What does 420 mean?

In the universe of cannabis culture, the number 420 is one of the most emblematic numbers. This number refers to April 20, a date that has become the symbol of the cannabis community, turning into a global symbol of claim, celebration, and above all, identity. Keep reading this article and learn all about the origin and what does 420 mean.

Origin of 420 and its meaning

420 started as a secret message, which gradually spread and is no longer so secret; April 20 is World Marijuana Day according to the United States calendar. Indeed, April 20 is written as 4/20, which coincides with the cannabis number.

History of 420

The history behind 420 intertwines with urban legends, iconic figures, and historical moments.

Among some of the most common theories, it is said that April 20 was the birth or death of Bob Marley, one of the most representative figures of marijuana legalization, and that’s why it’s Marijuana Day. Others claim it’s called that because of the number of cannabinoids in cannabis, although it has been shown to contain more than 500, thus this theory can be dismissed.

Furthermore, in the early 90s, the cannabis magazine High Times published an article explaining that in San Rafael, California, the police used the code 420 to refer to marijuana-related crimes. This was later debunked by one of the original creators of the term 420, who contacted High Times editors.

Evolution of 420

This term emerged in the 70s, linked to a group of students from San Rafael, California, known as the “Waldos”. These young people, after discovering the existence of an abandoned cannabis plantation in Point Reyes, established 4:20 p.m. as their meeting point for the search. So, what started as an internal code among friends quickly spread, adopting a meaning that went far beyond its initial conception.

This number finally became a kind of metaphor for the group, which began to use the term 420 whenever they wanted to meet to smoke joints. This spread worldwide, as it turns out that the Waldos rehearsed in a local on Front Street in San Rafael, and interestingly, members of The Grateful Dead did too.

As the Waldos used the term 420 to refer to smoking joints, it quickly spread throughout the venue. This led The Grateful Dead to adopt the term as well; they began using it on their tours across the United States in the 70s and 80s. Likewise, the editors of The High Times saw the national reach of the term; they began organizing 420 events and using the number in all their publications, turning it into an international phenomenon. This is how the number 420 became a globally celebrated day in honor of marijuana.

Over time, 420 has become an emblematic date, April 20, where the global cannabis community comes together to celebrate, claim rights, and share experiences. This day has become a platform for cannabis education, the fight against its stigmatization, and the promotion of its legalization and regulation.

How is it celebrated?

Over the years, 420 has evolved from being a simple code to being a worldwide event. From concerts, meetings in parks, to political demonstrations, April 20 symbolizes a day of unity and activism to defend THC and CBD flowers. In the United States, for example, significant events have been organized that have captured the media and society’s attention, broadening the dialogue about cannabis and its impact on society.

One of the most famous and well-known 420 celebrations was the “Reschedule 420” demonstration in 2016, where thousands of protesters brought a giant 15-meter inflatable joint to the White House. The giant joint featured the phrase “Obama, decriminalize marijuana now”.

In 2017, activists from the pro-cannabis group DCMJ decided to celebrate the holiday through another type of demonstration; they distributed at least 1000 joints to members of Congress and the press (those over 21, obviously) to end the criminalization of marijuana. Then, they claimed the right to make educated decisions not based on government or media propaganda.

Internationally, 420 serves as a reminder of the growing acceptance of cannabis, as well as the barriers that still exist for its responsible and regulated use. The celebration has expanded beyond the United States borders, reaching countries around the world, where activists and supporters gather to share and spread the message of freedom and change.

710: Another cannabis number

Not less important is 710, a more recent term that has been integrated into the cannabis lexicon. Originating from the word “OIL” spelled backwards, this number refers to cannabis extracts, such as BHO, and celebrates its consumption on July 10. Although 710 does not yet have the tradition and history of 420, it is gaining ground as a symbol of diversity and innovation within the cannabis community.

The origin of this term also has some mystery; the first official celebration of 710 is often considered the 710 Cup, which took place in Denver, Colorado in 2013; nevertheless, there were “unofficial” celebrations before this. Concerning the term 710, it has first emerged in an online forum by a rapper named TaskRok.

TaskRok and some of his friends from the cannabis industry were talking on TinyChat and someone suggested designating another time to smoke their dabs, since 4:20 p.m. was too “old school”. TaskRok suggested 710, which would be OIL inverted and backwards. Additionally, he released an album called The Movement on July 7, 2011, to try to instigate a movement that would make 710 known.

Suddenly, the term began to be commercialized; seed banks, coffee shops, merchandising, and clubs named “710” emerged. TaskRok later said in another interview that, although he had the idea, the term 710 should not belong to anyone; it belongs to everyone.

420: Celebrate and claim!

420 transcends being simply a number; it is a symbol of community, resistance, and hope. It represents the journey of marijuana from the fringes of society to the center of public debate, highlighting advances in the social and legal perception of cannabis. Thus, 420 and now 710, are more than dates on the calendar; they are banners of a movement that seeks not only to celebrate but also to educate and liberate.