If you’ve spent any time around cannabis culture, you’ve probably heard the number 420. It shows up on clocks, in memes, and every year on April 20th, when the cannabis community comes together to celebrate.
But what does 420 actually mean — and how did it become the unofficial holiday of cannabis?
The story goes back more than 50 years to a group of high school friends in California who started meeting at 4:20 in the afternoon as part of a daily adventure. What began as a simple code between friends eventually spread across music, media, and cannabis culture worldwide.
Today, 4/20 is recognized as the biggest cannabis holiday of the year, celebrated by enthusiasts, advocates, and dispensaries alike.
Let’s take a look at how 420 started and why it still matters today.
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What Does 420 Mean?
In cannabis culture, 420 is a slang term connected to marijuana use. People often use it to refer to cannabis in general or to signal a time to enjoy it — most famously 4:20 p.m.
Over time, the number has taken on several meanings within the community:
- A shorthand for cannabis
- A time of day associated with consumption
- The date April 20 (4/20), now celebrated as a cannabis holiday
Because of this, you’ll often see the number used in everything from memes and music lyrics to product names and events. If someone says “it’s 420,” they’re usually referencing cannabis culture and the tradition surrounding it.
But while the number is widely recognized today, its origin story is surprisingly specific.
The Origin of 420: Myths and Legends
Like many cultural traditions, the origin of 420 comes with a few myths and legends.
Over the years, people have suggested that 420 refers to:
- A police code for cannabis
- The number of chemical compounds in marijuana
- A reference to Bob Marley’s birthday
- A secret signal used by law enforcement
The most widely accepted story traces the term back to a group of friends known as “The Waldos.” In the early 1970s, these teenagers attended high school in San Rafael, California. According to the story, they began meeting after school at 4:20 p.m. to search for a rumored abandoned cannabis crop nearby, using “420” as a code word for their plan so others wouldn’t know what they were talking about. Although they never found the crop, the phrase stuck and eventually spread beyond their circle of friends.
Connections to the Grateful Dead music scene, along with mentions in early cannabis media like High Times, helped introduce the term to a much wider audience. From there, 420 gradually became embedded in cannabis culture.
While the Waldos story is the most documented explanation, it’s also possible that multiple influences helped popularize the term over time.
How 420 Became a Cannabis Holiday
By the 1990s, 420 had evolved from an inside joke into a cultural phenomenon.
As cannabis culture grew through music, festivals, and counterculture communities, the term spread rapidly. Media outlets and cannabis publications began referencing April 20 (4/20) as a day to celebrate marijuana culture.
Eventually, the date became known as the unofficial cannabis holiday.
Today, people celebrate 420 in many different ways:
- Gathering with friends
- Attending cannabis events or festivals
- Trying new products
- Advocating for cannabis reform
The holiday also coincided with an important period in cannabis history. Over the past two decades, legalization efforts across the United States have changed how cannabis is viewed, sold, and regulated.
As more states legalized medical and adult-use cannabis, 420 celebrations moved from underground gatherings to mainstream cultural events.
420 Today: From Counterculture to Cannabis Celebration
What started as a small tradition among friends has grown into a global celebration of cannabis culture.
Across the United States and around the world, April 20th now includes concerts, community gatherings, educational events, and special cannabis promotions.
But for many people in the industry, 420 is about more than celebration. It’s also a moment to reflect on the history of cannabis prohibition and the ongoing work needed to create a fairer cannabis system.
Organizations like the Last Prisoner Project advocate for criminal justice reform and work to free individuals who remain incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses.
For advocates and industry leaders alike, the holiday has become an opportunity to promote:
- Cannabis education
- Responsible consumption
- Criminal justice reform
- Equity within the cannabis industry
In that sense, 420 reflects both how far cannabis culture has come — and the work still ahead.
How Dispensaries Celebrate 420
For dispensaries, 420 is one of the biggest days of the year.
Many cannabis retailers celebrate the holiday by offering:
- Special promotions and discounts
- Limited-edition product releases
- Community events
- Educational content about cannabis products
At Story Cannabis, 420 is an opportunity to highlight some of the brands and products our customers love. Some of our favorites include Dialed-In, Fade Co., and Just Flower. Whether you prefer flower, edibles, concentrates, or pre-rolls, it’s a great time to explore something new and celebrate the plant we love. Ready to check out what 420 celebrations are happening at a Story near you?
FAQs About 420
What does 420 mean?
420 is a slang term associated with cannabis culture. It can refer to marijuana itself, the time 4:20 p.m., or the date April 20, which is widely celebrated as the cannabis holiday.
Why is April 20 weed day?
April 20 (4/20) became associated with cannabis after the term “420” spread through cannabis culture during the 1970s and 1990s. Over time, the date became known as the unofficial holiday celebrating marijuana culture.
Who invented 420?
The most widely accepted origin story credits a group of California high school students known as the Waldos, who used “420” as a code word to meet at 4:20 p.m. while searching for a hidden cannabis crop.
Why do people smoke at 4:20?
Because the number 420 became associated with cannabis culture, 4:20 p.m. eventually became a symbolic time when people gather to enjoy cannabis together.
