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- 420 likely originated as a term among friends from Marian County
- The Grateful Dead helped popularize the term
- April 20th is the National Cannabis Day
- 420 Day is celebrated by smoking marijuana and many other activities
In cannabis culture there are many references to smoking marijuana and the terminology can be confusing for newbies. So, have you ever heard someone reference ‘420’ when talking about cannabis? In recent years, the term has become widely popular but also misunderstood. So what is 420 about?
To give you clarity, we explain exactly what 420 means and where it originated from. New pot smokers can then use the term confidently when referring to smoking marijuana. We also provide more detail on what you can do to celebrate 420 Day.
In This Article
What Does 420 Mean?
So what is the meaning of 420? This is essentially a code for marijuana or smoking a joint. Some people believe that 420 means smoking cannabis at 4:20 pm in the afternoon. But the code is also referred to April 20th which is National Cannabis Day.
The reason why 420 is used as a code for smoking marijuana is that it wasn’t always legal. So, it was used as a way to let your group know where to meet you at a specific time to smoke weed. However, these days 420 means so much more than just being code for marijuana.
People have used 420 to connect with others through social media so they can build their communities and learn more about the cannabis plant.
Furthermore, people have used 420 as a means to find like-minded people through dating sites.
What is the Origin Of 420?
The origin of 420 is disputed. Some believe that 420 was a code that the police used for “marijuana smoking in progress”. People also note that 4/20 is Adolf Hitler’s birthday. Another theory is that the code is a reference to Bob Dylan’s tracks.
But the most supported story is that the term originated in 1971 when a group of high school friends—they called themselves the Waldos—from San Rafael High School would meet at 4:20 pm to smoke weed. They chose that time because all extracurricular activities were finished at 4:20.
One of the friends, named Reddix, stated that they weren’t interested in sports or being jocks. They were the guys sitting under the benches smoking weed.
But how did a term among friends gain global fame? For one thing, Reddix’s brother helped him get a job as a roadie for Grateful Dead. The band was rumored to have helped popularize the term 420.
In 1990, fans of Grateful Dead started handing out flyers inviting people to smoke 420 on April 20th at 4:20 pm. One of the flyers landed up in the hands of Steve Bloom who was a former reporter for High Times Magazine. The magazine printed the flyer in 1991 and soon after the code was used as a worldwide reference by weed smokers.
Why is April the 20th National Cannabis Day?
Since the term 420 become so widely known, April 20th became the perfect day to celebrate National Cannabis Day. It has become a special occasion to celebrate the positive aspects of cannabis among those who know the benefits of the natural product and enjoy using it.
It’s also become an important date for people who have been fighting for the legalization of cannabis where it’s still illegal. This is especially important for people who need medical cannabis to treat specific ailments.
How is 420 Celebrated?
More people have become aware of how beneficial cannabis can be for their lives thanks to National Cannabis Day. On 20 April every year, loyal supporters all over the world mark their appreciation for the plant. It spreads awareness of the possible healing benefits of medical marijuana for those who have cancer or suffer from anxiety or chronic pain.
On this day, people come together at 4:20 pm and smoke weed. It can also be a cause for celebration for the legalization of marijuana in certain US states and other places around the world.
You can celebrate 420 Day by:
- Learning more about the health benefits of marijuana
- Using the 420 hashtags on social media
- Using titles such as “What is the significance of 420” in your social media posts
- Spreading awareness about how cannabis can help others
- Trying different ways marijuana can be consumed
- Sharing your thoughts on the significance of 420
Furthermore, you can celebrate Cannabis Day by making various products containing CBD extracted from the marijuana plant. People make gummies, chocolates, cookies, and other delicious edibles that are easier to consume, especially if people are using doses for medicinal purposes.
420 isn’t considered a code word anymore. It’s not there to help you stay out of trouble with the law or peers. It’s become a cultural phenomenon over the years and not simply because marijuana makes one feel good. The cannabis community is passionate about the substance and has found new ways to extract beneficial properties from the marijuana plant.
420 has brought people together so they can share their positive experiences with others.
Brian Miller is a passionate advocate for the legalization of cannabis. He studied law and has a deep understanding of the legal and political landscape surrounding the plant. Despite being a recreational cannabis user himself, Brian's support for legalization goes beyond his personal enjoyment of marijuana. He firmly believes that legalizing medical marijuana will provide much-needed relief for millions of people suffering from various medical conditions.
In addition, Brian is a strong proponent of legalizing recreational marijuana as a means of regulating safe use. He recognizes that legalization would allow for a better understanding of the drug and its effects, leading to increased safety for users and reduced negative consequences.
Brian is also a huge fan of the current variety of weed products and the supportive community that has developed in recent years. He is grateful for the progress that has been made in terms of legalization and is eager to see what the future holds for the cannabis industry. Brian joined with Heather to found Concept420 in 2022.
