For marijuana enthusiasts, the number 420 has a special meaning, signifying the time of day — 4:20 p.m. — when cannabis culture is celebrated.
According to legend, the daily ritual was started by a group of high school students in San Rafael, C.A., in the 1970s. Over the years the number 420 has also come to signify the date, 4/20 or April 20, for an unofficial national holiday to enjoy all things gnarly, dude!
Although legal recreational marijuana is not yet available in New York State, Long Islanders were able to celebrate 4/20 at an outdoor market at Blue Point Brewing in Patchogue. Dubbed “Shakedown on Main Street” as an homage to the Grateful Dead, the market featured merchandise from local vendors, live music, grilled cheese, and of course Blue Point beer.
Blue Point introduced a new beer at the event, Legalize Wheat, a 7.0% ABV Hoppy American Wheat Ale made with a Pineapple Express blend of terpenes, the naturally-occurring compounds that enhance the flavor and aroma of both beer and cannabis. For the new beer label, Blue Point commissioned graphics from Helen Kennedy, the first female artist-in-residence for the Grateful Dead.
Legalize Wheat is a limited edition beer and is available in six-packs and also as part of a special HopBox, available for shipping across New York State and for pickup at the brewery. The HopBox also includes a Legalize Wheat poster designed by Helen Kennedy, six-packs of Hoptical Illusion and Peripheral Drift IPAs, a four-pack of LIIT Hard Tea Seltzer, a package of Blue Point rolling papers, and treats to satisfy the munchies — special brownies and Flaming Hot Cheetos.
Take a long strange trip to Blue Point while supplies last!
Bernie Kilkelly is editor and publisher of LIBeerGuide.com
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