Whether you smoke weed or not, many of us are familiar with the term 420. It is the most celebrated day and time amongst weed smokers and is considered a holiday within the weed culture. But why 420? Well, let's dive into the history of it all. Its origins may surprise you.
As with the history of most things, there are a lot of theories and rumors as to why 420 all started. Some think 420 refers to a code used by police, however, this theory has been proven false and simply speculation.
Let’s travel back to the 1970s when the humble beginnings of 420 began at a Northern California High School.
Meet 5 teenagers nicknamed the “Waldos”. The “Waldos” were simply given the nickname for hanging out and meeting every day by a wall at their high school. Disillusioned with the usual Friday night football scene, the 5 teenagers began participating in their own after-school activities. Every day after school they would meet up at 4:20 pm to hang out and smoke weed. Their secret code to meet was 420.
Fast forward to adulthood, when one of the five members went to work for the bassist with Grateful Dead. In time, the band popularized the term “420”. In 1990 a group of Grateful Dead fans passed out fliers in Northern California encouraging people to smoke weed at 4:20 PM. It is said that one of the fliers was published in High Times magazine. From there it was history.
Well, there you have it, humble beginnings that have blossomed into a full-fledged celebratory holiday for all weed smokers across the globe. But who says you have to wait to celebrate once a year? Let’s celebrate every day twice a day! Happy 420!
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