Why Is 420 Associated With Weed? History, Origins, And Cultural Impact

If you’ve ever wondered why people talk about “420” when they talk about cannabis, you’re not alone. The term pops up at festivals, in music, and even in everyday conversation. For many marijuana enthusiasts, 4:20 p.m. and April 20 hold a special place in cannabis culture. Yet the story behind 420 isn’t common knowledge, and there’s plenty of misinformation about it. Understanding why 420 is associated with weed can help readers appreciate how a simple after‑school meeting time became a cultural phenomenon.

Why Is 420 Associated With Weed?

The simple answer is that 420 started as a code among a group of high‑school friends who used it as their meeting time for a cannabis‑related adventure. In the early 1970s, five students at San Rafael High School in California decided to meet at 4:20 p.m. by a statue of Louis Pasteur. 

They were planning to search for an abandoned cannabis patch based on a hand‑drawn map. Their code “420 Louis” signaled that it was time to gather and hunt for the weed. Over time, the “Louis” part dropped away, and “420” alone became shorthand for anything related to marijuana. Because of this origin, 420 eventually came to represent the broader culture of cannabis use, and April 20 (4/20) became an unofficial holiday for people who enjoy marijuana.

The Waldos and the Treasure Hunt Origin

The students behind the story called themselves “the Waldos.” They were Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich. One autumn afternoon in 1971, they received a map drawn by a friend’s brother in the Coast Guard. He had a cannabis crop on the Point Reyes Peninsula but feared getting caught, so he invited the teens to harvest it. Since sports practice ended around four, the group settled on 4:20 p.m. as the time to meet by the Louis Pasteur statue. 

They would pile into a car, smoke a joint, and head out on their “safaris” to find the elusive weed patch. They never found the plants, but the adventure created a bond and a secret code. Saying “420” to each other became a way to talk about marijuana without drawing attention. This inside joke gradually spread beyond their circle, first through classmates and then through friends of friends.

Debunking the Myths

The popularity of 420 gave rise to many myths. One common misconception is that 420 is a police code for marijuana possession or smoking in progress. In reality, no law enforcement agency uses 420 as a code for cannabis crimes. 

Another myth ties 420 to Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” because 12 multiplied by 35 equals 420. While Dylan’s song famously repeats “Everybody must get stoned,” there’s no evidence that this arithmetic inspired the term. 

Some people believe there are exactly 420 chemical compounds in cannabis, but researchers have found more than 500. These stories persist because they make for fun trivia, but they distract from the verified account of the Waldos meeting after school. Clearing up these myths helps readers understand the real roots of the holiday and why the number has meaning.

How 420 Spread Beyond the Waldos

After the Waldos coined the term, it didn’t stay local for long. Dave Reddix’s brother knew Phil Lesh, the bassist for the Grateful Dead. The teenagers started hanging out with the band’s crew, and their slang traveled through the Grateful Dead’s network of fans, known as “Deadheads.” 

In December 1990, an anonymous group of Deadheads handed out flyers in Oakland inviting people to “meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County.” Steve Bloom, a journalist for High Times magazine, received one of these flyers. He wrote about it, and the magazine printed the flyer in 1991. 

Because High Times was a leading voice in cannabis culture, the term 420 reached a wide audience. Soon, smoking at 4:20 p.m. became a ritual, and April 20 became a day for cannabis enthusiasts to gather, advocate for legalization, and celebrate their shared culture. What started as a private joke was now part of mainstream cannabis lexicon.

Cultural Significance and High Holiday Traditions

Today, April 20, is a day when cannabis enthusiasts, reform advocates, and curious observers come together. On this “high holiday,” people gather in parks, concerts, and private homes. Notable events include festivals at Hippie Hill in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, gatherings at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and rallies in London’s Hyde Park and Denver’s Civic Center Park. 

Many participants celebrate at exactly 4:20 p.m. with a collective smoke, but the day isn’t just about getting high. 

Activists use the spotlight to call for cannabis legalization, criminal justice reform, and research into medical marijuana. Entrepreneurs host educational seminars and product launches. Some dispensaries offer special deals, and music venues schedule weed‑themed shows. This mixture of activism, commerce, and celebration has turned 4/20 into a global cultural event.

420 in Modern Cannabis Culture and Legalization

As cannabis legalization has spread, 4/20 has taken on new meaning. Recreational use is now legal in many U.S. states and several countries, while others permit medical marijuana. Yet cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States, creating a patchwork of laws that can confuse consumers. 

This legal tension makes April 20 both a celebration of progress and a reminder of ongoing challenges. Advocates argue for regulating marijuana like alcohol and for addressing the harm caused by past enforcement policies. 

Our article on weed legalization dives deeper into the history and future of marijuana laws. For many, 4/20 is a chance to push for change while enjoying the sense of community that cannabis culture fosters. It’s also a moment when new consumers explore the plant in safe, regulated settings, learning about strains, effects, and responsible use.

From Slang to Industry: 420’s Commercial Impact

The cannabis market has embraced 4/20 as a branding tool. Dispensaries plan special promotions, and new products often debut on April 20. Festivals host vendors, music acts, and workshops. 

This commercialization reflects cannabis’s shift from counterculture staple to mainstream commodity. However, to fully enjoy cannabis products, it’s helpful to understand how marijuana is measured and sold. Ludist’s complete guide to cannabis quantities explains grams, eighths, quarters, and other common measurements, which helps consumers make informed purchases. 

The growing industry also underscores the importance of quality storage. Proper storage preserves potency, and innovative products like smell‑proof containers and stash boxes help users maintain discretion and freshness. The link between 4/20 and commerce shows that cannabis culture now intersects with business, and many companies see the date as an opportunity to connect with customers.

Celebration Tips and Responsible Enjoyment

For newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike, celebrating 4/20 responsibly matters. First, know your local laws; consuming in public may still be prohibited even in states with legal marijuana. 

Plan transportation ahead of time or designate a sober driver. Start with low doses, especially with edibles, and give them time to take effect. Staying hydrated and eating before consumption can reduce unwanted side effects. 

If you’re new to cannabis, consider reading Ludist’s beginner‑friendly guide to smoking weed to learn about different methods and what to expect. 

Finally, respect others: not everyone enjoys cannabis, and secondhand smoke can bother some people. Following these guidelines ensures that 4/20 remains an enjoyable, safe, and inclusive event.

Reflecting on 420’s Legacy and Celebrating with Style

The number 420 has traveled a long way from a hidden meeting time among five friends. It has become shorthand for cannabis culture, a rallying cry for legalization, and a date that unites people worldwide. 

The story behind it underscores how shared experiences and a bit of youthful curiosity can create enduring traditions. As you celebrate 4/20 or simply learn about its origins, consider how far the cannabis movement has come and the work that remains. 

When organizing your own cannabis supplies, think about investing in quality storage. A product like the Ludist stash box keeps your herbs fresh and your accessories neatly arranged, blending practicality with style. 

Regardless of whether you’re a casual user, an advocate for reform, or someone intrigued by cultural phenomena, understanding why 420 is associated with weed provides insight into a vibrant and evolving community.