There’s something in the air today, and if you haven’t already guessed, it’s because it’s April 20 or 4/20, commonly referred to as “Weed Day.” But have you ever wondered how the number 420 became synonymous with smoking marijuana?
Let’s start with the myths and rumors. Some people say that 420 comes from California’s criminal codes for marijuana use, but that’s not true. Others say that it’s a police radio code for drug busts, but again, not true. And then there’s the idea that it comes from Bob Dylan’s song, “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” where the math works out to 420. However, there’s no confirmation from Dylan himself.
The theory that holds the most water is that 420 started as a secret code among high schoolers in the early 1970s. A group of friends, known as “the Waldos,” at San Rafael High School in Marin County, California, used to meet at 4:20 p.m. to smoke weed. The time was perfect as they were out of school, but their parents weren’t home yet. They met near a statue of Louis Pasteur, and the code became a way for them to talk about getting high in front of their parents. The code then spread through California, possibly via Grateful Dead followers, and now it’s part of pop culture.
The use of 420 is not limited to just April 20, but it has become a day of celebration for marijuana enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s clear that 420 has become a significant part of popular culture, and it all started with a group of high school friends looking for a secret code to use in front of their parents.
