Why is 420 Associated with Weed: A Comprehensive Guide
If you're a fan of cannabis culture, you've likely come across the term "420" at some point. This number has become synonymous with marijuana, but have you ever stopped to wonder why? In this article, we'll explore the origins of 420 and how it became so closely tied to weed culture.
What is 420?
420 is a code word used to refer to the consumption of cannabis. It's believed to have originated in the early 1970s among a group of high school students in California. The students would meet up at 4:20 PM to smoke weed, and the term eventually caught on as a way of referring to marijuana use more generally.
The Waldos: The Origin of 420
The story of 420's origins begins with a group of five high school students from San Rafael, California, known as "the Waldos." According to their account, they heard rumors of a secret marijuana garden near their school and decided to go on a hunt for it. They agreed to meet at 4:20 PM to start their search, but they never found the garden.
Although they didn't find the garden, the Waldos continued to use "420" as a code word for smoking weed. They would say "420 Louis" to remind each other to meet up at 4:20 PM, and the term eventually caught on among their wider circle of friends.
The Spread of 420
In the years following the Waldos' first use of 420, the term began to spread beyond their immediate circle. It was popularized by the Grateful Dead, a band that was based in the San Francisco Bay Area and had a large following among cannabis enthusiasts. The band's fans would use "420" as a way of identifying each other at concerts and other events.
As the internet became more widespread, so did the use of 420. The term started to appear on online forums and social media, and it quickly became a widely recognized code word for cannabis use.
Why 420 is Associated with Weed
So why has 420 become so closely associated with marijuana? There are a few different theories.
Police Code Theory
One theory is that 420 was originally a police code for marijuana use. However, this theory has been debunked - there is no evidence that "420" is or ever was a police code for anything related to cannabis.
Bob Dylan Theory
Another theory is that 420 is a reference to a Bob Dylan song called "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35." The song includes the lyrics "Everybody must get stoned," and the numbers 12 and 35 add up to 47 - which, when multiplied by 9, gives you 420. However, this theory is also unlikely, as there's no evidence that the Waldos were Dylan fans or that they had ever heard this song.
April 20th Theory
The most likely explanation for 420's association with weed is simply that it was a convenient code word that caught on among cannabis enthusiasts. However, some people believe that the date April 20th (4/20) is significant because it's Hitler's birthday or the anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. There's no evidence to support either of these claims, and it's more likely that 4/20 became significant simply because of its association with the Waldos and their use of the term.
Conclusion
The origins of 420 may be shrouded in mystery, but there's no denying that it has become an important part of cannabis culture. Whether you're smoking with friends or enjoying some edibles on your own, the term 420 is likely to come up at some point during your experience. And while we may never know for sure why 420 became associated with weed, we can appreciate the rich history and culture that has developed around this term.
So the next time you're enjoying some cannabis with friends, remember the story of the Waldos and the code word they created. And if someone asks you why you keep saying "420," you can share the story and help spread the word about this important piece of marijuana history.
FAQs
What does 420-friendly mean?
420-friendly means that a person or place is open to the use of cannabis. For example, a 420-friendly hotel may allow guests to smoke weed in their rooms.
Is 420 an international phenomenon?
While 420 originated in the United States, it has since spread around the world and is recognized in many countries as a code word for marijuana use.
Can I get in trouble for using the term 420?
No, using the term 420 is not illegal. However, if you use it to refer to illegal activities, you could get in trouble with the law.
Why is marijuana illegal?
The criminalization of marijuana is a complex issue, but it's largely due to a combination of racial prejudice, fear-mongering by politicians, and pressure from powerful industries such as pharmaceuticals and alcohol.
Is marijuana addictive?
While marijuana can be habit-forming, it is not physically addictive in the same way that drugs like heroin or cocaine are. However, some people may develop a psychological dependence on cannabis.
Photo by JOSHUA COLEMAN on Unsplash
