For cannabis fans in the US and in many parts of the globe, April 20 or 4/20 is a 'high holiday'. This year the day coincides with Easter. However, this is not the first time the two occasions have aligned. On 4/20, many college students gather at 4:20 PM to smoke weed in states where the drug is allowed for medicinal or recreational purposes. This is the time events are organised to celebrate legalisation of marijuana. Nearly half of the US states have permitted the use of marijuana over the last two decades.
The history of 4/20 April 20 or 4/20 has become the day dedicated to stoners and an unofficial holiday for cannabis culture across the globe, but its origins are not clear. There have been several theories circulated about why this date is linked with marijuana, but only one story has truly stuck.
The most widely accepted origin traces back to San Rafael High School in California in 1971, where a group of five students, who called themselves 'The Waldos,' would meet after school at 4:20 pm by a statue of Louis Pasteur to smoke marijuana. Their meeting time - 4:20, became a kind of secret code among the group, eventually spreading through the cannabis subculture.
Their inside joke took on a life of its own when one of the Waldos, Dave Reddix, got a job working with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. Through that connection, the term '420' began surfacing at Grateful Dead concerts and among their fan base - the Deadheads. By 1990, flyers were being circulated inviting people to 'smoke 420' on April 20 at 4:20 pm, and when those flyers made their way to High Times magazine, the term and the date went mainstream.
Also, some believe 420 was once a police code for marijuana possession. Others reference Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” where 12 times 35 equals 420, but that's more stoner math than solid history. Bob Marley is often linked to the day, too, but he was neither born nor died on April 20.
How is the day celebratedAt 4:20 PM, people often gather in public parks, college campuses, or event spaces to smoke weed together. Cities like Denver, San Francisco, and Vancouver host large festivals or rallies with music, speakers, and vendors.
At many places, live music, DJs, and themed parties are organised. Trade shows or expos showcasing cannabis products, innovations, and culture are hosted at some places.
Then there are some, who use the day to raise awareness about drug policy reform.
People enjoy edibles like brownies, gummies, or savory snacks and restaurants sometimes offer 4/20-themed comfort food menus.
The history of 4/20 April 20 or 4/20 has become the day dedicated to stoners and an unofficial holiday for cannabis culture across the globe, but its origins are not clear. There have been several theories circulated about why this date is linked with marijuana, but only one story has truly stuck.
The most widely accepted origin traces back to San Rafael High School in California in 1971, where a group of five students, who called themselves 'The Waldos,' would meet after school at 4:20 pm by a statue of Louis Pasteur to smoke marijuana. Their meeting time - 4:20, became a kind of secret code among the group, eventually spreading through the cannabis subculture.
Their inside joke took on a life of its own when one of the Waldos, Dave Reddix, got a job working with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. Through that connection, the term '420' began surfacing at Grateful Dead concerts and among their fan base - the Deadheads. By 1990, flyers were being circulated inviting people to 'smoke 420' on April 20 at 4:20 pm, and when those flyers made their way to High Times magazine, the term and the date went mainstream.
Also, some believe 420 was once a police code for marijuana possession. Others reference Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” where 12 times 35 equals 420, but that's more stoner math than solid history. Bob Marley is often linked to the day, too, but he was neither born nor died on April 20.
How is the day celebratedAt 4:20 PM, people often gather in public parks, college campuses, or event spaces to smoke weed together. Cities like Denver, San Francisco, and Vancouver host large festivals or rallies with music, speakers, and vendors.
At many places, live music, DJs, and themed parties are organised. Trade shows or expos showcasing cannabis products, innovations, and culture are hosted at some places.
Then there are some, who use the day to raise awareness about drug policy reform.
People enjoy edibles like brownies, gummies, or savory snacks and restaurants sometimes offer 4/20-themed comfort food menus.
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