April 20, or 4/20, has become a massive day for cannabis enthusiasts around the world. To observe the tradition, apart from simply smoking your favorite weed, there is a rich history, culture, and quirky trivia behind it.
Here are some fun facts about 4/20!
- Snoop 4/20 Concerts
Popular musician and the godfather of cannabis, Snoop Dogg, raps about weed or performs on weed days while smoking one. On April 20, 2021, his eighteenth studio album, “From Tha Streets 2 Tha Suites,” displayed his appreciation for the day. It is not coincidental that the artist also participated in 420 Special: Snoop Dogg With Koe Wetzel on April 20, 2022.
- Bob Marley’s Son, Stephen Marley’s 4/20 Birthday
Many cannabis aficionados celebrate the legendary reggae musician Bob Marley, who was a staunch advocate for legalization. Many 420 theories trace their origins to him. Most of these can be turned aside, but Stephen Marley, his son, was born on April 20, 1972, making the Marley name synonymous with the holiday.
- April 20 is the Best Time to Plant Marijuana
When determining the best time to plant marijuana, many factors are considered, including soil temperature, climate, strain, and growing method (indoor/outdoor). Many cannabis enthusiasts believe that growing marijuana on April 20 is the best way to start the season with a marijuana vibe. However, science shows that this is not factual.
- The Waldos’ Story: 4/20’s Origin
It’s rumored that the 4/20 holiday originated with California teens in the 1970s. Where five friends in San Rafael, California, known as the Waldos, used “420” as a code to meet at 4:20 p.m. to smoke weed under a statue of Louis Pasteur in search of a hidden marijuana patch.
- Grateful Dead and Deadhead 4/20 Flyers
A former High Times Magazine reporter, Steve Bloom, credits Deadheads, fans of Grateful Dead rock band, with popularizing the term “420.” During the 1990 December concert, the reporter says he saw a poster inviting people to smoke “420” at 4:20 p.m. on April 20. Bloom printed the flyer the following year, and the new observance began.
- Police Code for Cannabis Violations
One of the most popular 4/20 theories is that it was a radio code used by the police. Despite the reasonable explanation, no evidence exists that 4/20 is a police code. Neither the NYPD nor the LAPD has a code 420, though the San Francisco Police Department does, but it is for “Juvenile Disturbance”
- The Quantity of Chemical Compounds in Cannabis
Another common misconception is that the number 420 is derived from the amount of active compounds found in marijuana. This claim is also false, as various research groups have identified over 550 compounds.
- Bob Dylan Theory
According to this theory, the term 420 may have originated from Bob Dylan’s 1966 song “Rainy Day Women #12 & #35.” In this song, Dylan makes a small reference to cannabis when he says, “Everybody must get stoned.” Although there is no direct reference to 420, (12 x 35 = 420). This theory does not appear to hold water and is a bit of a stretch, especially since Dylan never confirmed it.
- Adolf Hitler’s 4/20 Birthday
Adolf was born on April 20, 1889. This date coincides with the modern marijuana culture. Given that 420 references date back to the 1970s, this theory may be the most bizarre on this list, however, it is used by some people explaining how 4/20 started.
- First LSD Trip at 4:20 p.m
Albert Hofmann took the first intentional LSD trip in history on April 19, 1943. April 19 is widely known as “Bicycle Day.” When Hoffman began to feel the effects of LSD, he attempted to ride home to safety on his bicycle. Although not explicitly stated, the LSD’s effects started around 4:20 p.m., hence the wild connection to 4/20 marijuana culture.
- 420 Mile Marker Theft
Some states don’t maintain a long highway, so they do not require the “420” sign. Some states have highways long enough that the sign “420” is needed. These signs have become hot targets for stoners and pranksters. Many states have swapped these highway signs completely or switched them over for 419.9 to reduce theft.
- 4:20 Bible References
Some Bible verses, such as Daniel 4:20, appear to refer to weed. The Daniel 4:20 bible verse describes a ‘tree’ that “grows large and strong with its tops touching the sky.”
- Evan Goding $420 Bid at ‘Price is Right’
Goding, in a 2004 Price is Right episode unsuccessfully bid $420 twice and $1,420 once on every prize he came across from contestant row. He stated that he had waited all his life to use the 420 reference on live television.
- 4/20 Munchies Effect
April 20th transforms restaurants and fast food establishments such as McDonald’s into munchie heaven. On this day, cravings and appetite increase in tandem with weed smoking. According to studies, THC stimulates hunger by interacting with CB1 receptors in the brain. Many restaurants take advantage of this annual trend by offering $4.20 discounts on most food items, increasing food sales.
- Ben & Jerry’s Marijuana Justice on April 20
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is a must-have for many stoners on 4/20. On April 20, 2018, Ben & Jerry’s honors the marijuana holiday by advocating for prison reform and the expungement of all cannabis-related convictions. This petition created a lot of buzz for its noble purpose.
- Pot Mischief in Hotels
Weed Day inspires playful chaos in hotels worldwide, particularly because items labeled “420” have become a stoner beacon. Some hotels are now required to skip number 420 or replace it with creative alternatives such as ‘419+1’ to prevent marijuana users from smoking or stealing items from their rooms.
- Hyde Park Smoke on 4/20 in London
Every year, a large crowd gathers at Hyde Park to celebrate cannabis while protesting the country’s prohibition. The event catches the eye, especially since a large cloud of weed smoke is visible at 4:20 p.m. due to mass lighting.
- Motor Highway 420 Canada
Highway 420 in Canada is a stoner shrine, especially since marijuana was legalized in 2018. Because of its association with 420 in cannabis culture, this road is the site of annual cannabis celebrations and protests. The conference includes a march from Niagara Falls to Highway 420 and features everything cannabis, including stoners, educators, exhibitors, distributors, and manufacturers.
- SB 420, United States Senate Bill
California’s SB 420 pays a nod to the marijuana culture and brilliantly shouts out stoners. The measure forbids the application of laws that make marijuana growing or possession a crime to those following the approval of a health provider.
- Legend of the California Penal Code
Some people believe that 420 was a penal code for cannabis-related violations in California. Penal Code 420 in California, on the other hand, deals with unlawfully preventing someone from accessing public property. It makes no mention of cannabis in this or any other state in the United States.
Final Thoughts
4/20 has something for everyone in the day’s varied history, whether you participate or just watch. We hope you learned something new about this day!
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