If you’ve ever heard the term “420” and wondered what it means, welcome to the heart of one of the most iconic expressions of cannabis culture. What started as a code among friends, today is a worldwide phenomenon that represents not only the herb itself, but also a philosophy of life, community and celebration. Beyond a simple number, 420 has evolved to become a symbol of identity and resistance within cannabis culture. Let’s find out how the famous “420” was born!
Where does the famous 420 come from?
For many, the number 420 It is simply a reference to marijuana. But its origin goes far beyond that. Behind these three figures there is a curious story that dates back to the 70s in San Rafael, California. What started as a secret code among a group of students, has become a universal symbol of cannabis culture. The intrigue about its origin has led to the dissemination of multiple theories, some with real bases and others closer to urban myth.
The story behind the number 420
The Waldos and the connection to San Rafael, California
The most accepted story about the origin of the 420 leads us to a group of five high school students in San Rafael, known as Los Waldos. In 1971, these friends heard a rumor about an abandoned weed patch near their school and decided to look for it. To coordinate their “mission”, they met every day in the 4:20 p.m. next to a statue of Louis Pasteur.
What started as a simple teenage adventure eventually became part of cannabis history. Although they never found the plantation, the code “420” It became his way of referring to grass without arousing suspicion. Its use spread first among his circle of friends and later through connections with the band Grateful Dead, to popular culture.
Myths and Alternative Theories About 420
Like any good cultural phenomenon, the 420 gave rise to several urban theories. Some of the most popular include:
- Police Code: Many believe that 420 was the police code for reporting marijuana-related crimes. However, there is no evidence to support this idea. No official police record confirmed that the number was related to violations of cannabis possession or distribution.
- Bob Dylan and his connection to “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35”: If you multiply 12 x 35, you get 420. Dylan’s song includes the phrase “Everybody should be stoned,” which has led to speculation about a connection. However, Dylan himself has never confirmed this relationship.
While these stories are interesting and have contributed to the mystique of the number, Waldos‘ version is still the most supported by historical evidence.
The Popularization of 420 in Global Culture
High Times and the spread of the term
High Times Magazine , a reference in the world of cannabis, has played a key role in the expansion of the term. In the 1990s, the magazine began publishing stories about 420, validating its origin and ensuring that the story of Los Waldos became known throughout the cannabis community. Through reports, interviews and events, the publication consolidated the edition as a cultural emblem.
Grateful Dead and the 420 Connection
The legendary band Grateful Dead, known for its psychedelic style and its close relationship with the counterculture, also played an important role in the spread of the term. The connection with the Waldos began to gain notoriety in December 1998, when journalist Steve Hager, from the magazine High times, investigated its origin. Hager attributed the term’s initial expansion to followers of Grateful Dead, particularly after “Waldo” Reddix, one of the original members of the group of friends, became a roadie for the band’s bassist, Phil Lesh.
This connection allowed the term 420 to naturally integrate into the band’s community and spread to their concerts and festivals.
The 420 in pop culture and activism
Movies, TV shows, and music that referenced 420
It’s no surprise that pop culture has embraced the 420 with enthusiasm. Series like The Simpsons and South Park referred to this number, consolidating it in the collective memory. In film and television, clocks often tick the 4:20, as a wink to those who recognize the meaning behind the number.
In music, artists such as Snoop Dogg, Bob Marley and Cypress Hill They mentioned 420 in their songs, reinforcing their status within cannabis culture. The normalization of the number in the entertainment industry has been fundamental for its permanence in the collective imagination.
Social Media and Digital Impact
With the advent of the internet and social media, 420 has experienced a new wave of expansion. Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok They allowed thousands of users to share cannabis-related content every April 20. The use of the hashtag #420 allowed the cannabis community to connect, normalizing the conversation around the plant and its regulation.
April 20: A Day of Celebration and Awareness
Over the years, 420 is no longer just a code between friends and has become a date of celebration. Or April 20 (20/04 in Anglo-Saxon format) has become International Cannabis Day, where people from all over the world come together to celebrate and raise awareness for the regulation and decriminalization of the plant.
Celebrations range from small gatherings with friends to large festivals in cities like Denver, San Francisco, and Barcelona. During this day, events are organized with live music, lectures on the medicinal benefits of cannabis and demonstrations in favor of its legalization. It is also a date when many brands and companies in the sector launch promotions and educational campaigns on responsible consumption and regulation of cannabis.
The Role of 420 in the Conversation About Cannabis Legalization
In addition to being a date of celebration, 420 has also been a meeting place for activists advocating for cannabis regulation. At events on April 20, it is common to see demonstrations and lectures that seek to raise awareness about the benefits of cannabis and the need for reforms in the laws of many countries. In places where cannabis has been legalized, the date has become an opportunity to talk about fair access policies and more inclusive regulations.
From its humble beginnings in San Rafael to becoming a global phenomenon, 420 continues to evolve, consolidating itself as an emblem of cannabis culture and the fight for legalization. Whether it’s festivals, social media or movies, its meaning continues to expand, reminding us that what was once a simple code between friends, today represents an entire community.
And you, did you know the full story of 420? And of course, don’t forget to visit CBD mayons and find out more.
References:
- Grim, R. (2009, April 20). What does 420 mean: The real story behind the stoners’ favorite number. The Huffington Post.
- Smart stoner or stupid stoner? (2002, August). High times.
