What is 420? It started as a secret code among five high school friends in 1971 and grew into the world’s biggest cannabis celebration. Today, people use “420” in three ways: to mark 4:20 PM, to celebrate April 20th as a cannabis holiday, and as a general code word for cannabis use. While many places now have legal cannabis celebrations on April 20th, always check your local laws about public consumption. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about 420’s history and how it’s celebrated today.
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What is 420’s Origin Story? The Waldos and Their Secret Code
Let’s cut through the myths and get to the true story. It all started with five teenagers in San Rafael, California, who called themselves “The Waldos” because they hung out by a wall at their high school. In the fall of 1971, they received a treasure map supposedly leading to an abandoned cannabis patch near the Point Reyes Coast Guard station. They would meet at 4:20 PM after sports practice at the Louis Pasteur statue to search for this hidden garden. While they never found their treasure, they created something bigger – a code word that would change cannabis culture forever.
These treasure hunts, which they called “safaris,” became a regular adventure. They’d remind each other in school hallways by saying “420 Louis” (for the statue), which eventually shortened to just “420.” The phrase became their perfect secret code for all things cannabis-related, letting them talk freely without others knowing what they meant.
How 420 Became a Global Phenomenon
The story of how 420 spread from a high school hallway to worldwide recognition is a fascinating piece of cannabis history. One of the Waldos had a direct connection to the Grateful Dead, one of the most influential rock bands of the ’70s and ’80s, through his brother, who worked with the band’s bassist, Phil Lesh. As the Grateful Dead toured across America, playing hundreds of shows and building a massive following, their dedicated fans (known as Deadheads) picked up and spread the 420 code across the country.
The big breakthrough came in 1990 when Deadheads in Oakland handed out flyers inviting people to smoke “420” on April 20th at 4:20 PM. One of these flyers reached Steve Bloom, a reporter for High Times magazine, the leading cannabis culture publication at the time. The magazine printed the flyer in 1991 and continued to reference 420, helping transform a local California code into an international phenomenon. In 1998, High Times acknowledged the Waldos as the true creators of 420.
Common Myths About 420 (Let’s Clear These Up)
| Myth | The Truth |
|---|---|
| It’s a police code | No police department ever used 420 for cannabis |
| It’s about Bob Dylan | The song math (12 x 35 = 420) is just coincidence |
| It’s about chemicals in cannabis | Cannabis has way more than 420 compounds |
| It’s Hitler’s birthday | Just an unfortunate coincidence |
What is 420 Like Today? Modern Celebrations Worldwid
Today, April 20th has evolved into cannabis culture’s biggest holiday. In places where cannabis is legal, you’ll find festivals, concerts, and special retail events. Even in areas where cannabis remains restricted, the date has become a symbol of cannabis advocacy and reform.
Typical 420 celebrations now include:
- Musical festivals featuring cannabis-friendly artists
- Educational workshops about cannabis
- Special sales at legal cannabis shops
- Online celebrations and virtual meetups
Smart 420 Celebration Guide
| Aspect | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Local Laws | Check cannabis regulations in your area – rules vary by country |
| Transport | Book your ride home before celebrating – no driving after consuming |
| Location | Choose private spaces to avoid issues with public consumption laws |
| Dosage | Start with small amounts, especially if you’re new to cannabis |
What is 420’s Future in the Cannabis Community?
What began as a secret code in 1971 is now the biggest day in cannabis culture.
In Thailand, where cannabis was recently legalized in 2022, 420 has quickly become a significant cultural event. The same pattern is emerging worldwide as cannabis policies evolve and public attitudes shift.
Want to join in? Know your local laws, find your community, and be part of what’s next for cannabis culture. 420’s story shows how much can change in 50 years – and it’s still just getting started.
What is 420? Your Most Common Questions Answered
What exactly is 420?
420 started as a meetup time (4:20 PM) for five high school friends in 1971. Today, it represents three things: a time (4:20), a date for celebration (April 20th), and a general code word for cannabis culture. It’s evolved from a secret code to a worldwide phenomenon.
Is 420 an actual holiday?
While not officially recognized by governments, April 20th has become cannabis culture’s biggest celebration day. Many legal cannabis businesses treat it like Black Friday, offering special deals and hosting events. However, it remains a cultural rather than an official holiday.
Are 420 celebrations legal?
Before joining any 420 celebrations, check your local cannabis laws. For example, in Thailand, while cannabis is legal, public consumption remains prohibited. This is true for most places – even where cannabis is legal, public use often isn’t allowed. Your safest option is celebrating in private spaces where consumption is explicitly permitted.
