“People who use marijuana have been classified as dumb, lazy, stupid people and with this race we’re showing them we’re not what they say we are,” said Jim McAlpine, a snowboard company executive who founded the events last year. “We want to show them we are motivated, athletic members of society.”
With a legalization initiative likely to be on the November 2016 California ballot, it was time to take a stand against misinformation and propaganda against the long-maligned herb, he said.
Michelle Dunsing, 45, has used cannabis for more than two decades and said she participated in the 4.20-mile race in Golden Gate Park to support a lifestyle that is often misunderstood.
“It’s great that people can come out and be themselves,” Dunsing said. “I smoke and clean the house, and I go to work and I’ve raised two beautiful daughters. I’m a productive member of society.”
The 420 Games will continue through the rest of the year, with events throughout California, including a golf tournament in San Jose, a bike cruiser marathon in Orange County and a stand-up paddleboard racing competition in Lake Tahoe later this year.