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If you’re a marijuana enthusiast or even just a casual smoker, you’ve likely heard of 420. It’s a term that’s become synonymous with weed culture, and it’s a common reference in music, movies, and pop culture. But where did this term originate, and why has it become so popular? In this article, we’re going to explore everything 420, from its origin to the biggest 420 celebrations in the US.
Additionally, for those interested in diving deeper into weed culture, check out our latest post on the top 42 weed movies.
Everything 420: The Truth
It All Began with a Group of High School Kids and Some Good Old Fashioned Rumors
Believe it or not, the origin of 420 can be traced back to a group of high school students in San Rafael, California, in the early 1970s.
The story goes that in 1971, a group of five friends, who called themselves the Waldos, got wind of a rumor that a Coast Guard service member had abandoned a cannabis plantation near Point Reyes.
The Waldos decided to meet at 4:20 pm outside their school’s statue of Louis Pasteur to search for the plantation. They would remind each other of their plans by saying “420 Louis” in the school hallways.
While the Waldos never found the abandoned cannabis plantation, they continued to use “420” as a code word for smoking marijuana. And it wasn’t long before the term caught on with their classmates and the wider community.
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Everything 420: The Lies
Bob Dylan: The Legend and the Legend of 420?
While the origin of 420 is widely attributed to the Waldos, some people believe that the term has a connection to musician Bob Dylan.
Dylan released his song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” in 1966, which features the repeated refrain “Everybody must get stoned.” Some believe that the numbers 12 and 35 add up to 47, and if you divide 47 by 2, you get 23.5, which is close to 4:20 pm.
However, there’s no concrete evidence to support this theory, and it’s more likely that 420 simply originated as a code word among the Waldos.
Is 420 Really the Optimal Temperature for Vaporizing Weed? The Truth About the Plant Theory
Another theory about the origin of 420 is that it’s a reference to the chemical compound THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
THC has a boiling point of 420 degrees Fahrenheit, so some people believe that 420 is a reference to the optimal temperature for vaporizing or smoking marijuana.
However, this theory is also not widely accepted, and it’s more likely that 420 originated as a simple code word among the Waldos.
It’s Not a Secret Code, and It’s Not a Police Code. What the Hell is 420 Anyway?
Contrary to popular belief, 420 is not a police code for marijuana use, nor is it a reference to April 20th, the date of the infamous Columbine High School shooting.
These are both myths that have been perpetuated over the years but have no basis in reality.
In fact, 420 has no official meaning or association with any particular event or date. It’s simply a term that’s evolved over time to become a shorthand for marijuana culture.
From Aliens to the Illuminati: The Craziest Theories about 420
Of course, when it comes to something as ubiquitous as 420, there are bound to be some wild theories and ideas floating around.
Some people believe that 420 is a reference to the number of active chemicals in marijuana, while others think that it’s a nod to the distance between the Earth and the moon.
There are even some people who believe that 420 is a secret code used by the Illuminati to signal their support for marijuana legalization. Needless to say, these ideas are not based in reality, but they’re certainly entertaining to consider.
| Truths of 420 | Lies of 420 |
|---|---|
| 420 is a term used in cannabis culture | 420 is the police code for cannabis possession |
| 420 originated with a group of high school students in California in the 1970s | 420 was the number of chemicals in cannabis |
| 420 has become a symbol of cannabis culture and a day to celebrate and consume cannabis | 420 is Adolf Hitler’s birthday |
| 420 has also become a day of activism and advocacy for cannabis law reform | 420 is the number of active chemicals in cannabis |
| Some cities hold 420-related events and celebrations | Smoking cannabis at 4:20 PM will give you superpowers |
Everything 420 – Here’s a list of the Top 5 (420) related events in the US.
Note: Not all of these events happen during the weekend of 420. 420 more broadly is a celebration between advocates and consumers of cannabis.
- The Cannabis Cup – This is one of the most prestigious and well-known 420 events in the country, held in various locations throughout the year. The Cannabis Cup brings together cannabis connoisseurs, growers, and enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate the best strains, products, and innovations in the industry. It features live music, food, vendors, and of course, plenty of cannabis.
- Denver’s 420 Festival – The Mile High City’s 420 Festival is one of the largest celebrations in the country, attracting tens of thousands of people each year. It features live music, vendors, and food trucks, and is held in the heart of downtown Denver. The event is free and open to the public, and is a great way to experience the city’s thriving cannabis culture.
- The National Cannabis Festival – This annual event is held in Washington D.C. and brings together activists, entrepreneurs, and cannabis enthusiasts from across the country. It features live music, speakers, vendors, and a variety of educational and interactive exhibits. The festival also supports local advocacy groups and aims to raise awareness about the benefits of cannabis.
- The Emerald Cup – Held in Santa Rosa, California, the Emerald Cup is a two-day event that celebrates the best in outdoor-grown cannabis. It features live music, vendors, and a variety of exhibits and competitions, including the highly anticipated cannabis flower competition. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a must-attend for any cannabis enthusiast.
- Seattle’s Hempfest – Hempfest is one of the oldest and largest cannabis events in the country, attracting over 100,000 attendees each year. The festival features live music, vendors, and a variety of educational exhibits, as well as a large “protestival” atmosphere. The event aims to raise awareness about cannabis law reform and the benefits of hemp and cannabis.
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Everything 420 : Other 420 Related Questions
What does 420 stand for?
420 is a slang term that refers to cannabis culture and the consumption of cannabis. It is believed to have originated in the 1970s in California, and has since become a symbol of cannabis counterculture.
What is the origin of 420?
The origin of 420 is somewhat murky, but it is believed to have started with a group of high school students in California who would meet at 4:20 PM to smoke cannabis. The term eventually caught on and has since become a symbol of cannabis culture.
What is a dab rig?
A dab rig is a type of water pipe that is used for smoking cannabis concentrates, such as wax, shatter, or oil. It typically consists of a glass water pipe, a nail or banger, and a torch for heating the concentrate.
Why is 420 so special?
420 is considered special by cannabis enthusiasts because it has become a symbol of cannabis culture and a day to celebrate and consume cannabis. It has also become a day of activism and advocacy for cannabis law reform.
What is the significance of 420 to potheads?
To many potheads, 420 is a sacred day to celebrate and consume cannabis with friends and like-minded individuals. It is also a day to raise awareness about cannabis law reform and to advocate for the legalization and destigmatization of cannabis use.
