If laughter is the best medicine, and marijuana makes you laugh; is marijuana the best medicine? Ask this question to those celebrating the 4/20 holiday, you would most likely receive a hearty, if a bit hazy, “YES.” The holiday, which is on April 20th, is recognized as “International Weed Smoking Day.” Cannabis and CBD enthusiasts gather to smoke, vape, eat edibles and celebrate. Residents of The B had plenty of options to choose. Two of the best were The Main Event’s all day smoke fest/party and Hekate’s THC infused singalong.

At around 7 PM, a small crowd had gathered at the bar of the newly opened Hekate. The owner, Abby, doubled as a bartender serving free THC infused mocktails. (but only if you asked for it!) “We’re not just dosing you!” Abby assured those around the bar. Everyone was enjoying themselves, and Abby was no different as she could be seen dancing and smiling behind the bar, good vibes radiating. The organizer of the event, Ron Herczig, stood with the lineup, calling performers between sips of his own drink. The crowd belted out songs such as “Love Song,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “That’s Amore,” and most appropriate for the neighborhood “Downtown.”

Hekate is a very new coffee and elixir bar, but has already amass a crew of regulars, many migrating from Abby’s other enterprise Lucky right across the street. Eduard, a now loyal customer, said he comes “about once or twice a week, it depends, last month it was more.”  Eduard did not perform himself, but supported his partner Matthew who sang a heartfelt rendition of “Country Roads.” Lack of a professional stage posed no obstacle, as singers poised precariously upon a chair to be seen as well as heard. The winner of the singalong, handsdown, was the host himself, Ron, who led attendees in an off-seasonal rendition of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want ForChristmas.” Ron pulled out all the stops, distributing jingle bells to enhance the holiday spirit.

The Main event is no stranger to marijuana or a crowd of chill people. Although it was specifically 4/20, those who are regulars would find a familiar scene (perhaps just a bit more marijuana). Vendors sold THC infused goodies of all manner. Brownies, cereal, regular bud, and cartridges were among the products on offer. With every purchase, customers received a free preroll. (You pretty much got a free preroll just for attending.)

A DJ was set up at the entrance of the gallery, spinning melodic and reggae tunes. If you were interested, there was a young lady providing tarot and readings. Jay, the gallery owner, was there making sure everything ran smoothly, offering calm reassurance with his presence. The Main Event stayed open into the night, celebrating the 4/20 holiday with the community.