What Does 420 Mean In Cannabis Culture? (2024)

Once upon a time, 420 was like the secret handshake among cannabis lovers, but what was once a mystery has morphed into a vibrant celebration around weed.

Have you ever wondered where this now globally recognized date comes from? The answer may surprise you, because it is simpler than it seems.

Walk with us through the lines of the past, exploring all things 420. And how it came to be the celebration it is today.

Photo by Lexscope

All this fuss is due to a group of friends called the Waldos.

Let’s go back 50 years in time to San Rafael High School in California, where 5 classmates learned that the brother of one of them feared he would be caught with a marijuana crop he had planted in the Point Reyes woods. In order for the boys to help him harvest this hidden treasure, he provided the Waldos with a map and his blessing.

In the fall of 1971, at exactly 4:20 p.m., after classes and soccer practice, the Waldos would gather at the statue of the famous chemist Louis Pasteur on campus. There, they would indulge in a smoke before going on their search for the elusive cannabis patch.

Despite their efforts, the hidden cultivation remained just that: hidden. However, Waldo’s private lexicon, initially dubbed “420 Louie” and later simplified to “420,” took on a life of its own.

As a testament to the term’s enduring legacy, the Oxford English Dictionary officially recognized “420” in 2017, citing some papers from the distinguished group of friends as the first recorded uses of the term.

Photo by Iker Urteaga

While 420 started out as the time when the creators of the term met, it has evolved into a celebration with its own date on the calendar: on April 20 every year, you can expect this celebration.

But how do stoners commemorate this green holiday? Let us shed some light on the many ways 420 is celebrated around the world.

In general, April 20 is a day when joints are lit, pipes are passed around, and the sweet aroma of weed wafts through the air. Now, how is this cannabis holiday celebrated?

On this date, there are music festivals where cannabis is commemorated, including the fight for its legalization.

Usually, and especially in places where cannabis is legal, thousands of people gather in fields and parks to dance to the rhythm of live music while clouds of smoke rise to the sky.

From iconic events like the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam to local gatherings in urban centers around the world, music festivals are a staple of 420 celebrations.

Cannabis has been a part of many iconic movies, and the stoner character can’t be missed in more than one film as the secret ingredient to a humorous hit.

From Cheech and Chong marathons to screenings of cult films like “The Big Lebowski” and “Pineapple Express,” having a marathon of weed-related movies will be a great plan for April 20.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a place where weed is legal, head to your favorite dispensary; chances are they’ll have incredible discounts as a way to celebrate 420.

Whether you want to stock up on your favorite strains or explore new edibles and concentrates, 420 is the perfect time to get some green for less green.

April 20th is not only a date of celebration, it is also a symbol of movement and revolution to change the legality of cannabis.

From its humble beginnings as a clandestine gathering of a group of high school friends, 420 has become a cultural touchstone that has influenced the trajectory of cannabis legalization in the United States.

The annual celebration has served as a rallying cry for reform advocates, amplifying their voices and catalyzing change.

A glance around the country reveals a patchwork of cannabis laws:

States with Recreational Cannabis Legalization

1. California
2. Alaska
3. Nevada
4. Oregon
5. Washington
6. Maine
7. Colorado
8. Montana
9. Vermont
10. Rhode Island
11. New Mexico
12. Michigan
13. Arizona
14. New Jersey
15. Delaware
16. Connecticut
17. Massachusetts
18. Illinois
19. Maryland
20. Minnesota
21. New York
22. Ohio
23. Missouri
24. Virginia
25. District of Columbia
26. Washington, D.C.
27. Guam
28. Rhode Island

States with Medical Cannabis Legalization

1. California
2. Alaska
3. Nevada
4. Oregon
5. Washington
6. Maine
7. Colorado
8. Hawaii
9. Montana
10. Vermont
11. Rhode Island
12. New Mexico
13. Michigan
14. Arizona
15. New Jersey
16. Delaware
17. Connecticut
18. Massachusetts
19. Illinois
20. Maryland
21. New Hampshire
22. Minnesota
23. New York
24. Ohio
25. Pennsylvania
26. Iowa
27. West Virginia
28. Missouri
29. Oklahoma
30. Utah
31. Mississippi
32. South Dakota
33. Virginia
34. Kentucky
35. District of Columbia

When the clock strikes 4:20 on April 20, cannabis lovers around the world gather to celebrate in many ways, each as unique as the last.

Whether it’s San Francisco’s Hippie Hill, where a sea of colorful blankets stretches across the lush green expanse of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, or Seattle’s Movie Nights, where they offer a variety of themed events to suit all tastes, you have different events to enjoy cannabis.

You can even attend a pottery party in Boston, where guided by experienced instructors, participants give free play to their creativity while sharing their love for cannabis.

Beyond organized events, 420 celebrations take a variety of creative forms, showcasing the inclusivity and joy that define cannabis culture.

From rooftop garden parties to cooking classes, people come together to share knowledge, experiences, and laughter. Whether it’s a CBD yoga session or a cannabis-inspired art workshop, these gatherings foster connection and understanding of weed.

At the end of the day, 420 is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a celebration of community, and cannabis in general.

Happy 420!