One of the most celebrated, non-official holidays by teens and young adults just occurred, and it happens to be one the biggest controversies in North America.

It’s known as April 20.

To anyone born before the 1990, April 20 will likely sound like a regular day on the calendar, but to any generation that was born during that decade, it signifies something far greater than just a regular day. The term Four-Twenty (420) was a day recognized by everyone in North America who smoked weed, pot, ganja, Mary Jane, what ever it’s being called by today’s generation is on its way.

A few American International College students shared their thoughts on the unofficial day of celebration.

“Four-twenty, everyone knows about that, it’s pretty much national get high day. I don’t know how it started or why we do it but I don’t think anyone really has a problem with it,” noted one senior.

The origin behind 420 has a list longer than lines on black Friday, from celebrating the birth of Bob Marley to his death. Or from a group of Californian kids that gathered together every day at 4:20 p.m. to get high behind the trees, the list continues to grow. Some believe it’s an old California police call code signaling that marijuana is being smoked or sold.

Another senior said, “People talk about weed all the time here but it’s not like out in the open, you wouldn’t see too many people smoking outside casually because they would be too worried about the police. But I know I’ll do something on that day and pretty much everyone else will too, I can guarantee that.”

So what is it that makes this holiday so controversial that it isn’t an actual holiday?

In many states the drug is illegal it’s as simple as that, and we have a so called holiday where the majority of the population of North America (Canada & America) between the ages of 15-30 years old will be getting high or experimenting with it.

In Massachusetts, voters approved marijuana for medical purposes, though there are as of yet no legal dispensaries.

Also in Massachusetts, carrying one ounce or less of pot is considered a civil offense, with a $100 fine. More than one ounce, for personal use, is a misdemeanor, punishable on first offense by a $500 fine and possibly six months behind bard. Dealing, of course, is another story – still illegal and with the potential for heavy fines and lengthy jail terms.

All of this points to one of the biggest, and most confusing debates during our generation.

If the majority of the North American population actively contributes in the consumption of marijuana or cannabis products, why does the government classify it as a banned substance?

That is a whole other story that needs a lot more specifics, but for now to everyone celebrating 420 enjoy, and be safe.

* This story was not written to decriminalize or aid the use of marijuana*