Every year on April 20th, cannabis lovers across the country come together to celebrate the plant that brings us a little peace, a little perspective, and let’s be honest, a really great time. But where did 4/20 actually come from? And why is it such a big deal?
Let’s break down the origins of 4/20 and explore how edibles—especially the kind you can sip, stir, or drizzle—are helping modern cannabis fans celebrate in a whole new way.
From After-School Ritual to Global Holiday
No, “420” is not a police code for marijuana possession. It’s not Bob Marley’s birthday either. And nope, it has nothing to do with the number of active compounds in weed. Some even point to Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” but that theory doesn’t really hold up, either.
The real story started with a group of high schoolers in San Rafael, California, back in the early ’70s. They called themselves “The Waldos” — because they loved hanging out by a wall, obviously — and they’d meet up at exactly 4:20 p.m. after school to smoke and search for a rumored secret weed crop. They never found the weed, but they did spark a movement.
“420” became their code for lighting up, and with a bit of help from Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, whose rehearsals the Waldos sometimes attended, the slang spread through the Deadhead fanbase and became deeply rooted in cannabis counterculture. Eventually, publications like High Times helped bring it to the mainstream.
Now, 4/20 is a day that brings together cannabis advocates, music lovers, and wellness seekers, from Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park to Seattle, Denver, New York, and beyond.
Politics, Policy & the Push for Legalization
But 4/20 has never just been about lighting up. It’s always had an edge of protest and politics. For decades, cannabis users and advocates have used the day to call attention to the injustices of cannabis law, the war on drugs, and ongoing criminalization.
The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug, placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. This classification helped fuel mass incarceration, particularly in communities of color, and pushed agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration to aggressively enforce anti-cannabis policies.
As momentum grew for decriminalization and legalization, 4/20 became a day for activism. Figures like Vivian McPeak, founder of the Seattle Hempfest, and others pushed for public awareness, calling out outdated legislation, unjust law enforcement practices, and the human cost of prohibition.
Across the U.S. and the world, cannabis policy is changing, but the work isn’t done. 4/20 remains a day to celebrate progress and push for continued reform.
How 4/20 Made it to the Mainstream
As cannabis laws slowly began to shift, so did the public perception of the plant, and 4/20 right along with it. What started as a quiet code among a few friends turned into a rallying cry for reform, and eventually, a date recognized by everyone from college students to canna-curious professionals.
Throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, 4/20 gatherings started popping up on college campuses, where thousands would gather each April to make a statement (and enjoy the day). In places like Hippie Hill in San Francisco or Seattle’s Hempfest, the holiday became equal parts political and celebratory—part music festival, part peaceful protest.
As the cannabis movement picked up steam in states like Colorado, Oregon, and California, 4/20 became less about resisting the system and more about embracing the lifestyle. Brands started getting involved, events became more polished, and media coverage turned the once-underground celebration into a headline-worthy event.
Of course, the roots of the holiday still run deep in the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s, but today’s 4/20 also includes cannabis lounges, family-friendly festivals, and educational panels alongside the classic smoke circles.
It’s a celebration that reflects cannabis itself: still revolutionary, still healing, and now a little more accessible than ever.
Why Edibles Are the Modern 4/20 Move
Cannabis has evolved, and so has how we consume it. For many people today, smoking isn’t the go-to; it’s edibles.
Here’s why THC syrups and infused gummies are becoming the new 4/20 favorite:
- No combustion, no coughing – Edibles are ideal for those who want to skip the smoke and still get the high.
- Controlled dosing – You know exactly how many milligrams you’re getting. No guesswork, just all the good stuff.
- Endless versatility – Mix a syrup in a mocktail, or add some gummies to your dessert. Whether you’re chilling at home or hanging with friends, it’s easy to tailor your high to your plans.
All of our products are precisely dosed and third-party tested, so you know exactly what you’re getting every time. No surprises. Just a smooth, enjoyable experience you can count on for 4/20 and beyond.
Celebrate Your Way
Whether you’re honoring the history, supporting the movement, or just enjoying the moment, make this 4/20 one to remember. Explore our lineup of precision-dosed THC gummies and syrups and find your perfect way to celebrate.
