4/20 Marijuana Holiday Discount By Lyft, MA Police Chiefs

BOSTON — Saturday is April 20 or 4/20 — a day celebrated by many marijuana aficionados every year. As recreational marijuana became legal in Massachusetts and retail shops opened up, officials are working to encourage people who get high to be responsible on the road. To that end, ride-share company Lyft, in coordination with New England Treatment Access and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, have come up with a plan.

Ahead of 4/20 this weekend, Lyft is encouraging riders in Massachusetts who choose to take part in getting high to ride with them, rather than drive on that day with a discount of — you guessed it — $4.20.

"This 4/20, we’re encouraging those taking part to plan ahead with a Lyft ride as we continue to work towards safer streets and communities," said Regional Director of Lyft New England Tyler George in a statement. "We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association and NETA as we work toward a similar goal and commitment, as well as provide Boston residents with a responsible and reliable ride option. We’re also incredibly thankful to our drivers who help people celebrating in Boston get to where they need to go."

Lyft's 4/20 discount is also being offered in San Francisco, Colorado, Las Vegas, Seattle, Detroit, Ottawa and Toronto.

How did fascination with 4/20 come to be? Well, it's a little hazy, actually. The most common belief surrounding how “420" came to be is that it was used by police in San Rafael, California, as a term to indicate someone was smoking weed, HuffPost wrote. From there pot smokers commandeered the term and made it their own.

According to Lyft’s Economic Report, 60 percent of Boston riders explore more areas of their city as a result of using Lyft and 63 percent are less likely to drive substance impaired because of the availability of ride share programs like the company.

Lyft is offering $4.20 off one ride on Saturday with the code 420BOS19 to encourage riders to explore their cities responsibly. Find more information in the blog post here.

“We urge Boston residents to choose a reliable ride option to get where they need to go without worry,” said Mark Leahy, executive director of Massachusetts police chief association, in a statement.

Related:

• Smooth Rollout: Boston Area's First Pot Shop Opens Without Hiccup

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).