A ubiquitous term in cannabis culture, 420 has many meanings, myths, and messaging embedded in pop culture. Learn more about the term, how it came to be, and why it signifies weed. 

What is 420?

420 refers to the consumption of cannabis and cannabis culture in general. It represents a time of day to consume cannabis (4:20 pm) and a particular date to celebrate it (April 20). It's also become a symbol of cannabis acceptance.

A timeline of how 420 spread

The most widely accepted 420 origin story begins with a group of friends at San Rafael High School known as “the Waldos.”

Here's a brief timeline of how 420 started and how it spread:

  • 1971: The Waldos start using the term "420" to refer to their quest to find a hidden cannabis crop in Point Reyes, said to be planted by US Coast Guardsman Gary Newman. They embarked on these after-school trips guided by a map received from Newman's brother-in-law, meeting at 4:20 pm by the statue of Louis Pasteur on campus. The Waldos referred to the operation as “420 Louis,” but eventually, the phrase was shortened to “420,” and even though they stopped looking for the mystery marijuana grow-op, the term stuck.
  • December 28, 1990: Deadheads distribute flyers at a Grateful Dead concert in Oakland, calling for people to gather and smoke at 4:20 pm on April 20.
  • May 1991: Steven Hager, editor of High Times magazine, publishes an article linking the term "420" to Grateful Dead followers, advocating for 4:20 pm and April 20 as times and the date celebrating cannabis, based on the flyer received from the Deadheads event.
  • 1998: High Times officially recognizes the Waldos as the creators of 420, validating their story.
  • 2000s: As the internet became widespread, information about 420 and its origins circulated freely, allowing a global audience to learn about and adopt the term. Media coverage and a growing public interest in cannabis legalization further amplified the term's reach.
  • Present day: Today, the Waldos maintain a website to share their 420 origin story, supported by videos and documented evidence. Every April 20, people around the world celebrate this American cannabis phenomenon. 

Strains the Waldos smoked

The Waldos' members include Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich. They got the "Waldos" nickname because they regularly hung out in front of a wall outside their school. Though they stopped looking for the hidden crop, they were still left with something useful. 

Weed in bowl Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

“We went out there daily for weeks and weeks," said Reddix. "... the map was so ambiguous — it really didn't give you any real clues to where this place was. We finally said, 'Hey, why don't we give up on this?' It was getting close to when the crop was going to need to be picked, or it was going to go bad … but [through that] we have found a new secret code [word] that we can use in front of teachers, cops, family members, or whatever."

Here are the strains they smoked: 

  • South American and Mexican strains: These are mostly what the Waldos smoked. “There really weren't a lot of strains back then. Most of them were Mexican and South American," Reddix said. “It was the location, not brands. That's where the stuff came from: Guerrero, Oaxaca, Jalisco.” Noel added, “Nowadays, you see Purple Dream and Sugar Bears."
  • Panama Red: By the early '80s, the Waldos were well out of high school and smoking strains with actual names. Panama Red is a sativa strain with a citrusy profile.
  • Acapulco Gold: “My favorite [strain] back then was probably Acapulco Gold," said Reddix. Acapulco Gold is a landrace strain known for its woody, earthy flavor profile.
  • Colombian Gold: This landrace strain naturally grows in the Santa Marta Mountains of Colombia and it reeks of skunk, citrus, earth, and pine.
  • Maui Wowie: From Maui, Hawaii, Noel said, “The first really potent weed was the Hawaiian strains." It has a sweet, tropical aroma, and the effects tend to be very potent.

Busting 420 origin story myths

As with any legendary story, myths spring up over time. Here are some of the myths surrounding the origin of 420: 

  • California Penal Code: Many people still believe that 420 is the penal code California police officers use to report marijuana use; however, there is no evidence to support this theory. In fact, section 420 of the California Penal Code pertains to obstruction of access to public lands, which is a misdemeanor. 
  • Chemicals in cannabis: Another common, albeit nerdy, misconception is that there are 420 active chemicals in cannabis. As there are more than 500 active chemicals found in cannabis, this theory is easy to debunk. 
  • Bob Dylan's “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35”: A lesser-known theory dissects Bob Dylan's “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” title and lyrics. Dylan croons throughout the song, “Everybody must get stoned.” However, the lesser-known part of the theory includes the #12 and 35 part of the title: if you multiply 12 x 35 you get 420.
  • Tea time: 4:20 pm is not tea time in Amsterdam.
  • Pulp Fiction clocks: Though this rumor has been spread, not every clock in “Pulp Fiction” is set to 4:20, but some are.

When is 420?

420 can mean 4:20 in the afternoon or April 20, a holiday celebrated worldwide as a day to advocate for the legalization of cannabis, share in its consumption, and enjoy cannabis culture.

How is it celebrated?

Though initially a counterculture day of protest, 4/20 has since become a celebratory holiday about cannabis legalization and awareness. Even newcomers have started celebrating the holiday using non-intoxicating CBD instead of THC. As legalization spreads, you can find many 4/20 rallies, trade shows, concerts, and other events. April 20 has even been dubbed “National Cannabis Day” or “weed day.” 

Local traditions

420 events festivals Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

In Denver, The Cannabis Cup has become one of the most recognizable 420 events within the cannabis industry. 

In San Francisco, thousands gather on Hippie Hill in Golden Gate, celebrating cannabis with hemp-woven products, glasswork, weed-inspired art, music, and consumption. 

In New York, where weed is legal for recreational use, cannabis enthusiasts and vendors gather together in Washington Square Park to smoke weed and celebrate the high holiday. 

Canadian cannabis enthusiasts unofficially celebrate 4/20 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario; the Mount Royal monument in Montreal; the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton, Alberta; and the Vancouver Art Gallery and Sunset Beach in Vancouver.

420 deals

April 20 is a great day to shop for weed since many dispensaries host special sales. Shopping at a small dispensary and/or purchasing weed from a small brand are excellent ways to support the industry and take advantage of seasonal savings. Even larger dispensaries and nationally acclaimed brands offer some of the best deals of the year on 420. 

Cannabis consumption

joints in a cigarette case held by two hands Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

A central aspect of 420 celebrations is the consumption of cannabis, whether through smoking, vaping, taking edibles, or other methods. People often partake at 4:20 pm as a communal activity any day, but especially on April 20. 

What does it mean for something to be 420-friendly?

When you see something described as "420-friendly," it means that the people or places involved tolerate cannabis consumption. You see this term in many contexts — from rental listings and online dating profiles to businesses and events — to indicate that cannabis use is welcome. 

For example, a 420-friendly apartment allows tenants to use cannabis inside, or a 420-friendly event means that attendees can consume cannabis openly without facing criticism or legal issues (assuming it complies with local laws). The term helps people and cannabis users identify spaces where they can be comfortable with their lifestyle choices.

Top 420 places in the US

Thanks to legalization efforts, many American cities and states are now top destinations for 420 revelers. 

Denver, Colorado

Downtown Denver Photo by: Logan Bonjean on Unsplash

As the pioneer of recreational cannabis, Denver offers a robust cannabis hospitality industry, including "bud and breakfast" lodgings, mobile cannabis lounges, and cannabis-inclusive tours. The city also boasts a variety of themed restaurants and food tours that cater to cannabis enthusiasts​​.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco has a historically 420-friendly atmosphere with numerous dispensaries, headshops, delivery services, and weed-themed accommodations. While you could easily entertain yourself with a stoned walk down Haight Street or a picnic in Dolores Park, consider grabbing a ride up to the nearby Emerald Triangle for a cannabis farm tour. 

Seattle, Washington

Space Needle - Seattle, WA Photo by: Michael Discenza on Unsplash

Nature-loving stoners need to visit this city. Known for its breathtaking natural scenery, countless adult use dispensaries, and cannabis-inspired accommodations, Seattle is a perfect vacation hub for cannabis consumers looking for a mix of urban and natural experiences​​.

Portland, Oregon

Known for its quirky vibe and foodie culture, Portland has something for everyone — stoners included. The city has many cannabis-friendly hotel packages, a vibrant food truck scene in the summertime, and a wide selection of dispensaries. Smoke a joint and go on a walking tour for a guaranteed good time. 

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas welcome sign Photo by: Grant Cai on Unsplash

Following the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2017, Las Vegas quickly embraced the cannabis scene. Today, the city has some of the biggest dispensaries you'll ever visit and a suite of cannabis-friendly accommodations. And, of course, there's plenty of nightlife to keep you entertained. 

Bottom line

This April 20, celebrate by checking out a local, 420-friendly event or simply by consuming and appreciating cannabis. It's never been easier to research cannabis products and find a dispensary near you. The breadth and depth of information can be intimidating at first, but remember: it doesn't matter if you're new to weed or deeply experienced. When it comes to cannabis, there's room for everyone.

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The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This page was last updated on March 14, 2024.