Four Twenty

A Cultural Phenomenon Wrapped in a Cloud of Smoke

Every year on April 20th, an unofficial yet universally recognized holiday rolls around, uniting people across all walks of life in a shared, slightly red-eyed experience. This isn’t a day marked by parades or fireworks—though some might swear they see them after a strong edible—this is 420, also known as Weed Day. A day where cannabis enthusiasts, from the seasoned connoisseur to the "I-only-smoke-when-it’s-free" types, gather to partake in the communal pastime of puffing, passing, and pretending they're not about to devour an entire pizza.

A High History

Like all legendary tales, the origins of 420 have been shrouded in a fine, fragrant mystery. It didn't start with an ancient civilization or a government conspiracy (despite what that one guy in the tie-dye shirt at every festival insists). Instead, the legend of 420 traces back to a group of high school students in 1970s California.

The "Waldos," as they called themselves, weren't named for their love of striped sweaters and hiding in crowds but rather for their favorite hangout—a wall outside their high school in San Rafael. This merry band of teenagers embarked on an after-school treasure hunt of sorts, attempting to track down an abandoned cannabis crop based on a treasure map (yes, really) that supposedly belonged to the mysterious grower.

Their designated meeting time? 4:20 PM. Their success rate? Zero percent. They never found the mythical crop, but they did leave the world with something far greater—a universal code for lighting up. From their circle of friends, the phrase "420" spread like wildfire, eventually getting picked up by the Grateful Dead, leading to mainstream counterculture adoption. Thus, a number on the clock transformed into a worldwide movement, proving that sometimes, the best discoveries happen by accident.

Cultural Smoke Signals

Fast forward a few decades, and 420 has gone from a secret handshake among stoners to a full-fledged, economy-boosting celebration. It has morphed into something between a music festival, a political statement, and a corporate Black Friday—but with a lot more laughter and significantly slower customer service.

In cities like Denver, San Francisco, and Vancouver, massive public gatherings take over parks, complete with live music, food vendors, and, of course, an omnipresent haze that makes it impossible to see the stage. Some celebrations lean into activism, advocating for cannabis legalization and reforming outdated drug laws, while others just lean into a beanbag chair and forget what they were talking about.

Meanwhile, dispensaries treat the day like their version of the Super Bowl, rolling out discounts, giveaways, and brand-new THC-infused everything. From weed-infused gummies and sodas to cannabis bath bombs (because relaxation has levels), the green rush around 420 isn't just recreational—it's a multi-billion-dollar industry.

How to Celebrate

If you're looking to join in the fun and festivities of 420, it’s not just about lighting up and hoping the universe makes sense for a few hours—though that is certainly part of it. Celebrating 420 is all about embracing the culture, whether you're a seasoned smoker or just someone who enjoys a good party. Here are some fun and unique ways to celebrate the high holiday:

Host a 420-Themed Potluck
While pizza might be the go-to snack for many stoners (because, well, pizza), a 420-themed potluck is a great way to share the love—literally. Gather your friends and family, and ask everyone to bring something cannabis-inspired. You don’t have to cook with weed (though if you do, we won’t judge); instead, choose green-colored foods, hemp-based treats, or even just dishes that you swear enhance your munchies experience. Bonus points for the most creative cannabis-inspired dish name!

Educate Yourself (and Your Friends)
As much as 420 is a day for fun, it's also a great opportunity to learn more about cannabis culture, laws, and advocacy. Host a cannabis trivia night where you and your friends can challenge each other on everything from the best strains to the history of marijuana. You might even want to research current marijuana reform legislation, so you can make sure you’re keeping up with what’s going on in the cannabis world. Who knows, you might end up with a new cause to fight for, or at the very least, become the 420 trivia champion of your group!

Take a 420 Nature Walk (with Snacks)
If you’re feeling the need to get out of the house, a 420 nature walk could be the perfect way to enjoy the day. Grab some snacks (preferably ones that won't get stuck in your teeth), pick a scenic trail, and take a peaceful stroll while celebrating with your crew. Nature, after all, has its own way of helping you feel grounded—and some fresh air can make your 420 experience even more enjoyable. Just don’t forget the sunscreen, especially if you’re walking through a haze.

Try Some New Strains or Products
If you’re a regular user, 420 is the perfect excuse to expand your cannabis horizons. Try a new strain that you’ve been curious about, or sample a cannabis-infused product you’ve never experienced before (cannabis-infused beverages or bath bombs, anyone?). If you're in a legal state, many dispensaries offer special 420 deals, where you can score discounts or sample exclusive products. Just remember to pace yourself—unless you’re testing new levels of your tolerance, moderation is key.

Give Back
420 can be a day of giving as well as receiving. Consider donating to cannabis reform organizations, helping out those in need, or supporting charities that align with cannabis advocacy and decriminalization. If you’re feeling particularly generous, consider gifting a friend with some premium buds or edible treats. It’s a great way to share the love and celebrate the spirit of 420 in a meaningful way.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your 420 celebration is not only fun and chill but also memorable and impactful. Whether you’re flying solo or gathering with friends, there are endless ways to make this day your own!

A Mosaic of Meanings

But beneath the clouds of smoke and the occasional philosophical debate about time itself, 420 carries serious undertones. Many advocates use the day to spotlight social injustices, particularly the disproportionate number of marijuana-related convictions still affecting marginalized communities. Even in states where cannabis is legal, past offenses continue to impact lives, making 420 an annual reminder that legalization should come with criminal record expungement and equitable business opportunities.

Despite the serious conversations, 420 remains a day drenched in humor. It’s a time when:

Munchies reach Olympic-level consumption. (If you haven’t eaten an entire family-sized bag of chips solo, are you even celebrating properly?)
Somebody inevitably forgets what they were saying mid-sentence. ("Wait, what were we just talking about?")
Memes flood the internet. (Yes, we get it, Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson are the honorary presidents of this day.)

Even brands that have nothing to do with cannabis try to cash in with vaguely weed-related marketing—because nothing says “high holiday” like a fast-food chain announcing “Buy 4 tacos, get 20 for free” in the name of 420 spirit.

The Lingering Scent

As 420 continues to evolve, it stands as a unique celebration of freedom, fun, and a bit of forgetfulness. What started as a quirky inside joke among teenagers has become a global cultural event, bringing together activists, casual users, entrepreneurs, and that one guy who only shows up to 420 events for the free samples.

Whether you’re a dedicated cannabis enthusiast or simply an amused observer, 420 is undeniably woven into modern culture. And with the wave of legalization continuing to spread, it’s likely that each April 20th will only get bigger, bolder, and hazier.

So, whether you partake or not, 420 remains a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are simple: Good vibes, good friends, and maybe just one more hit before heading to the snack aisle.

Please Share our Content