Marijuana Enthusiasts Gather In Anticipation Of 4/20 Smokeout

DENVER (CBS4/AP) - Pot smokers began gathering before noon at Denver's Civic Center Park on Wednesday in honor of 4/20.

It's a day where pot smokers try to persuade lawmakers to legalize marijuana.

Every year thousands of people attend the rallies in Denver and on the campus of the University of Colorado in Boulder. The university has tried to discourage the gathering in the past to no avail.

The rallies center around the arrival of 4:20 p.m. At that point in the day everyone in the crowd, for the most part, begins smoking pot.

This year's event comes the day before the annual convention of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, a prominent legalization group marking 40 years. This weekend's conference is drawing most Denver mayoral candidates and Colorado's Rep. Jared Polis, a Democrat who favors legalization.

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