The History of 4/20

If you’re following a dispensary’s  newsletter, chances are you’ve heard of the term "420."

But have you ever questioned where the term came from? Better yet, do you think you know the origin? 

Origin Mysteries of 4/20

Perhaps you think it’s the time of the day in which you light up your favorite pre-roll, or maybe you know April 20th as the national stoner holiday – the truth is, neither of those answers is entirely wrong.

You may have heard that the term comes from the police code, “420,” which represents the expression police use when they’ve caught a suspected cannabis user. 

But unfortunately, if those are where you think the coined term 420 came from, as culturally cool as it may be - I’m here to inform you you’re wrong. It came from a source much closer to home than you might expect.

The Waldo’s Search for a Pot of Gold

It all started back in the early 70’s when a couple of California kids were on a treasure hunt that would lead them to a pot of gold.

At San Rafael High School in the ‘70s, there was a group of high school students that called themselves the “Waldos.” One day, they had heard of an abandoned cannabis plant growing somewhere in the nearby Point Reyes Forest. 

Once they learned about this mysterious plant in the forest, the Waldos made it their mission to hunt down this “pot of gold.” This group of kids were all high school athletes, so they planned to meet each day after practice got out at 4:20pm to begin their search. 

They continuously used the term “420” throughout the school day to remind each other of their meeting time. At 4:20pm they would all pile in the car, smoke cannabis and embark on their search for the hidden pot plant. 

Although the pot plant was never found, a legendary term was created.

The Legend of the Grateful Dead

Now, you may be wondering - how did a group of kids in San Rafael, before the internet was established, create a term that went so viral across the world?

We can thank the Grateful Dead for that!

Fortunately in the 70s, the Waldo’s family members had connections to the Grateful Dead, which led them to smoking quite frequently with band members. 

As they casually used the term “420” in reference to smoking cannabis, it started becoming a part of the Grateful Dead community. 

It wasn’t until 1990 when Steven Bloom, a reporter from “High Times,” saw it for himself on a poster that stated, 

“We are going to meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais.” 

Then, the term was published in High Times and became an international part of cannabis culture. 

Carrying on the 420 Culture

In 2003, when California Legislature codified the medical marijuana law that voters had passed, the bill was named “SB 420.” Not only does the term show up in state cannabis laws, but also has become culturally prevalent in movies and song references. 

What started with a term that derived from a couple of rebel kids in the Bay Area is now a legendary term that has molded and shaped an entire culture! Today in cannabis culture, we have a whole month of “420” to look forward to.

Now that you know the origin of this famous weed word, we plan to see you at 4:20pm on 4/20! Cheers!