Healthy Leaf Organics

History of 420

 420 - What Is It?

April 20, also known as “420,” is common slang for Marijuana & Hashish Consumption, especially smoking around the time 4:20 pm (16:20). It also refers to Cannabis-oriented Celebrations that take place annually on April 20 (4/20 in U.S. and Canadian Date Form).  This Day is very popular with many Non-Smokers & Marijuana Aficionados, to celebrate & commemorate the Cannabis Culture.

420 – The Beginning

It's widely believed that 420 owes its roots to five California High School Students - Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz & Mark Gravich.

In 1971, the five San Rafael High School Students devised a secret code--which they used to indicate to each other that they would meet later in the day to smoke Cannabis.

After saying "420" to each other in passing in their school hallways, they would then meet at 4.20 pm in order to smoke Cannabis.

Nicknamed the "Waldos", because they smoked Cannabis against a wall, their chosen smoking spot was by a Statue of 19th-Century Scientist Louis Pasteur at their school.

"We got tired of the Friday Night Football Scene with all of the Jocks," Dave Reddix told Time Magazine.

The Student Athletes subsequently learned of an abandoned, Cannabis Crop growing near Point Reyes Peninsula Coast Guard Station.

However, despite their many attempts to find the plant, they were unsuccessful.

420 – How Is It Celebrated?

While it was founded in the US, 420 has since become an International Counterculture Holiday, based on the celebration & consumption of Cannabis.  Events typically advocate for Cannabis Liberalization & Legalization.

In addition to the widespread smoking of Cannabis on April 20 several events also take place to mark the occasion.

For example, thousands of Cannabis Users meet in Hyde Park, London--in celebration of 420, and to protest the existing laws prohibiting use and possession of Cannabis in the UK every year.

And, in the US where 420 originated, organized rallies normally take place in States including Colorado, California, Michigan, Washington, Illinois, Nevada & Florida.

So, on this April 20, take the time to educate and celebrate by checking out a Local, 420-Friendly Event, or simply by consuming & appreciating Cannabis.

https://weedforblackwomen.com/blogs/news/your-guide-to-420-events-across-the-u-s-beyond

https://www.stiiizy.com/blogs/learn/best-420-events-in-2024-usa

https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/2022/04/20/62607fa822601d6e628b461d.html