Even before you were a weed user, we bet you heard of the term “420” and knew that it referred to marijuana. Although 420 is recognized everywhere as “weed day,” not many people know the story behind why April 20th was picked as the chosen date. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how 420 became designated weed day, and what the history is behind the date. We’ll also show you the best way to celebrate 420, including the best weed products for honoring the day everyone loves!

History of 420

What is the History of 420?

The number unit “420” is a code that refers to weed or the act of smoking weed. It can refer to both April 20th (the date) as well as 4:20 (the time). However, there is much confusion about how 420 first became linked to weed. 

While several stores are floating around the internet about the origin of 420, including one where “420” refers to the police code for weed, the most accurate story appears to state that the term 420 originated in 1971 at San Rafael High School located in California. 

There was a group of people who called themselves the Waldos that would meet up to smoke marijuana everyday at 4:20 pm. Instead of announcing that they were meeting to get high, they used the term “420” to describe their meet-ups.

Since then, the code spread and it was used by businesses and restaurants to let people know that they were “420” friendly. The origins were lost over the years, but the term 420 stuck and people everywhere began to celebrate 4/20 or April 20th as weed day. 

History of 420

Facts About 420 Day

Because marijuana was illegal at the time, it’s hard to track down accurate details pertaining to where 420 came from. Some stories claim that 4/20 pertains to Adolph Hitler’s birthday - and while it’s true that this date is also Hitler’s birthday, it doesn’t have anything to do with smoking weed. Others state that 420 has ties to musical lyrics. 

However, the one story that has stood the test of time in regards to 420 is the one mentioned above of the group of California high school students. Here are some more interesting facts about the history of 420 and how it became known as national weed day:

  • The “Waldos” referred to a group of five high school students who met by statue of chemist Louis Pasteur at 4:20 pm everyday to get high. They met at 4:20 pm because it was after most school activities had let out. The “Waldos” referred to Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich, and they called themselves Waldos because they met by a wall.
  • The Waldos differentiated themselves from the jocks. They often entertained each other while smoking pot, calling their adventures “safaris,” and these activities lasted well past 4:20 pm. The Waldos are known as the “inventors” of 420. 
  • The term 420 became popular when a group of hippies gathered in the parking lot of a Grateful Dead concert and handed out flyers stating that they were going to meet at 4:20 pm on 4/20 for “420-ing” at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot in Marin Country on Mt. Tamalpais. This group of people is credited with helping turn 420 into a national stoner’s holiday, where people all over the world gather at 4:20 pm on 4/20 to get high. 

History of 420

How To Celebrate 420

There is no wrong way to celebrate 420! You may even choose to celebrate everyday by using medical marijuana or cannabis to help reduce anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. 

However, you can cash in on the fun tradition of smoking weed on 420 by gathering your favorite friends and weed products, and enjoying them promptly at 4:20 pm on April 20th. Here are some of the best weed products to help you celebrate 420 and channel your inner Waldo: 

  • Roll a joint

There are plenty of ways to use cannabis nowadays, but this wasn’t always the case back in the 70’s when 420 first originated.

If you truly want to embrace the tradition of 420, then we recommend rolling a joint and smoking weed the good old fashioned way! You can save time and buy pre-rolled Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains by checking out some of the best pre-rolled joints here. 

  • Vape

Find the perfect vape pen to bring in 420 here. 

  •  Try CBD edibles

If you’re unable to smoke a joint at 4:20 on 420 because you’re at work or in a location 

where smoking is prohibited, then you can still celebrate by enjoying CBD edibles. This allows you discreetly enjoy a high without anyone else knowing. 

Check out some of the best CBD edibles here!