If you walk out of home on April 20th, you might come across massive gatherings of people smoking cannabis. Cannabis users organize major rallies in places where marijuana is legal. But what is 4/20, and why did they choose this day to be the cannabis holiday?
Keep reading to learn more about this special date for marijuana fans!
What Does 4/20 Mean? The Meaning Behind the Date
4/20 or 420 is a holiday that celebrates cannabis. It’s not an official holiday, but it has become a tradition for marijuana users. You’ll see celebrations throughout the United States. The idea is that everyone should be smoking cannabis at 4:20 PM on April 20th.
In most locations, friends gather to celebrate this holiday. It’s a great chance to relax and spend time with the ones you love. The most famous public place where you can go to celebrate 4/20 is the Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado.
If you are in San Francisco, head to Golden Gate Park and find Hippie Hill. And if you are in Canada, Ottawa and Montreal have places where marijuana fans gather to celebrate the holiday.
How Did 4/20 Become a Marijuana Holiday?
It seems it all started in California in 1971. Five students from San Rafael High School in Marin County were huge fans of marijuana. They would always gather and smoke it at 4:20 PM. And they were always in the same place – the wall next to the Louis Pasteur statue in their school. It was a convenient time because they finished school but still didn’t have to return home.
The news spread through the community, and the group received the nickname “Waldos.” It’s because they were meeting at the wall. And if they were going to talk about marijuana, they always used code 420. Others accepted this trend and started using the code.
You could find people handing out flyers with invitations to “smoke” 420 on 4/20 at 4:20 PM. It took two decades, but High Times magazine printed this invitation in 1991. The code spread, and people around the world are now using it for marijuana.
4/20 Origin Myths
Apart from the actual origin story, it’s fun to check out myths about the 4/20 origin. Here are some theories nobody can prove!
It Has to Do with Law Codes
A popular marijuana holiday origin story is that 4/20 comes from a code police forces use for cannabis. But if you check, you notice that major US police departments don’t have this code. NYPD and LAPD don’t use it at all, and you might only hear it in San Francisco. However, the SF police use the code “420” to identify the juvenile disturbance.
Some cannabis users will tell you that the law uses 420 to process marijuana use and distribution. While some states have 420 codes, it doesn’t have anything to do with cannabis. In California, 420 serves to process obstructing entries on public land.
Bob Dylan Started It All
Bob Dylan wrote a song called “Rainy Day Women #12 and 35.” Cannabis fans claim it’s about this herb for two reasons. First, the lyrics mention that “everybody must get stoned,” and the entire song speaks about “stoning.” Also, if you multiply 35 and 12, the result is 420. Marijuana fans don’t believe that’s a coincidence.
The truth is different, as Bob Dylan himself revealed the song has nothing to do with cannabis. He says there is a relation to “The Book of Acts,” which indicates biblical meaning. In the Book of Acts, they stoned Stephen because he saw God’s glory after looking up to heaven. Stephen held a speech where he told the authorities they would punish him regardless of what he said. Some believe this was Bob Dylan’s way of responding to critics who were harsh about him.
As for the numbers 12 and 35, these are the years of two females who walked into Dylan’s studio on a rainy day. The artist guessed their years correctly and named a song after the event.
Active Components in Marijuana
You could hear that 420 is a reference to active compounds in marijuana. However, according to scientific research, there are at least 500 different components in cannabis. You can find more than 100 terpenes and cannabinoids each. This story might be the hardest to believe, even more than the one about Bob Dylan’s song.
The Political and Legal Impact of 4/20
While April 20 is widely seen as a celebration, it has also become a powerful platform for cannabis advocacy. Over time, the date has shifted from an informal gathering to a meaningful moment of protest and progress.
4/20 as a Day of Protest and Advocacy
Across the country, 4/20 events now include more than smoking sessions. Activists and supporters use the day to raise awareness about outdated laws and promote fair cannabis reform. Rallies often feature speakers, educational booths, and voter outreach efforts.
In many places, 4/20 is treated as a marijuana day of action. Participants call for decriminalization, equity in the cannabis industry, and expanded access to medical marijuana. What began as a subculture movement now reflects a broader push for legal and social change within cannabis culture.
Legalization Progress and Changing Cannabis Laws
The shift in public opinion has helped drive major policy changes. Dozens of U.S. states have legalized cannabis in some form. Many others have reduced criminal penalties or taken steps to expunge past convictions.
As people learn more about the 420 origin and ask what is 420, the date becomes more than just a celebration—it becomes a symbol of progress. The 420 meaning has evolved, representing both cultural pride and legal reform.
By embracing 4/20 as a platform for activism, the cannabis community continues to influence policy and shape public perception. The legal wins we see today are rooted in decades of effort, and the date remains a powerful reminder of how far the movement has come.
How Do People Celebrate 4/20 Today?
April 20 has become a vibrant mix of celebration and activism in cannabis culture. From smoke-filled gatherings in city parks to educational events and dispensary pop-ups, people mark the day in ways that reflect both personal enjoyment and community spirit.
Popular Ways to Participate
People celebrate 4/20 in many different ways, from big public events to quiet moments at home. Below are the most common ways cannabis fans mark the day:
- Festivals and Public Events: Cities like Denver and San Francisco host 4/20 events with music, vendors, and cannabis-friendly activities. These gatherings also highlight education and community support. In California, check your local Los Angeles cannabis dispensary for event details and specials.
- Shopping for Cannabis Products: Dispensaries offer 4/20 deals and limited-edition cannabis gifts. Many take the chance to explore new products or stock up on favorites.
- Private Gatherings: Some celebrate at home with friends, sharing joints, edibles, or infused meals.
- Advocacy and Education: Others use 4/20 to support reform and raise awareness. These efforts reflect the history of 420 and its activist roots.
The Future of 4/20: What’s Next for Cannabis Culture?
As cannabis becomes more accepted and legalized, the future of 4/20 is evolving. What began as a small gathering has grown into a global event that blends celebration, advocacy, and commerce. In the coming years, we can expect even more organized festivals, wider industry participation, and greater focus on education and social equity.
Brands will likely continue to shape the day with product launches and campaigns, but many will also support efforts for policy reform and inclusion. As public interest grows, so does the opportunity to push for federal legalization and expungement of cannabis-related offenses.
For consumers, 4/20 will remain a moment to celebrate culture, try new cannabis flower, and connect with the community. Whether you’re new to cannabis or planning your next 4/20 experience, feel free to contact us for advice, updates, or product recommendations that match your vibe.
4/20 is more than a date, it’s a symbol of cannabis culture, progress, and unity. From its underground roots to global recognition, it reflects how far the movement has come. If you’ve ever wondered what is 4/20, it marks both a celebration and the ongoing push for a more inclusive future.
