{"id":35927,"date":"2025-04-20T15:40:12","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T15:40:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/35927\/"},"modified":"2025-04-20T15:40:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T15:40:12","slug":"420-hyde-park-hundreds-gather-in-central-london-to-smoke-pot-on-easter-sunday-in-annual-cannabis-protest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/35927\/","title":{"rendered":"420 Hyde Park: Hundreds gather in central London to smoke pot on Easter Sunday in annual cannabis protest"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>HUNDREDS of people have gathered for the annual 420 rally in London &#8211; despite warnings they could be arrested.<\/p>\n<p>Crowds of cannabis enthusiasts boldly smoked in full view of the police <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/news\/27441417\/420-hyde-park-crowds-smoke-pot-annual-protest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">at the event<\/a> in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/where\/hyde-park\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hyde Park<\/a> on Easter Sunday.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A police officer writing in a notebook while speaking to a person with a backpack at a 420 cannabis celebration.\" height=\"640\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"Story Picture Agency\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/420-cannabis-oriented-celebration-takes-988628673.jpg\" data-caption=\"Police are in attendance at the 420 rally\"   loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/420-cannabis-oriented-celebration-takes-988628673.jpg\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>6<\/p>\n<p>Police are in attendance at the 420 rallyCredit: Story Picture Agency<a href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Police officers speaking with a young man at a cannabis legalization protest.\" height=\"598\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"Elliott Franks\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2025-cannabis-users-around-world-988640410.jpg\" data-caption=\"Cops speak to a man at the event\"   loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2025-cannabis-users-around-world-988640410.jpg\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>6<\/p>\n<p>Cops speak to a man at the eventCredit: Elliott Franks<a href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A young man lighting a joint in a park.\" height=\"640\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"Story Picture Agency\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/420-cannabis-oriented-celebration-takes-988628476.jpg\" data-caption=\"Many people were seen lighting up joints\"   loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/420-cannabis-oriented-celebration-takes-988628476.jpg\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>6<\/p>\n<p>Many people were seen lighting up jointsCredit: Story Picture Agency<\/p>\n<p>TV personality Michael Barrymore is among those snapped at the event.<\/p>\n<p>Royal Parks, which manages the public space, has braced for thousands of people gathered despite being dubbed an &#8220;unauthorised&#8221; event by the Met Police.<\/p>\n<p>It said the event would be taking place without its permission, adding that the demonstration breaches its regulations.<\/p>\n<p>And added: \u201cEnforcement of the law and of park regulations is a matter for the Metropolitan Police.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The 420 rally, which is held every April 20, was organised in a bid to celebrate stoner culture.<\/p>\n<p>Despite dozens of cops present on the scene, people have been snapped rolling and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/news\/4094039\/is-weed-legal-uk-law-cannabis-marijuana\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lighting up joints<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Hundreds were seen lounging on the grass in group smoke sessions.<\/p>\n<p>Cannabis remains a Class B drug in the UK, carrying severe penalties.<\/p>\n<p>A Met spokesperson said<strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cThe Met is aware of the 420 Day rally, also known as the cannabis day event, in Hyde Park on Sunday, 20 April and have a policing plan for the day. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Using cannabis and other recreational drugs is illegal. Officers will intervene and use enforcement options where proportionate and necessary.<\/p>\n<p>What do cannabis plants look and smell like?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur main priority is to ensure park users are safe and achieving that requires officers to make pragmatic decisions, potentially prioritising those offences that pose the most immediate risk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOfficers will enforce legislation under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 through community resolution orders, penalty notice for disorder, postal charge requisitions and arrest, particularly if there is associated anti-social behaviour, disorder or crime.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere will be a strong and visible police presence across Hyde Park. We encourage park users to speak to officers if they have concerns. Always call 999 in an emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The law on Cannabis <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/B3AN1Kjpg-JS633548764.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"article__content--intro\">IT&#8217;S a\u00a0crime\u00a0in the\u00a0UK\u00a0to possess, grow, distribute, sell, or grow cannabis.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Being caught with cannabis comes with a maximum of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/news\/16369256\/prison-officer-paid-to-smuggle-cannabis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">five years in prison<\/a>, an unlimited fine, or both.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>While being convicted of producing and supplying the Class B drug carries up to 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine, or both.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Police can issue a warning or on-the-spot fine if you&#8217;re caught with a small amount &#8211; generally less than one ounce &#8211; if it is deemed for personal use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Cannabis has been illegal in the UK since 1928 and is regulated stringently by the Government.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>As the punishments suggest, it&#8217;s completely illegal to smoke weed anywhere in Britain &#8211; including on your own property.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>However, some police forces have taken a more laid-back attitude to the recreational drug, which is believed to be the most popular in the UK.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Prosecution rates for cannabis possession are as low as 15 percent in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/where\/cornwall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cornwall<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/where\/devon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Devon<\/a>, while Durham Police have said they will no longer target recreational users at all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Patients Cann UK, the UK&#8217;s patient-led advocacy organisation for medical cannabis community said: \u201cWe are inviting the medical cannabis community, along with friends and supporters, to a relaxed and inclusive picnic at Hyde Park. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This gathering celebrates community, conversation, and the spirit of togetherness. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Please note, while the gathering has a special nod to medical cannabis culture, it is not a PatientsCann UK or Medical Cannabis event. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Attendees are kindly requested to follow all Royal Park guidelines and local regulations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Did you attend the event? Email ryan.merrifield@thesun.co.uk<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Although the exact origins are unknown, many believe it was first held in the United States.<\/p>\n<p>The tradition has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/fabulous\/18319451\/what-420-meaning-day-celebration\/#:~:text=The%20Waldos%20reportedly%20began%20meeting,in%20the%20Grateful%20Dead%20community.\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">deep roots in California<\/a>, originating from a group of high school students known as the &#8216;Waldos&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>They coined the 420 term to signify their plan to meet at 4.20pm to smoke cannabis. <\/p>\n<p>The old event has now become a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/news\/3352744\/what-is-420-hyde-park\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">global phenomenon<\/a> with celebrations happening around the world. <\/p>\n<p>The name has now reinvented the name alluding to the date the event is celebrated. <\/p>\n<p>However, past events in Hyde Park have seen police intervention and arrests due to public cannabis consumption.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, police said they&#8217;d made one arrest for possession of a knife and issued five community resolution orders.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Portrait of Michael Barrymore at a 420 cannabis celebration in Hyde Park, London.\" height=\"640\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"Story Picture Agency\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/420-cannabis-oriented-celebration-takes-988639587.jpg\" data-caption=\"Michael Barrymore is among those in attendance\"   loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/420-cannabis-oriented-celebration-takes-988639587.jpg\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>6<\/p>\n<p>Michael Barrymore is among those in attendanceCredit: Story Picture Agency<a href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Large group of people gathered in a park, with police vans visible in the background.\" height=\"547\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"Elliott Franks\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2025-cannabis-users-around-world-988645100.jpg\" data-caption=\"The annual 420 gathering in Hyde Park has seen hundreds of people gather\"   loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2025-cannabis-users-around-world-988645100.jpg\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>6<\/p>\n<p>The annual 420 gathering in Hyde Park has seen hundreds of people gatherCredit: Elliott Franks<a href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Person rolling a cannabis joint.\" height=\"677\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"Elliott Franks\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2025-cannabis-users-around-world-988636166.jpg\" data-caption=\"A person appears to make a roll up\"   loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2025-cannabis-users-around-world-988636166.jpg\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>6<\/p>\n<p>A person appears to make a roll upCredit: Elliott Franks<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"HUNDREDS of people have gathered for the annual 420 rally in London &#8211; despite warnings they could be&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":35928,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7757],"tags":[748,20726,188,535,938,393,4884,257,135,529,820,16,15,1764],"class_list":{"0":"post-35927","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-london","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-cannabis","10":"tag-crime","11":"tag-drugs","12":"tag-easter-2025","13":"tag-england","14":"tag-great-britain","15":"tag-london","16":"tag-metropolitan-police","17":"tag-police","18":"tag-section-newsuk-news","19":"tag-uk","20":"tag-united-kingdom","21":"tag-wales"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114371049904928447","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35927"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35927\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}