State's pot advocates toked up over holiday

Marijuana enthusiasts descended on Natick last night to celebrate the state’s first legal April 20 — the unofficial national pot holiday.

“I’ve been dreaming about this day ever since I was a little girl,” said Angel Smith of Plymouth, who said her dad got her into the drug. “We shouldn’t be in the closet. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s way more safe than alcohol. And it shouldn’t be that we have to hide it.”

Bay State voters in November approved a ballot measure that legalized recreational use of marijuana and home growing with some restrictions.

About 200 marijuana users attended the Natick event sponsored by the Northeastern Institute of Cannabis — which offers classes on growing weed and pro-pot activism — and Weedmaps, a website that helps people find medical marijuana. The event showcased some products and promoted services geared to help people use and grow pot.

The time 4:20 on the clock and the date 4/20 have become an unofficial symbol of the drug. The origin of the custom is ... hazy.

Many were eager to celebrate 4/20 legally.

“I’m excited about it. Pumped,” said Gavin McCluskey, 35, of Haverhill. “It’s the first one, man. They’re starting to finally let us out of our cage. You know what I mean? It’s the freedom of it.”

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Bill Smith, 65, of Hingham, a medical marijuana user. “I have Cortizone shots in my wrists. I have steroid shots in my ankles. I had one knee replacement and another that’s due. I’m looking for medical marijuana to help me deal with those issues. I really don’t care if I get high or not ... It’s a plant that was given to us by God and man has no right to take it away.”