's be honest: Smoking weed in public places and not getting arrested is still pretty cool. Don't be jaded just yet. Music and marijuana go together like peanut butter and jelly. Smoking at shows takes me back to the days where it was the only option for a young cannabis enthusiast out in the cold world of illegal marijuana. Shows were a safe haven for stoners long before recreational rules applied. Isn't it still a great adrenaline rush sneaking a joint into a venue in your bra? You know, for nostalgic purposes. (Disclaimer: We're not suggesting that yu actually sneak weed into venues in your bra.)
2. Contact high.
Think about it: If one thousand people are smoking all at once at a venue, you're going to get high for free. Don't get high off your own supply; just stand next to the kids who are passing blunts, and one is sure to make it your way.  If not, ask them to blow it into your ear. (It makes the show sound better.)
1. 4/20 isn't about you, Denver.
Stop taking everything so personally. There is a chance that 4/20 is about more than our city: It's about the awakening of the entire world to the legalization of marijuana. Colorado just happened to be stuck in the middle. We are indeed the poster children for normalization, but it's bigger than us. And if you are a supporter of the legalization of cannabis across the country, then you should at least appreciate how big of an impact our state has had, test subject or not. So let's celebrate. And let's celebrate with Snoop Dogg.

Your Guide to Dope 4/20 Concerts in Denver
Nuthin' but a Weed Thang: Why 4/20 Concerts Blow