Introduction: A Day Rooted in Cannabis Culture
On Sunday, April 20, 2025, cannabis enthusiasts around the world will celebrate 4/20, a day synonymous with cannabis culture, advocacy, and community. But where did this iconic holiday come from? At We Got Gaz, we’re diving deep into the origins, myths, and global impact of 4/20. From a group of high school friends in California to a worldwide movement, the story of 4/20 is as fascinating as the plant itself. Join us as we explore its history, debunk misconceptions, and share fun facts—plus, a special 4/20 week offer to elevate your celebration!
The Origins of 4/20: The Waldos’ Quest
The story of 4/20 begins in 1971 at San Rafael High School in California with a group of five students known as the Waldos—Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich. Their nickname came from their hangout spot: a wall outside the school. According to TIME magazine, the Waldos were given a treasure map by a friend’s brother in the Coast Guard, pointing to an abandoned cannabis crop in Point Reyes, northwest of San Francisco.
- The Mission: The Waldos agreed to meet daily at 4:20 p.m., after school activities, by the Louis Pasteur statue on campus to search for the crop. The time “4:20” was chosen for convenience, and the spot gave rise to their code phrase, “4:20 Louis.”
- The Code: They never found the cannabis, but “4:20” became their secret term for smoking, allowing discreet conversations around teachers and parents. Over time, it simplified to “420.”
- Spreading the Word: The Waldos’ connection to the Grateful Dead amplified the term’s reach. Dave Reddix worked as a roadie for bassist Phil Lesh, introducing “420” to the Deadhead community. By 1991, High Times magazine published the term, cementing 4/20 as a cannabis holiday, as noted in Wikipedia.
This origin story, verified by the Waldos themselves, is the foundation of 4/20’s cultural significance, as documented in Rolling Stone.
Myths and Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction
As 4/20 grew, so did the myths surrounding its origins. Here are some of the most common misconceptions, debunked with evidence:
- Police Code Myth: A widespread theory suggests “420” is a police code for marijuana possession. However, police codes vary by region, and no universal “420” code exists for cannabis offenses, as clarified by Rolling Stone.
- Bob Dylan’s Song: Some claim 4/20 ties to Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” noting 12 x 35 = 420. This theory lacks historical backing, as there’s no evidence linking Dylan to the date, per PBS News.
- Hitler’s Birthday Coincidence: April 20 is Adolf Hitler’s birthday, but this has no connection to cannabis culture—a mere coincidence, as noted in TIME.
- Chemical Compounds: Another myth suggests “420” refers to the number of chemical compounds in cannabis. In reality, cannabis has over 500 compounds, and this theory lacks historical support.
These myths add intrigue but are overshadowed by the Waldos’ documented account, popularized by High Times editor Steven Hager in the 1990s, according to The Paper.
Fun Facts: 4/20 Through the Years
4/20 is more than a date—it’s a cultural phenomenon with a rich history. Here are some educational tidbits to share with your crew:
- First Public Celebration: In 1990, approximately 200 people gathered at UC Berkeley for the first public 4/20 event, smoking cannabis and advocating for legalization. This marked the beginning of 4/20 as a public holiday, as documented in Wikipedia.
- Economic Impact: In legal cannabis states, 4/20 is the top sales day for dispensaries, with sales surging up to 50% above average. In 2021, Colorado dispensaries saw record daily sales during 4/20 week, according to Cannabis Creative Group.
- Grateful Dead Connection: The Waldos’ ties to the Grateful Dead helped “420” spread globally, as Deadheads adopted the term at concerts, per Rolling Stone.
- Advocacy Platform: Beyond celebration, 4/20 events push for legalization and reform. Seattle Hempfest’s Vivian McPeak notes that 4/20 is “part party, part call to action,” as cited in PBS News.
Global Impact: How 4/20 Went Worldwide
What started as a local code in California has grown into a global celebration, reflecting cannabis’s increasing acceptance:
- United States: Events like Denver’s Mile High 420 Festival, Seattle’s Hempfest, and San Francisco’s Hippie Hill draw thousands for music, vendors, and community smoke-ins. In 2023, Vancouver’s Sunset Beach event saw ~1,000 attendees, per Vancouver Is Awesome.
- Canada: Since legalization in 2018, Canada hosts events blending education and celebration, such as Toronto’s 4/20 mix-and-mingles with mocktails and music, as noted in ADCANN.
- Europe: Amsterdam’s coffee shops offer 4/20 specials, while the UK’s Hyde Park event attracts 20,000–30,000 attendees annually, according to UKCSC.
- Asia and Beyond: Even in countries where cannabis is illegal, like Japan, discreet meetups advocate for reform, as highlighted in Curaleaf Clinic.
These events show how 4/20 has become a cultural and political force, uniting communities worldwide.
Celebrate 4/20 with We Got Gaz
This 4/20, join the legacy with We Got Gaz! We’re offering a free dual chamber Cookies vape with every order over $55, from April 20 to April 25, 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the scene, let’s honor 4/20’s history together. Visit our shop, stock up, and spark up the celebration!
Key Citations
- 420 Cannabis Culture on Wikipedia
- 420 History: How April 20 Became Weed Day
- From 420 to Cannabis Culture: History of 4/20
- The History of 420: Defining Cannabis Culture
- 420 Day: The History of Cannabis Culture
- The History of 4/20: Unpacking Cannabis Culture
- 4/20: History and Origin by Rolling Stone
- From Obscure Origins to Global 4/20 Recognition
- The History of 4/20 by The Paper
- How Pot Holiday 4/20 Came to Be
- 420 Events in Canada by CannaPiece
- About 4/20 by 420 Vancouver
- Industry Guide to 4/20 Events in Toronto
- UK 4/20 Events Guide 2025 by UKCSC
- 420 Vancouver Cannabis Festival
- Hundreds Expected at Vancouver 4/20 Events
- Highly Curated: World’s Best 4/20 Events
- 4/20 Party by Happy Bud
- Vancouver 4/20: Event Concerns Remain