The history of "420" has become legendary in cannabis culture, though its origins are surprisingly straightforward. The term "420" originally referred to a specific time—4:20 p.m.—and has evolved into a global symbol for marijuana use and celebration. Here's how it all started:
1. The Waldos and the Original 4:20 Meetups (1971)
The story begins with a group of five high school students in San Rafael, California, who called themselves "The Waldos." In 1971, they learned about a supposed abandoned cannabis crop near the Point Reyes Peninsula, thanks to a map from a friend who was close to the crop's owner. The Waldos agreed to meet after school to search for the plants, settling on 4:20 p.m. as their meetup time. They would remind each other in the hallways, saying "4:20 Louis" as code. Eventually, they shortened it simply to "4:20."
Despite several attempts, The Waldos never found the hidden crop. However, they continued to use "420" as a code for cannabis activities.
2. The Grateful Dead and 420's Rise to Popularity
As The Waldos were exploring cannabis culture, the Grateful Dead, a popular rock band, was becoming a cultural icon in nearby Marin County. The Waldos often hung out with members of the Grateful Dead and other people in their circle, helping to spread the term "420" among fans and the broader California counterculture. Over time, "420" grew from a local code into a broader reference associated with marijuana and the Grateful Dead fanbase.
3. High Times Magazine Adopts "420"
In the late 1980s, the term started appearing in "High Times," an influential cannabis magazine. Steve Bloom, a reporter for High Times, first encountered the term on a flyer at a Grateful Dead concert in 1990. The flyer invited people to “smoke 420” on April 20 (4/20) at 4:20 p.m. Bloom shared the story with his editor, and "High Times" embraced the term, propelling it into mainstream cannabis culture. High Times also popularized the idea of April 20 (4/20) as a day for cannabis celebration.
4. April 20 as an International Cannabis Celebration
As "420" became more widely known, April 20th (4/20) emerged as a special day for cannabis culture. Celebrations began taking place on April 20, often at 4:20 p.m., creating a global tradition for cannabis users to come together in support of legalization and social acceptance.
Today, April 20 is recognized worldwide as an unofficial cannabis holiday. Celebrations include public smoke-outs, festivals, and advocacy events that draw thousands of people each year in cities across the globe. Notably, locations like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and Denver’s Civic Center Park host some of the largest gatherings, highlighting the shift from a local code among friends to a day of worldwide recognition for cannabis culture.
5. The Evolution of 420 in Modern Culture
420 is now used universally to signify marijuana, and it has transcended its original meaning, appearing in everything from pop culture references to legislative and legal language, such as California’s Senate Bill 420, which relates to medical marijuana. With growing legalization efforts worldwide, 420 has become a part of cannabis history and a symbol of its cultural significance.
In Summary
1971: Originated with "The Waldos" who used 4:20 p.m. as a code to search for an abandoned cannabis crop.
1970s-80s: Spread among the Grateful Dead’s fanbase and the California counterculture.
1990s: Popularized by High Times magazine, which linked it to April 20 as an annual celebration.
Present: Recognized globally as an unofficial cannabis holiday, celebrated with events and advocacy for legalization.
From a secret code to a global phenomenon, "420" has become an enduring emblem of cannabis culture, advocacy, and celebration.
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