What is 420? Origin, history and meaning of the most famous cannabis code

The 420 It is much more than a number. For millions of people around 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.

The popularity of 4/20 has even reached popular culture, being referenced in movies, songs and media as a symbol of the cannabis community.

At Iguana Smoke, we are proud to be part of this culture and offer our customers high quality products to enjoy cannabis responsibly. From vaporisers to smoking accessories, our shop is here to meet all your cannabis needs.

So join us this 4/20 to celebrate, learn and share experiences around a plant that has been part of humanity for millennia.

Happy 4/20 to all our customers and friends!