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Every year on April 20 at 4:20 pm, the world seems to stand still for a moment – at least in the cannabis community. Wisps of smoke drift through parks, smiles appear on faces, and a sense of togetherness fills the air. HAPPY 420! But what is behind this mysterious number? Why, of all days, is April 20 the unofficial holiday of all cannabis enthusiasts? We take you on a journey back to the 70s and reveal the best-kept secret of stoner culture.
The true story: Five friends, a treasure map, and a statue
Forget all the wild myths you've heard. The true story of 420 is much more down-to-earth and relatable. The year is 1971 in San Rafael, California. A group of five high school friends, who called themselves "The Waldos," got their hands on a hand-drawn treasure map. The treasure? An abandoned cannabis plantation left behind by a Coast Guard soldier.
The Waldos decided to go on the adventure. Their plan was simple: meet after school and start the search. Their meeting place was the statue of famous scientist Louis Pasteur on the school grounds. The agreed time: 4:20 PM (4:20 pm). Their code word for the meeting was "4:20 Louis".
"We met at the Louis Pasteur statue at 4:20. We drove around in my old '66 Chevy Impala, smoked of course, and searched for the plantation."
They searched for days, but never found the plantation. But the code word stuck. "4:20 Louis" quickly became "4:20," and it developed into their secret code for anything cannabis-related. "420?" became the inconspicuous question of whether someone wanted to smoke—right under the noses of teachers and parents.
Myths from the rumor mill: What 420 does NOT mean
The story of the Waldos is well documented today, but that didn't stop the rumor mill from churning out some creative myths over the years. Let's clear up the most well-known ones:
- Myth 1: Police code. The most persistent legend is that 420 is the police code for cannabis possession in California. That is false. The code for drug offenses varies from district to district, but it was never 420.
- Myth 2: Bob Dylan's song. Some believe it's connected to Bob Dylan's song "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" because 12 multiplied by 35 equals exactly 420. A nice idea, but pure coincidence.
- Myth 3: Chemical compounds. Another theory says cannabis has 420 chemical compounds. That is also false – there are over 500.
- Myth 4: Death day of legends. Neither Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, nor Janis Joplin died on April 20.
How 420 conquered the world: From the Waldos to global celebrations
How did an inside joke among five teenagers become a global phenomenon? The answer has a lot to do with the band Grateful Dead. The Waldos had personal connections to the band and their entourage. They often hung out backstage at rehearsals and concerts, so the code "420" spread through the Deadhead community as they toured the US.
The final breakthrough came from the magazine "High Times". An editor came across the story and saw its potential. The magazine published the story and declared 4:20 PM the perfect time for the daily joint. From then on, its triumph could not be stopped. The code became a symbol, and April 20 (in US format 4/20) became the unofficial holiday.
420 in Germany: More than just a date
April 20 has also become well established in Germany. Since 2017, annual events have taken place, which for a long time had the character of demonstrations for legalization. Since April 1, 2024 the day has acquired a new, more joyful meaning. It is now a day of celebration, community, and newfound freedom.
On this day, people meet in parks, by lakes, or at home to celebrate the culture together. It's about more than just consumption – it's about the feeling of being part of a movement that has fought for its rights—and won. It's a day to discover new varieties like the fruity Sour Betty or enjoy classics like Northern Lights.
How do you celebrate 420 Day?
There are no set rules! Here are a few ideas on how you can celebrate the day:
- Meet up with friends at 16:20.
- Attend one of the many public events in your city.
- Enjoy nature and your newfound freedom.
- Try a new strain from our extensive range.
- Watch a classic stoner movie.
No matter how you celebrate, 420 is a symbol of unity and love for the plant. It's a day to be thankful for the progress we've made and to look optimistically to the future. In this spirit: HAPPY 420!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What does 420 mean in relation to cannabis?
420 is a code word for cannabis consumption that originated in the 1970s. A group of high school friends in California, who called themselves "The Waldos," met at 4:20 PM (16:20) to search for an abandoned cannabis plantation. Their meeting time became the code "420,” which was established worldwide as a symbol for cannabis culture. Today, the term is used to talk about cannabis without directly mentioning it.
- Why is April 20th Stoner's Day?
April 20 is the unofficial holiday of the cannabis community because the date is written as 4/20 in the US format – a direct reference to the code 420. On this day, events, festivals, and demonstrations take place worldwide. People meet to celebrate together, honor the culture, and advocate for legalization. In Germany, the day has gained special significance since legalization in April 2024.
- Where does the term 420 come from?
The term 420 comes from a group of five friends from San Rafael, California, who called themselves "The Waldos" in 1971. They regularly met at 4:20 PM at their high school’s Louis Pasteur statue to search for an abandoned cannabis plantation. Their code word "4:20 Louis" was shortened to "420" and, thanks to their connections to the band Grateful Dead, spread across the entire Deadhead community. The magazine "High Times" ultimately made the term known worldwide.
- Is 420 a police code?
No, 420 is not a police code. That is one of the most persistent myths surrounding the number. Police codes vary from district to district, but 420 has never been used as an official code for cannabis possession or consumption. This misconception probably spread because it seemed to provide a plausible explanation for the popularity of the number. The real story is much more down-to-earth and involves five teenagers from California.
- What do you do on 420 Day?
On 420 Day, cannabis enthusiasts around the world gather to celebrate the culture. Many people consume cannabis together at 4:20 pm, attend festivals, take part in demonstrations, or just enjoy nature with friends. In Germany, annual events have been held since 2017, which, especially after legalization in 2024, have a more cheerful and less political character. It's about community, freedom, and appreciating the plant. Some use the day to try new strains or catch up on the latest news in the cannabis world.
