Police crackdown on cannabis smokers flocking to Hyde Park to celebrate 420 drugs rally

Published: 01:26, 21 April 2026 | Updated: 01:47, 21 April 2026 Police pinned a man to the floor on Monday as cannabis smokers flocked to London's Hyde Park to celebrate 420 World Cannabis Day. He was pictured on the ground being held down by at least four officers. In another image, another male displayed what appeared to be a cannabis plant as an officer approached him. Cannabis is a class B drug in the UK - it carries a five-year sentence for possession and a maximum term of 14 years for dealing or producing. Marijuana lovers unite for the rally every year on April 20, a reference to the term 420. The annual tradition is said to have started in America because April 20 in the US date format reads as 4/20. There are many stories behind the significance of the number in stoner culture, but the most common is that 4.20pm is touted as the best time of the day to start smoking the narcotic. In preparation for the revellers, Hyde Park featured a sign reading: 'No Drugs.' The park has been the scene of previous 420 celebrations, with police watching on helplessly last year as fans gathered to smoke weed. Should police focus resources on cracking down on cannabis celebrations, or are there bigger issues? What's your view? A man is pinned to the floor by officers in Hyde Park as cannabis lovers gathered to celebrate 420 The man appeared to shout as he was restrained by at least four officers Another man was pictured holding what appeared to be a cannabis plant as an officer approached It is not known whether the man was arrested. Pictured: Two officers stand near the man as he brandishes the supposed cannabis plant In preparation for the annual event, there was a 'no drugs' sign in the park as officers stood nearby A man wearing no shoes was searched by one officer as anotherstood nearby The man, one of many revellers at the annual cannabis celebration, spoke with the officer while he was searched Police were pictured standing nearby as cannabis fans pitched up for the event One smoker bragged officers 'hadn't got enough money to prosecute' them. Hordes of cannabis lovers spread across the park to mark the event, which calls for the illegal drug to be decriminalised. In 2022 a brawl broke out at Hyde Park's 420 event as two women were seen wrestling on the floor and a man appeared to beat a woman. That day police said ten people were arrested for a range of offences, including possession of class A drugs, possession of class B drugs, possession with intent to supply, offensive weapons, affray and assaulting police. While police usually turn a blind eye to the gathering - as long as attendees remain calm - the law says anyone caught with cannabis can be issued a warning or an on-the-spot fine of £90. During pandemic restrictions in 2021, when outdoor gatherings were only permitted for groups of up to six people, cannabis fans flocked to the park despite police warning that £200 fines would be issued for those flouting lockdown rules. And in 2017 police detained 12 people at the rally, while the 2015 event saw more than 50 people arrested, despite organisers' claims it had been peaceful. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.