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What is 420 Day? Drugs rallies to take place across the globe including at Hyde Park

Friday is "420", the unofficial international Weed Day, in which people smoke cannabis and advocate for it to be legalised.

Although some people think it is linked to the California code for marijuana consumption, 420 actually refers to the date, 20 April, that the celebration takes place.

In nine US states as well as in Washington, DC, the recreational use of cannabis is legal for people aged 21 and over.

Meanwhile twenty-nine states permit the use of marijuana for medical reasons.

Where did 420 come from?

Pronounced four-twenty, the origin of the day is subject to numerous urban myths and theories.

It has been suggested that the number 420 came from the penal code the Californian police used to categorise cannabis cases.

In 1971, students at a Californian high school allegedly organised to meeting at 4.20pm to find a plot of land to plant a cannabis plant.

Rallies and celebrations of weed are set to take place across the world today, stretching as far as New Zealand and America.

How do people celebrate?

There will be rallies worldwide including in Canada, Holland and the United States.

The biggest UK event celebrating the marijuana festival is at London’s Hyde Park.

In an act of mass civil disobedience, thousands are expected to meet and light up - although police and health experts have warned against it.

The Facebook event page says more than 2,000 people are interested in attending the event which kicks off at midday.

With temperatures set to soar up to 26 degrees today it is expected to be busy.

A man smokes a joint as people gathered in Russell Square for the start of a cannabis march in London (Getty Images)
A man smokes a joint as people gathered in Russell Square for the start of a cannabis march in London (Getty Images)

Police said that officers will be present and that the usual drug laws will apply on the day. Random police searches are expected.

A spokesman said: “A proportionate policing plan will be in place. Legislation under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 will be enforced as it would be under normal police conditions during this event.”

Is it legal in the UK?

No. Tony Blair’s Labour government announced it would be changing the classification of the drug to C in 2001, hoping that the move would enable officers to concentrate on more serious drug offences.

But he backtracked following the 2005 General Election, believing the move sent out the “wrong message”.

Cannabis users can go to jail if caught, though traffickers and dealers are more likely to receive prison sentences.

According to NHS Choices, cannabis can make you "feel chilled out, relaxed and happy" - but it can also have adverse health effects.

The NHS website says people who use it may feel dizzy or sick, lethargic or suffer memory loss.

It also impairs your ability to drive.

Long-term use increases your risk of psychotic illness and can exacerbate existing mental health problems, according to medics.