The term “420” is commonly used amongst cannabis consumers, but not everyone knows its exact meaning and origin. Here’s everything to know about the most popular cannabis phrase and its many meanings.
What Does 420 mean?
“420” is a beloved, deeply ingrained term used within the cannabis community. The term is linked to April 20th, a widely recognized cannabis holiday, which not only celebrates it but also advocates for global legalization.
It’s also used to refer to code for smoking weed at 4:20 pm. The terms “420-friendly” or “weed-friendly” are used as codes for places and events that allow cannabis consumption and weed acceptance.
Origins of the term ‘420’
Back in the 1970s, a group of high school kids called ”The Waldos” decided to search for a secret cannabis crop, as reported by High Times Magazine. The Waldos wanted to keep their plans under wraps, so they used secret codes to meet at a specific location at 4:20 pm., thus bringing the term “420” to life. From 1971, they used the term as a way to signal that it was time to smoke pot.
Years later, the term was popularized by the Grateful Dead at one of their gigs in California. High Times Magazine also adopted the term and brought it into the mainstream.
Since then, the number 420 has become an integral part of weed culture and is globally used in celebrating marijuana consumption and promoting its widespread legalization.
Celebrating 420 globally
Over the years, a lot of states legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use. Each year, there are many events all over the United States that celebrate marijuana culture and its legalization.
In California, people honor 420 by gathering on Hippie Hill in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and enjoying a mix of good music, art, and cannabis goods. On the other coast, in Washington, DC, a full week is dedicated to paying tribute to marijuana. Thousands of potheads gather in Washington Square Park for the annual smoke session at 4:20 pm.
Canada celebrates 420 as well. In Vancouver, a popular celebration spot is Sunset Beach, while in Ontario, the Niagara Falls EXPO is a large event where a large number of vendors gather.
Amsterdam is the most weed-friendly city in Europe and a popular travel destination for potheads from all over the world. It’s a tradition to honor the green holiday and use it as a time to destigmatize cannabis use and advocate for further legalization throughout Europe.
Benefits of celebrating the 420 holiday
Who doesn’t like the holiday season? It’s the best time of the year, and 420 is no different!
Here are some benefits for honoring this green holiday and why potheads love it so much:
- Enjoying cannabis goods: Just like any other holiday, April 20th is a good time to shop for goods, as many weed dispensaries offer unique 420 drops. It’s a great time to support your local weed businesses and enjoy yourself.
- Celebrating cannabis culture in a group setting: Regardless of whether you want to smoke with a group of friends or attend a large 420 event, you have a good excuse to get high and vibe with fellow connoisseurs. Enjoy the music, art, and high-quality goods amongst like-minded people.
- Trying new consumption methods: There are lots of ways to consume cannabis, and 420 presents a reason to try a new method. Whether it’s smoking, vaping, or trying a new THC gummy, honor the high holiday by trying something new.
Common 420 misconceptions and myths
The cannabis community is not immune to fake stories and widespread misconceptions. The term “420” is used all over the world, but its meaning and origin are often mythologized over time.
Some of the most famous myths for 420 include, but are not limited to:
- It’s associated with the police: It’s unlikely that the police used it as a code for weed possession
- The number is connected to Bob Marley: While he was and remains the symbol of cannabis culture, he’s not directly connected to 420. Many believe that the date correlates with his birth or death, but that’s not correct.
- The number of chemical compounds: The cannabis plant is packed with hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes, but the number doesn’t equate to 420
- Cannabis is legal everywhere on April 20th: Every country has strict cannabis regulations, regardless of the date. The United States hasn’t legalized cannabis on a federal level — some states allow adult use, others restrict access to authorized medical patients, and some still ban cannabis entirely.
- It’s the penal code for marijuana in California: 420 has nothing to do with cannabis. Instead, the code refers to blocking and interfering with public properties owned by the state of California.
With a long and interesting history, 420 has come a long way from being a discreet code word to becoming one of the most recognizable cannabis symbols in the world. It was created to bring weed lovers together to reduce the stigma while promoting peace, love, and unity.
