Every year on April 20, cannabis enthusiasts across the United States celebrate what has become known as the unofficial “weed holiday.” Referred to as “4/20” or “420,” the date has evolved into a significant event for marijuana consumers, especially as more than half of the US now permits the use of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes.
The origins of 4/20 have long intrigued many, spawning a variety of popular theories. Some suggest the term “420” stems from a police radio code historically used to refer to marijuana-related incidents. Others connect it to Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” with its famous line, “Everybody must get stoned,” noting that multiplying 12 by 35 equals 420.
However, the most widely accepted story traces the beginnings of 4/20 back to the early 1970s in California. A group of high school students, later nicknamed “The Waldos,” would meet after classes at precisely 4:20 p.m. to search for a hidden cannabis crop based on a map given to them by a friend. Although their treasure hunt was unsuccessful, the term “420” became their secret code for smoking marijuana. Over time, this inside joke gained momentum, especially as the group became closely associated with followers of the Grateful Dead, further popularizing the term.
While many mistakenly link the celebration to reggae legend Bob Marley, it is important to note that Marley was born on February 6, 1945, and passed away on May 11, 1981 — dates that have no connection to April 20.
Today, 4/20 serves not just as a cultural phenomenon but also as a marketing opportunity for the booming cannabis industry, with businesses offering special promotions and events. Interestingly, this year, 4/20 coincided with Easter Sunday, creating a rare overlap of two very different celebrations for some Americans.
