For those in the know, April 20th, or 4/20, is more than just another date on the calendar. It’s become an internationally recognized day for cannabis culture, a time when enthusiasts gather, celebrate, and advocate for marijuana legalization. But for the uninitiated, the connection between the number 420 and weed might seem like an arbitrary quirk. So, why is 420 so deeply intertwined with cannabis culture? Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind this numerical code and its journey to becoming a global phenomenon.
The Waldos: Uncovering the Origin of 420
While urban legends and myths once clouded the origins of 420, the true story traces back to a group of high school friends in San Rafael, California, in the early 1970s. These teenagers, who called themselves “the Waldos,” are now widely credited with coining the term.
For years, various theories attempted to explain the 420 phenomenon. Some speculated it was a police code for marijuana possession, adding an air of rebellious intrigue. Others linked it to Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women No. 12 & 35,” suggesting the product of 12 and 35 equaled 420, a numerical nod to getting “stoned.” However, these theories have been debunked over time, giving way to the more credible and documented account of the Waldos.
The tale begins with a friend’s brother who had a patch of cannabis growing in the Point Reyes forest. Fearful of being caught, he provided the Waldos with a map and permission to harvest the crop. During the fall of 1971, these friends would meet after school at 4:20 p.m., specifically chosen after classes and football practice, at the statue of chemist Louis Pasteur on their school grounds. They would smoke marijuana and then embark on their treasure hunt for the hidden cannabis patch.
Though their initial quests to find the weed patch were unsuccessful, their chosen meeting time, “4:20 Louie,” and eventually just “420,” evolved into a coded term for their cannabis-related activities. To solidify their claim, the Waldos have preserved postmarked letters and other artifacts from the 1970s that reference “420,” which even served as evidence when the Oxford English Dictionary officially added “420” to its lexicon in 2017, citing these documents as some of the earliest recorded uses.
From Local Slang to Global Cannabis Code
The spread of “420” from a small group of friends to an international cannabis symbol is a fascinating example of how slang can permeate culture. A crucial link in this dissemination was the Grateful Dead. One of the Waldos had a brother who was friends with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. As the Waldos began to associate with the band’s circle, the term “420” started to circulate within this influential community.
The real leap into mainstream cannabis culture happened in the early 1990s. Steve Bloom, a reporter for High Times magazine, a prominent publication in cannabis culture, was at a Grateful Dead concert. He received a flyer that invited people to “meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing” at a specific location in Marin County. High Times, recognizing the cultural significance and catchiness of the term, published the flyer in their magazine.
This publication acted as a catalyst, propelling “420” into the wider cannabis community and beyond. The mystery surrounding the creators of the flyer only added to the term’s mystique and appeal. As Waldo member Steve Capper noted, the longevity of “420” is remarkable. Unlike fleeting trends, it has persisted and grown, solidifying its place in cannabis culture.
Celebrating 420: A Modern Cannabis Holiday
Today, 4/20 is celebrated in diverse ways around the world, all centered around cannabis appreciation and advocacy. From large-scale gatherings to local events, the spirit of 420 is about community and celebrating cannabis culture.
Massive public gatherings, like the one at Hippie Hill in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, draw thousands of people. Cannabis dispensaries in states with legal marijuana offer special discounts and deals, contributing to the festive atmosphere. Creative celebrations also emerge, such as movie theaters hosting cannabis-themed double features, like Cheech and Chong classics, or pottery studios offering pipe-making workshops.
Music festivals themed around 420 are also common, particularly in regions where cannabis legalization is progressing. Even some breweries participate by releasing 4/20-themed beers, tapping into the celebratory mood of the day. These celebrations highlight the mainstream acceptance and cultural integration of 420 as a recognized, if still somewhat counter-cultural, holiday.
420 and the Evolving Politics of Cannabis
The rise of 420 as a cultural phenomenon mirrors the evolving political landscape of cannabis. Since states like Washington and Colorado pioneered recreational legalization in 2012, a growing number of states have followed suit. As of now, recreational cannabis is legal in 21 states and the District of Columbia, with medical marijuana legal in even more.
This increasing legalization underscores a significant shift in public opinion and policy regarding cannabis. While federal legalization in the United States remains a complex issue, the cultural momentum behind 420 and the broader cannabis movement continues to grow. The holiday serves not only as a celebration but also as a platform for activists to reflect on progress made and to advocate for further reforms, including federal policy changes and addressing the social justice implications of past cannabis prohibition.
In conclusion, the association of 420 with weed is rooted in a simple, almost serendipitous origin story of Californian teenagers and their secret code. From these humble beginnings, “420” has blossomed into a global symbol, representing cannabis culture, community, and the ongoing movement for cannabis legalization and acceptance. Understanding the history of 420 provides a deeper appreciation for its significance within the evolving narrative of cannabis in society.
