The Origins of 4/20 | National Cannabis Day

Sam B • April 1, 2025

The Origins of 4/20: How a Simple Code Became a Global Cannabis Celebration

For cannabis lovers everywhere, April 20th (4/20) isn’t just another day—it’s the ultimate excuse to kick back, light up, and celebrate the plant we all know and love. Whether you're rolling up some top-shelf flower, hitting a THC vape, or munching on a Delta-9 gummy, knowing the story behind 4/20 just makes it that much better. So, where did it all start? Let’s take a little trip back in time.


The “Waldos” and the Birth of 420

Back in the early 1970s, a group of high school buddies from San Rafael, California, known as the Waldos, came up with “420” as their secret code. Every day after school, they’d meet up at 4:20 PM to smoke and search for a legendary, abandoned cannabis crop. Spoiler alert: they never found it. But the 420 code stuck, and soon it became a low-key way to talk about weed without raising eyebrows.


How 420 Went from Inside Joke to Worldwide Phenomenon

Thanks to the Waldos’ connection to The Grateful Dead, the term started spreading beyond their friend group. Deadheads picked it up, and before long, “420” was the go-to reference for all things cannabis. Then, in the 1990s, High Times Magazine published stories about the origins of 4/20, giving it an even bigger platform. From there, it didn’t take long for April 20th to become the day for celebrating cannabis culture.


4/20 Today: A Worldwide Smoke Sesh

Fast-forward to today, and 4/20 is basically Christmas for stoners. From massive public smoke-outs in Denver, San Francisco, and Vancouver to laid-back sessions at home with friends, it’s all about enjoying good vibes and good weed. Here’s what goes down every year:

  • Dispensary Hookups: Shops everywhere drop huge 4/20 deals on THC flower, edibles, vapes, and concentrates.
  • Rallies & Legalization Efforts: The fight for federal cannabis legalization is still going strong, and 4/20 is the perfect time to show support.
  • Chill & Celebrate: Whether you're sparking up at a festival or just vibing with a THC-infused edible, it’s all about enjoying the plant in whatever way feels right.


Looking Ahead: The Future of 4/20

Cannabis culture is bigger than ever, and 4/20 just keeps evolving. With more states legalizing weed, new products like high-potency concentrates and THC beverages, and growing acceptance of cannabis as a legit wellness tool, the future looks bright (and kinda hazy, if we’re being honest).

At Prairie State Hemp, we’re here to help you make the most of every 4/20 (and every other day, too). Whether you're after top-shelf bud, THC gummies, or smooth-hitting vapes, we’ve got you covered.


Final Thoughts: Why 4/20 Still Hits Different

At the end of the day, April 20th is about more than just getting high—it’s about celebrating how far cannabis culture has come. So however you’re spending the day, make sure to enjoy the moment, share the love, and pass it to the left.

Happy 4/20 from all of us at Prairie State Hemp! 🌿🔥

Stock Up for 4/20: Shop the Best THC Products Now




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