April 20th, or 4/20, has become an internationally recognized day synonymous with cannabis culture. Across the globe, from music festivals to local gatherings, cannabis enthusiasts convene on this date to celebrate, advocate, and partake. But why this seemingly arbitrary number, 420, to represent marijuana? The answer is a blend of teenage slang, serendipitous connections, and the enduring power of counterculture.
The Murky Origins and the Waldos Story
For years, the genesis of “420” remained shrouded in mystery, leading to a variety of colorful, albeit inaccurate, theories. Some popular myths suggested it was a police code for marijuana possession, adding a rebellious allure. Others romantically linked it to Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women No. 12 & 35,” pointing out that 12 multiplied by 35 equals 420, and the song’s famous line “Everybody must get stoned.” However, the true story is far more grounded in teenage camaraderie and a quest for hidden treasure.
The most credible origin story traces back to the early 1970s and a group of high school friends in San Rafael, California, who called themselves “the Waldos.” The tale begins with a map, supposedly leading to a hidden cannabis patch growing in the Point Reyes woods. The grower, fearing discovery, entrusted the map to the brother of one of the Waldos, giving the teens permission to harvest the crop.
In the fall of 1971, “4:20” became their code. Every day after classes and football practice, at precisely 4:20 p.m., the Waldos would meet at the statue of chemist Louis Pasteur on their school grounds. They would share a joint and embark on their treasure hunt for the elusive cannabis patch. While their search was ultimately unsuccessful, their secret code, initially “420 Louie” and later shortened to simply “420,” took on a life beyond their teenage escapades.
The Waldos meticulously preserved letters and other artifacts from the 1970s containing the term “420,” even storing them in a bank vault. This dedication to preserving their history proved crucial when the Oxford English Dictionary officially added “420” to its lexicon in 2017, citing these very documents as the earliest recorded uses of the term.
How 420 Spread into Mainstream Culture
The transition of “420” from a small group’s inside joke to a global phenomenon is a testament to the power of social networks, even before the digital age. A pivotal connection was formed through the Grateful Dead. As confirmed by bassist Phil Lesh, the brother of one of the Waldos was a friend of the band. The Waldos began to socialize within the Grateful Dead’s circle, and their slang organically spread within this influential counterculture community.
The term’s reach expanded significantly in the early 1990s, thanks to Steve Bloom, a reporter for High Times magazine, a prominent publication in cannabis culture. Bloom encountered a flier at a Grateful Dead concert inviting people to “meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County.” High Times published this flier, inadvertently broadcasting “420” to a much wider audience of cannabis enthusiasts.
“It’s a phenomenon,” Steve Capper, one of the original Waldos, remarked, reflecting on the term’s unexpected longevity. “Most things die within a couple years, but this just goes on and on.” His observation highlights the almost accidental, yet persistent, nature of how “420” embedded itself into global culture.
420 Celebrations: More Than Just a Smoke Session
Today, 4/20 is celebrated in diverse ways, unified by the central theme of cannabis. While cannabis consumption is a common thread, the celebrations extend beyond simply smoking weed.
Large-scale gatherings are a hallmark of 4/20. Hippie Hill in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is a prime example, drawing thousands for a massive public celebration. Cities with legal cannabis markets see a surge in events. In Seattle, for instance, movie theaters host “dank double features,” and in Boston, pottery studios offer “pipe-making parties.”
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Cannabis dispensaries capitalize on the holiday with special discounts and promotions, mirroring retail holidays like Black Friday. Music festivals themed around 4/20 and cannabis culture are also common, particularly in states with legal recreational cannabis.
Even the brewing industry has joined in, with breweries creating 4/20-themed beers. SweetWater Brewing in Atlanta, for example, and Lagunitas Brewing in Petaluma, California, with their annual release of “Waldos’ Special Ale” on 4/20, directly acknowledge and celebrate the term’s origin.
420 and the Politics of Weed: A Broader Perspective
Beyond the celebrations, 4/20 also serves as a moment to reflect on the evolving political landscape of cannabis. What began as an underground term has become intertwined with the mainstream movement for cannabis legalization and reform.
The date has gained significance as a symbolic day for activists to advocate for policy changes. The increasing number of states legalizing recreational cannabis, now at 21 plus Washington D.C., alongside 38 states approving medicinal use, marks significant progress. However, federal progress has been slower.
While President Biden has taken steps like issuing pardons for federal marijuana possession offenses and initiating a review of federal cannabis policy, significant federal reforms, such as easing banking restrictions for cannabis businesses or removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, remain stalled.
Activists continue to use 4/20 as a platform to urge further action, advocating for comprehensive cannabis reform, addressing the historical harms of the War on Drugs, and pushing for federal policy to catch up with the changing state-level landscape.
In conclusion, “420” is more than just a number; it’s a cultural touchstone. From its humble beginnings as teenage slang in 1970s California, it has grown into a globally recognized symbol for cannabis and a focal point for both celebration and advocacy. Understanding the story behind 420 provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of cannabis culture and its ongoing journey into the mainstream.
