Denver Expects Record Crowds For Weed Fests; Denver 420 Rally And Cannabis Cup Kick Off This Weekend

Denver will be celebrating this weekend in a blaze of glory.

In honor of 4/20 today, otherwise known as the international day to smoke up, two major weed events are taking place in the Colorado city and are expecting to bring in more than 80,000 marijuana lovers. The Denver 420 Rally takes place today and tomorrow, while the High Times Cannabis Cup takes place frm Friday-Sunday.

Denver 420 Rally chief organizer Miguel Lopez said he is expecting pot tourists from states all across the country including Minnesota, Kansas, Virginia and Arizona. New York is typically one of the most well-represented states at the rally.

Records crowd are expected to show up because this is the first year that marijuana designated for personal use is legal in the state of Colorado. Amendment 64 allows someone 21 years of age or older to possess an ounce or less of marijuana. However, it is still not legal to sell the drug. State lawmakers have submitted proposals for how to distribute and tax the drug, but have not finalized any regulations.

Amendment 64 also directly affects how police officers will handle the events at these two weed festivals. People who were caught blatantly smoking pot in front of officers were typically ticketed or arrested in the past, but Denver officers are now adopting a more relaxed approach this year.

"The intention is not to start a melee for a pretty minor offense," said Denver Police Commander Tony Lopez last April.

However, Miguel Lopez said Denver police made it clear that anybody engaging with children in marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia is subject to arrest for child endangerment. 

The High Times Cannabis Cup marks the first time that event has been held in the U.S. The event, which includes classes, seminars and a competition to determine the best strand of pot, has been held in Amsterdam for several years.

However, participants in the event could potentially be arrested if the weed they have entered in the competition was not grown themselves or does not come from Colorado. Amendment 64 does not address the transport of marijuana across state lines.