Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ears, for today we delve deep into the origin of a phrase that has become synonymous with one of the most beloved activities of our time: smoking the devil’s lettuce. Yes, I am talking about the one and only 4:20.
Now, let me tell you, the story of 4:20 is one that has been shrouded in mystery and myth for decades. But fear not, my dear readers, for I have done my research and unearthed the true origin of this fabled phrase.
It all began in the early 1970s in San Rafael, California. A group of high school students known as the Waldos, due to their preferred hangout spot near a wall, began using 4:20 as a code word for their cannabis consumption. Legend has it that the Waldos would meet at 4:20 p.m. after school to partake in their beloved herb.
But that’s not the end of the story, my friends. The real magic happened when the Waldos’ connection to the Grateful Dead came into play. You see, one of the Waldos had an older brother who was friends with Phil Lesh, the bassist of the Dead. The Waldos began to use 4:20 when they would smoke with Lesh and other Deadheads, and the phrase quickly caught on within the Dead’s inner circle.
But it wasn’t until 1991 that 4:20 truly exploded into mainstream culture. That year, a group of Deadheads in Oakland, California, distributed flyers inviting people to smoke “420” on April 20th at 4:20 p.m. The flyers, which made their way to the High Times magazine, sparked a movement that has only grown stronger over the years.
Now, some may argue that 4:20 is simply a time of day, a mere coincidence that has been blown out of proportion by stoners and hippies. But to those naysayers, I say: you clearly do not understand the power of cannabis culture. The significance of 4:20 goes far beyond just a time on the clock. It is a symbol of freedom, of rebellion, of camaraderie among those who share a love of weed.
Then as people began to connect online and share information more freely, the term 4:20 became increasingly widespread. It started to be used as a code word not just for cannabis consumption, but as a general symbol of counterculture and rebellion.
Then, something truly remarkable happened. In the early 2000s, a group of cannabis activists in California decided to use April 20th as a day to celebrate cannabis culture and push for legalization. They called it 4/20, a nod to the original 4:20 code word.
The idea caught on quickly, and soon 4/20 celebrations were happening all over the world. From giant smoke-outs in public parks to private parties and concerts, people were coming together to celebrate their love for cannabis and demand change in the way it was treated by society.
It worked. Over the past few decades, we have seen tremendous progress in the legalization of cannabis around the world. From medical marijuana programs to full-blown legalization in several countries, the tide has turned in favor of cannabis enthusiasts everywhere.
So, my friends, let us raise our joints and our bongs in celebration of the humble 4:20, a code word that has turned into a symbol of hope, freedom, and community.
