So… Why Is 4/20 a Thing?
Breaking Down the History of 4/20 (Without Sounding Like a History Teacher)
Every April, something shifts in the air. Maybe it’s the smell of… “incense”. Maybe it’s the flood of memes. Or maybe it’s just how much more chill everyone is.
You’ve seen the numbers: 420.
You’ve heard the jokes.
You’ve probably even asked yourself: “Wait… what does 420 even mean?”
Let’s settle it once and for all. This is the real, verified, not-made-up history of 4/20—and how a high school hangout code turned into a global phenomenon.
Where’s Waldo? Apparently, the Center of 4/20
Flashback to 1971. San Rafael High School. A group of five friends, known as The Waldos, heard a rumor about an abandoned plant growing somewhere near the Point Reyes Coast Guard station. Legend had it, it was just sitting there, waiting to be discovered.
Naturally, they had to investigate.
They met at a statue on campus every day after school—specifically at 4:20 PM—and set out on their mission. The mission was a bust (spoiler: they never found the plant), but the timing stuck.
“420” became their inside joke. A casual code they could say around parents, teachers, or anyone else who wasn’t in the know. They’d drop “420” as shorthand for linking up, relaxing, and kicking back with some legal herbal vibes.
What they didn’t know? They were creating a cultural legacy.
Source: https://420waldos.com/
How “420” Went from High School Code to Worldwide Lingo
Turns out, The Waldos had connections.
One of their dads worked with the Grateful Dead, and the group had access to Dead rehearsals, hangouts, and the band’s extended circle of friends. Over time, 420 spread among Deadheads, then made its way onto tour flyers, and eventually found its way to the editors at High Times magazine—the go-to publication for the herb-loving community.
In the early ‘90s, High Times ran with it. They published the term, promoted 4/20 events, and helped lock in April 20th as a cultural holiday of sorts. That’s when things really took off.
Source: https://www.ktvu.com/news/420-origins-traced-to-san-rafaels-waldos
Let’s Clear Up Some Myths
As with anything that goes mainstream, 420 picked up a few wild stories along the way. Let’s bust a few:
- It’s not police code for herbal activity. (420 is a penal code in California…for obstructing access to public land. NOT chill, if you ask me.)
- It’s not the number of chemical compounds in herbs. (That number changes strand to strand.)
- It’s not Bob Marley’s birthday.
It all comes back to The Waldos, a statue, and a time of day.
Why 4/20 Still Hits Today
Over the decades, 4/20 has evolved into more than just a code—it’s a cultural moment.
In states where herb use is fully legal, it’s become a celebration of community, personal freedom, and lifestyle. In other places, it’s more subtle. Either way, April 20th is a time to chill out, reflect on how far things have come, and enjoy the day however it makes sense to you.
And for many, it’s also a great excuse to clean your gear, restock your favorites, and upgrade your setup.
So... What Does 420 Mean to You?
Maybe you landed here after Googling “what does 420 mean” or “origin of 420.” Now you know.
It’s a little piece of stoner lore that’s become a laid-back, yearly tradition for herb lovers everywhere (especially the legal kind). And hey—if it’s just another excuse to treat yourself to something new for your setup? We’re here for it.
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Stock up now and get your setup ready for 4/20.