The Evolution of 4/20: From Humble Roots to Cannabis Celebration
April 20th, often referred to as 4/20, is widely recognized within marijuana culture as a day of celebration and, in some regions, protest. The holiday has its roots in the 1970s with a group of students from San Rafael High School in California, known as "the Waldos." They are credited with coining the term "420," which has since become synonymous with cannabis. The Oxford English Dictionary acknowledged the significance of the term in 2017, recognizing the Waldos' early usage.
The 4/20 event has evolved over time, reflecting the changing legal and social landscape surrounding marijuana. In the United States, recreational marijuana use has been legalized in nearly half of the states as well as in the nation's capital, Washington D.C. Many of these states have also introduced social equity measures to address the impacts of previous drug enforcement policies on communities of color.
Gatherings on this date often occur at 4:20 p.m. and range from campus quads to pot shops offering special discounts in states where the substance is legal. Large-scale events, such as the Mile High 420 Festival in Denver, attract thousands, while smaller events are widespread. Despite its legalization in various jurisdictions, the originators of the 4/20 holiday and their intentions beyond the Waldos' initial use remain largely unknown.
