The origin of the term “420” can be traced back to the early 1970s in San Rafael, California. It all began with a group of five high school students who had a shared interest in cannabis. These students, known as the “Waldos,” would meet up at 4:20 p.m. near a statue of Louis Pasteur on the San Rafael High School campus to partake in their favorite pastime.
The reason they chose the specific time of 4:20 p.m. was quite practical. By that time, most extracurricular activities and obligations for the day had usually come to an end. This gave the Waldos the opportunity to gather without interference or interruptions. Meeting at this time became their regular ritual, and it eventually became synonymous with their cannabis consumption.
The term “420” itself initially started as an inside joke among the Waldos. It was originally a code word they used to discreetly discuss their plans to smoke cannabis without drawing attention from others. The code allowed them to openly talk about their activities without raising suspicion or getting caught.
As time went on, the term “420” began to spread beyond the small group of friends. It started to gain popularity within the cannabis community in the San Rafael area and eventually made its way to a wider audience. This was partly due to the Waldos’ connection with the Grateful Dead, a popular band known for its association with cannabis culture. One of the Waldos had an older brother who was friends with the band members, and through this connection, the term started to gain traction.
The spread of the term was further fueled by the rise of cannabis counterculture in the 1970s and beyond. As more people became familiar with the concept of 420, it began to take on a broader meaning. It evolved from a simple time and place to meet up and smoke cannabis into a symbol of cannabis culture, rebellion, and community.
Today, 420 has become a widely recognized symbol for cannabis enthusiasts around the world. It is celebrated annually on April 20th (4/20) as a day to come together, advocate for cannabis legalization, and enjoy the plant in various forms. The term has transcended its origins and has become deeply ingrained in popular culture, referenced in movies, music, and everyday conversations.
The term “420” originated in San Rafael, California, in the early 1970s. It was initially used as a code word by a group of high school students, the Waldos, to discuss their plans to smoke cannabis. Over time, the term gained popularity and became a symbol of cannabis culture and community. Today, it is widely recognized and celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts worldwide.