The 420 is much more than a number

For millions of people all over the world, it represents a cultural symbol linked to cannabis, The European Union, to marijuana and to those who defend its normalisation, responsible use and knowledge. Every year, the 4 April (4/20) becomes a key date in cannabis culture.

But where does 420 really come from, is it just an excuse to consume marijuana or does it have a specific historical origin? In this article we tell you the real history of 420, The cannabis movement, its evolution and its significance in today's cannabis movement.

The real origin of 420: The Waldos and California in the 1970s

The most widely accepted and documented origin of the 420 dates back to California, early 1970s, specifically to San Rafael High School, in Marin County.

A group of five students, known as “The Waldos”, used to meet every day at 4:20 p.m. after class. The initial motive was to look for an alleged abandoned marijuana crop, from which they had received a rudimentary map.

Although they never found the crop, the schedule was marked as a internal code. To say “420” to each other meant meeting, sharing time together and, in time, relate to cannabis use.

From secret code to global cannabis symbol

The spread of 420 through popular culture

The term 420 began to spread beyond the Waldos' circle when some of their connections reached the gang environment. Grateful Dead, an icon of the American counterculture.

From there, the code began to circulate among cannabis communities, until it became a universal symbol of cannabis. Over the years, the 420 was adopted as:

• Identification code among cannabis addicts

• Symbol of demand and freedom

• Date of meeting and celebration

• Cultural element present in music, film and media

Nowadays, to talk about 420 means to talk about global cannabis culture.

Why is 4/20 World Cannabis Day?

The relationship between 420 and 20 April (4/20) was developed by adapting the Anglo-Saxon date format. Over time, the 20 April established itself as the unofficial cannabis day, It is celebrated in many countries.

On this date they are organised:

• Cultural events and social gatherings

• Cannabis information talks

• Marches for regulation and standardisation

• Private meetings between amateurs

Beyond consumption, the 4/20 has become a day of information, reflection and visibility.

420 today: culture, information and responsible consumption

Today, the 420 represents a diverse community, interested not only in recreational marijuana, but also in the knowledge of cannabis, and its derivatives and its millenary history.

More and more people are looking for information about:

• The real meaning of 420

• The history of cannabis

• Traditional and modern uses

• Legal alternatives such as CBD

In this context, specialised shops such as Iguana Smoke, recognised for offering legal options such as buy CBD o buy CBD flowers, are part of an ecosystem that is committed to the information, accountability and transparency.

Iguana Smoke and informed cannabis culture

At Iguana Smoke we celebrate 420 for what it is: a cultural icon, a date for learning, sharing and respect a plant that has accompanied mankind for thousands of years.

We believe that information is key to a conscious relationship with cannabis and its derivatives. That's why, in addition to being a shop where you can buy CBD legally, we are committed to disseminating cannabis history, context and culture.

420, much more than a number

The 420 was not born as a party, but as a code-sharing between friends. Over time, this number transcended its informal origins to become a common language, a recognisable symbol and a key date in global cannabis culture. Today, 420 represents millions of people interested in cannabis from a global perspective. cultural, social, historical and informational.

At present, the 4/20 is a date recognised around the world.. Every year, people from different countries and cultures come together to celebrate in a variety of ways: concerts, open-air meetings, cultural events, informative talks and social gatherings.. Beyond consumption, these meetings aim to generate community, The aim is to share knowledge and make visible a movement that is committed to individual freedom and respect.

420 has also established itself as a symbol of vindication. For many, this date serves to advocating legalisation, to promote a more safe, responsible and regulated cannabis, and break down stigmas that for decades have surrounded the plant and its users. It is a day to speak out for information, education and normalisation.

Celebrate the 4/20, Today, more than ever, it means understand where cannabis culture has come from and where it is headed. It means betting on a movement that is more conscious, transparent and aligned with the values of responsibility and knowledge.

Happy 420. Information, respect and awareness.