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What began as a secret meeting time among high school friends in 1970s California has grown into a globally recognized symbol of cannabis culture. The number “420”—now shorthand for April 20 and all things marijuana-related—originated not in a legislative chamber or activist rally, but beside a statue of Louis Pasteur at San Rafael High School.
In the early 1970s, a group of students who called themselves “the Waldos” used the term “420” as code. They would meet at 4:20 p.m., after practice, to search for a rumored cannabis crop near Point Reyes. One of the group had received a hand-drawn map from a Coast Guard service member who could no longer care for the plants. Though they never found the site, the tradition stuck. “420 Louis” became “420.”
Through personal connections—one of the Waldos had a brother who managed real estate for the Grateful Dead—the term began circulating among the band’s inner circle. As the Dead toured, so did the slang. By the late 1980s, 420 had spread among Deadheads and found its way into broader cannabis subculture.
The tipping point came in 1990. A flyer distributed outside a Grateful Dead concert invited people to “smoke 420” on April 20 at 4:20 p.m. One copy landed with High Times editor Steven Hager, who published it the following year. From there, the number gained national recognition.
By the early 2000s, April 20 had become an unofficial cannabis holiday, observed through festivals, rallies, and informal gatherings in cities around the world. Some events took a political tone, pushing for decriminalization or access to medical cannabis. Others leaned into celebration. Despite differing interpretations, the date had staying power.
Today, 420 carries multiple meanings: a time of day, a date, a shorthand for cannabis-friendly spaces. For some, it’s a lighthearted reference. For others, it reflects decades of advocacy and shifting legal norms. Commercial interest in the date has grown as more states legalize marijuana, but the origin story remains rooted in youth, curiosity, and the simplicity of a meeting time after school.
The Waldos have since verified their role through letters, newspaper clippings, and early references. While slang terms often blur over time, 420’s journey is unusually well-documented—its endurance a testament to how small cultural artifacts, passed between friends, can echo across generations.
Though the number has traveled far from San Rafael High, the original meaning still lingers just beneath the surface: a meeting place, a shared understanding, and a plan to light up—together—at 4:20.
🌿 4/20 Events in West Hollywood
The Artist Tree – 420 Carnival
On April 20, The Artist Tree is hosting its annual 420 Carnival from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at their West Hollywood location. The event features live music, immersive entertainment, carnival snacks like cotton candy and popcorn, games, giveaways, and special activations with brands such as Maven and Bloom. Attendees can enjoy non-alcoholic signature cocktails and explore various cannabis products in a festive atmosphere.
The Woods WeHo – Woodchella 2025
The Woods WeHo presents Woodchella 2025, an all-day celebration on April 20 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Curated by Salvador Santana, the event offers four unique sessions, each limited to 100 guests, featuring live music, art installations, educational experiences, a sushi bar, brick oven pizza, and a 42% discount on all store items. Tickets are required for entry, with options for individual sessions or cabana reservations.
PleasureMed – Buds & Bites
PleasureMed, in collaboration with PuffDAO, is hosting Buds & Bites on April 20 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at their Irie Restaurant & Lounge. The event includes a high-energy market experience with cannabis deals, culinary offerings, and community engagement. Notably, Ben & Jerry’s will be present, serving ice cream as part of the Last Prisoner Project’s 420 For Freedom campaign, advocating for cannabis clemency.
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