The origins of 4/20: The Waldos and a hidden treasure.How 4/20 spread through the Grateful Dead and High Times.4/20 goes global: From counterculture to mainstream.How 4/20 is celebrated today.Reflecting on progress and challenges.The future of 4/20: Beyond the smoke.Cannabis, then and now.Support stress resilience, immunity, and longevity—naturally.Sleep that helps you repair and recover, night after night.Relief you can feel. Balance you can trust.Feel-good formulas for day and night.

A date, a code, a movement. What started as a secret among California teens is now a global celebration of cannabis culture, progress, and the power of cognitive liberty.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Where did 4/20 originate?

The term "4/20" traces back to a group of high school students in California in the 1970s who used it as a secret code to meet after school and smoke weed. The term caught on, especially after being popularized by cannabis culture icons and publications like High Times.
Why is April 20 a cannabis holiday?

April 20th (4/20) became a symbolic day to celebrate cannabis culture, raise awareness about its benefits, and advocate for reform. Today, it’s observed globally with gatherings, events, and acts of activism.
Is 4/20 still relevant now that cannabis is legal in many places?

Yes. 4/20 has evolved from underground rebellion to a celebration of progress, healing, and continued advocacy—especially where legalization still lags or access remains limited.
What does 4/20 mean to cannabis consumers today?

For some, it’s about relaxation and enjoyment. For others, it’s about reclaiming autonomy, finding relief, and reconnecting with nature. And for many, it’s a reminder that cannabis can be more than a vice—it can be a tool for healing.

4/20 is more than just a date; it's a symbol of cannabis culture, advocacy, and community. It’s a global cannabis culture milestone and an annual moment to reflect on how far the plant—and the movement—has come.

Celebrated annually on April 20th, it has grown from humble beginnings into an international event that unites enthusiasts, activists, and curious minds alike.

Whether you're a seasoned consumer, an advocate for legalization, or simply curious about its history, here’s what 4/20 actually means, where it came from, and why it still matters.

The origins of 4/20: The Waldos and a hidden treasure.

The story of 4/20 begins in 1971 with a group of five high school friends in San Rafael, California, who became known as "The Waldos."

They coined the term "4:20" as a secret code to meet at 4:20 p.m. by the statue of Louis Pasteur on their school grounds to search for a rumored abandoned cannabis crop.

Although they never found the elusive plant, their code for cannabis consumption endured, eventually becoming a staple in cannabis culture.

How 4/20 spread through the Grateful Dead and High Times.

The term "420" gained traction beyond the Waldos' circle, thanks in part to connections with the Grateful Dead.

One of the Waldos had a brother who was close to the band, allowing the slang to permeate the Deadhead community.

Then, in the early 1990s, a flyer promoting a 4:20 p.m. cannabis gathering on April 20th caught the attention of High Times magazine. The publication featured the flyer, and the term "420" began its ascent into mainstream awareness.

4/20 goes global: From counterculture to mainstream.

As cannabis culture gained momentum, so did the observance of 4/20.

What started as a clandestine meeting time transformed into a day of celebration and activism. Events sprouted across the United States, Canada, and globally, ranging from massive festivals to intimate gatherings. These events underscore 4/20's evolution from a subversive act to a public celebration of cannabis culture.

How 4/20 is celebrated today.

From downtown festivals to quiet rituals at home, 4/20 is many things to many people. Common observances include:

Community smoke sessions
Educational panels
Dispensary deals and giveaways
Wellness experiences
Art, music, and food pop-ups

The point? To enjoy consciously. To advocate where needed. And to acknowledge that cannabis culture is evolving, still.

Reflecting on progress and challenges.

4/20 serves as a reminder of the strides made in cannabis legalization and the work that remains. While numerous states and countries have reformed cannabis laws, disparities persist. The day prompts reflection on:

Social Justice: Addressing the ongoing incarceration of individuals for cannabis-related offenses.

Medical Access: Advocating for patients who rely on cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

Economic Equity: Ensuring fair opportunities within the burgeoning cannabis industry.

The future of 4/20: Beyond the smoke.

As 4/20 continues to evolve, it embodies more than just cannabis consumption. It represents a movement toward acceptance, education, and reform. The day encourages:

Community Building: Fostering connections among diverse groups.

Public Education: Dispelling myths and promoting informed discussions about cannabis.

Policy Advocacy: Pushing for equitable and sensible cannabis legislation.

Cannabis, then and now.

What started as an underground tradition is now a mainstream moment. Legal cannabis is a multibillion-dollar industry. CBD and THC are in medicine cabinets. Governments are regulating, taxing, and studying the plant.

Yet 4/20 still carries its roots: it’s a chance to celebrate progress without forgetting the past. To remember the people incarcerated for doing what’s now legal. And to reflect on how we consume, why we consume, and how we want the future of cannabis to look.