420 (cannabis culture)

Origins and Evolution of 420

• Term 4:20 linked to search for abandoned cannabis crop in 1971
• Five high school students called the Waldos designated 4:20 pm as meeting time
• Term 4:20 evolved into code-word for consuming cannabis
• Steven Hager of High Times popularized the story of the Waldos
• Cannabis Action Network credited for marking 420 as elements of political and cultural protest
• Ritual started in the early 1970s by Northern California teenagers
• Spread as a yearly event in various places
• Code for smoking cannabis and sign-off on event flyers
• Widespread events on April 20 at colleges
• Various sources detailing the origin and evolution of 420

International Observance of April 20

• April 20 is a counterculture holiday celebrating and consuming cannabis
• Events advocate for cannabis liberalization and legalization
• Many gather in public to smoke at 4:20 pm in civil disobedience
• Cannabis activist Steve DeAngelo notes the evolution of 420 from a statement of conscience to a celebration of acceptance
• April 20 events considered a global movement by Paul Birch

Regional Observances of 420

• Observances held in various locations including New York City, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, and Denver
• Locations like Boston Common, Hippie Hill, and Parliament Hill host 4/20 events
• Denver’s Civic Center Park, Ottawa’s Majors Hill Park, and Berkeley’s University campus are popular spots
• Events in Mexico City, Ann Arbor, and St. Louis also attract participants
• 420 events often include rallies, protests, and celebrations in North America
• Events in Sydney, Melbourne, and Kings Cross have been held over the years
• Locations like Martin Place, Sydney Town Hall, and Sydney City host 420 protests and celebrations
• Sydney’s Weed Craze Collective and Melbourne’s 420 Picnic are notable events
• Jesse Willesee organized a 420 Protest at Sydney Town Hall in 2015
• Australia sees a variety of 420 events advocating for cannabis awareness and legalization
• Events in Hyde Park, London, and Dunedin, New Zealand, at the University of Otago
• University of Ljubljana’s student organization in Slovenia holds annual cannabis-themed protests
• Northern Cyprus saw its first 420 event in 2015 demanding cannabis legalization

Impact and Recognition of 420

• Media coverage and articles on 420 celebrations
• High Times publishing on cannabis culture and 420 significance
• Legalization movements and protests during 420 events
• Recognition of 420 as a significant date for cannabis enthusiasts
• Public perception and evolving attitudes towards 420 celebrations

Legalization Efforts, Protests, and Related Events

• Jesse Willesee joins the 420 pro-marijuana movement
• Police make arrests at cannabis picnic in London
• Police swoop on cannabis protest
• Campus arrests follow marijuana complaints
• Lack of quorum foils cannabis vote
• Sen. Schumer introduces bill to decriminalize marijuana on 4/20
• Colorado auctions cannabis-themed license plates
• D.C. mayor offers pot activist Tag 420
• 4/20 cookbooks for munchies
• History of 420 in three acts

420 (cannabis culture) Data Sources