2024 N E W T I M E S | 4 2 0 G U I D E | April 11th–April 17th, 2024 9 HIGH NOTES: THE ULTIMATE 420 PLAYLIST Courtesy of Proven Media Jon Udell, the communications director for AZ NORML has a passion for both music and cannabis advocacy. Jon has merged his two loves to curate a one-of-a-kind auditory experience for enthusiasts around the world. As a dedicated member of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), Johnathan understands the power of music to unite, inspire, and educate. Drawing from a diverse range of genres and artists, Johnathan’s playlist is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a celebration of cannabis culture and its rich history. But Jon’s playlist isn’t just about good vibes; it’s also a platform for advocacy and awareness. By featuring songs that highlight the social and political issues surrounding cannabis legalization, he aims to spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change. So whether you’re sparking up with friends or simply unwinding after a long day, Jon’s cannabis music playlist is the perfect soundtrack for your journey into the world of cannabis. • Legalize It (Medley) – Stick Figure - When I was leading a team that made 60,000 phone-calls to support Proposition 207 in 2020, I played this song every morning to pump me up. Although our country, and especially our state, have come a long way since the bygone era of “Reefer Madness,” every time we smoke a joint, we are still violating federal law. This song will bring an up-tempo atmosphere to your 4/20 celebration while reminding you of the hard work that led us to this day and the hard work that remains. • High Time – Grateful Dead - For old souls like me, a 4/20 playlist cannot be complete without a nod to the ‘60s and ‘70s counterculture that the Grateful Dead exemplified. If you’ve ever taken one too many puffs and felt an irrepressible urge to lie down on a field of grass, you will relate to the vibe in this classic tune from Workingman’s Dead. In addition to crafting choice tunes, you can also count on Jerry Garcia for a great quote: “I think it’s too bad that everybody’s decided to turn on drugs [like cannabis]. I don’t think drugs are the problem. Crime is the problem. Cops are the problem. Money’s the problem. But drugs are just drugs.” • Doobie in My Pocket – Keller Williams - Some songs make you cry, while other songs, like this, make you laugh until milk comes out of your nose. In this song, Keller Williams tells a story of traveling between hippie jam band festivals by airplane. As he waits in line for security, a feeling we have all experienced washes over him, a nagging paranoia about forgotten party favors lurking in our baggage. I won’t spoil the surprise ending, but luckily for Keller, he got lucky and didn’t need a lawyer like me! • Who’s Got the Weed – G. Love & The Special Sauce - “I got so much love for my mother, but still I praised the J and then pass it to a brother, ‘cause a friend with me, is a friend indeed, and I’ve got plenty of friends that smoke a lot of weed.” This song is a chill, major-key tune that begs to be played at your backyard barbecue, with plenty of friends that smoke a lot of weed of course. We should all be so lucky to have a friend circle like G. Love’s!
