4/20

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An entire day is dedicated to smoking weed: April 20th! Every year stoners gather round, light up, and celebrate the magic that is cannabis. But have you ever wondered how, where, and when it all started? Here’s a little bit about the history and founding of the nation’s cherished holiday that is 4/20.

According to the legend, in the early 1970s, a group of high school students in San Rafael California would meet at 4:20 everyday after school to smoke weed. The group referred to themselves as “The Waldos” and they began circulating this “code” to their friends who also wanted to smoke. In this group was Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravitch. The waldos apparently got their name from their usual hangout spot, a wall located right outside their school where they would go to smoke weed everyday. After hearing that a local Coast Guard service member had abandoned a plot of marijuana plants near Point Reyes, the gang reportedly came up with the term “4/20” as a code for smoking pot.

Almost 50 years later, this term has transformed itself into an unofficial national holiday.

In locations where marijuana has been legalized for longer periods of time, parties and gatherings are held every year on this day. Some of the cities with the best weed celebrations are Denver, San Francisco, Amsterdam, and Vancouver. These cities specifically are known for lavish parties, parades, and community celebrations filled with art, live music, and weed!

Celebrities who have come out as cannabis users (Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, Seth Rogen, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus) all openly discuss their unique celebrations on 4/20. In the past, Snoop Dogg has been known to host a number of 4/20 concerts including the annual “420 Wellness Retreat” which features comedy, music, and other cannabis-related activities. He has also released new music and other projects on 4/20 as a way of commemorating the day. In addition to his relationship with the music industry, Snoop also promoted the launch of his own line of marijuana products on 4/20.

In addition to Snoop’s involvement in 4/20, Willie Nelson also is an active member in the advocacy efforts to promote the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana use. He also released a new album in 2020 titled “First Rose of Spring” a few days after 4/20.

So mark your calendars this 4/2o, grab a group of friends, gather around the communal bong, and light up!

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