What Does 420 Mean? How April 20th Became a Cannabis Holiday
Article written by
Shanti RyleContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis Jassey
The term 420 refers to cannabis culture and the consumption of cannabis, signifying either the time (4:20 p.m.) or the date (4/20) to celebrate the plant. 420 is also a colloquial shorthand that implies acceptance of cannabis use or lifestyle in social settings.
Yet 420 is largely more complex and storied than its surface-level definition, with multiple alleged origins and myths surrounding its meanings and past. Learn the real history of 420 and how April 20th became known as a cannabis holiday.
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History of 4/20
While many explanations persist, the most widely accepted origin of 4/20 is that of the Waldos. The Waldos — Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich — were friends at San Rafael High School in Marin County, California, and often hung out by a wall outside their school, from which they derived their name.
The Waldos created the phrase “420” in 1971 to refer to their after-school field trips to discover a supposed treasure trove of cannabis planted somewhere in Point Reyes by Gary Newman, a U.S. Coast Guard service member.
Newman’s brother-in-law reportedly gave the students a treasure map and claimed it led to a cannabis crop that was theirs for the taking should they discover it. The Waldos called the search “420 Louis,” a code for the time (4:20 pm) and place (at the statue of Louis Pasteur in front of their campus) where they would meet to start their search.
“By about the fourth week, we just dropped ‘Louis,” Capper, one of the Waldos, told Cheddar News. “We’d see each other in the halls, and we’d go ‘420,’ and we’d smile. So ‘Louis’ was dropped, sorry Louis.”
Sadly, the Waldos never found the hidden crop.
The myth surrounding 420 was elevated to infamy by High Times magazine editor Steven Hager, who published an article in May 1991 that attributed the phrase to followers of the Grateful Dead. He praised “4:20” as the most socially acceptable time for cannabis use, declaring 4/20 – April 20th – a day to celebrate it.
On December 28th, 1990, a group of so-called “Deadheads” in Oakland advertised an invitation to smoke “420 on 4/20 at 4:20 pm.” Hager picked up one of these flyers and included it in his article. However, High Times in 1998 recognized the Waldos as 420’s originators, and the group of friends now have a website – complete with documented evidence – to support their claim to the term.
The Evolution of 4/20 Over the Decades
Since its inception, 420 and April 20th have become the de facto holiday for cannabis worldwide. That said, other holidays, such as 710 Day, aka “National Dab Day” (which focuses on celebrating cannabis concentrates), have also gained popularity in recent years.
In the days of counterculture protests, the celebration hoped to inspire many to advocate for legalization and reform, educate, normalize use, and celebrate cannabis culture.
However, as more states pass legalization measures and cannabis becomes more mainstream, the celebration of 4/20 has become a consumer interest story. Media publications and outlets cover dozens of 4/20 rallies, trade shows, concerts, and other events as they spread across the globe.
For example, thousands congregate in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco yearly to celebrate a rainbow of products, glasswork, cannabis art, music, and even legalized consumption in certain states.
Myths About 4/20
Myth: 420 Was Established to Honor Adolf Hitler’s Birthday
Reality: There is no connection between Adolf Hitler and 4/20 other than it’s the day of his birth. Hitler was born on April 20th, 1889, but other than an unfortunate coincidence of date, Hitler had no involvement whatsoever with the creation of the phrase or cannabis holiday it came to represent.
Myth: April 20th is the Best Day to Plant Cannabis
Reality: While many cannabis cultivators choose to plant their crops in the spring for an autumn harvest, there’s no evidence to suggest that a particular date – 4/20 or otherwise – will produce higher yields or healthier plants.
Myth: There Are 420 Chemicals in Cannabis
Reality: Another common misconception is that 420 refers to the number of active chemicals found in cannabis, including CBD and THC. However, this theory is incorrect as more than 500 chemicals and counting thus far have been discovered in cannabis.
Myth: It’s the Day Bob Marley Died
Reality: We’re not really sure where this one came from because it’s pretty simple to find out that the legendary reggae singer actually passed away from skin cancer on May 11, 1981.
Myth: 420 Has Something to Do With Cannabis Laws
Reality: Another myth surrounding 420 is that it references the California penal code police officers would use to report marijuana consumption. There’s no evidence to support this theory, and Section 420 of California’s Penal Code relates to the obstruction of access to public lands.
The term 420 also has nothing to do with cannabis-related laws passed by Congress, as it’s been in use for much longer. More recently, however, lawmakers pushing for cannabis legalization have chosen the term “420” with which to name their bills, such as California’s SB420 (The Medical Marijuana Program Act) in 2019 and the U.S. Congress’ HR420, which proposes to remove marijuana from the federal government’s list of controlled substances.
Myth: Bob Dylan Invented 420 in a Song
Reality: A lesser-known theory about 420 refers to the Bob Dylan song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” with the lyrics “Everybody must get stoned,” referring to smoking cannabis. Another theory element points out that the numbers 12 and 35 multiplied together equals 420.
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