The association of "420" with weed originates from a group of high school students in the early 1970s in San Rafael, California, who called themselves the "Waldos." They used the term "420" as a code for meeting at 4:20 p.m. to smoke marijuana together. This term eventually spread through their connection with the Grateful Dead band and was popularized nationwide by the magazine High Times in the early 1990s. Today, April 20 (4/20) is celebrated as an unofficial holiday for cannabis culture and advocacy.

Origin Story of 420

• The "Waldos," a group of five San Rafael High School students, used "420" to designate their daily meet-up time of 4:20 p.m. to smoke marijuana.
• The term started as a shorthand for "4:20 Louis," referencing their meeting place near a Louis Pasteur statue on school grounds, which was eventually shortened to "420."
• The Waldos' connection to the Grateful Dead helped popularize the term in the wider cannabis community.

Myths and Misconceptions

• Several myths surround 420, such as it being a police code for marijuana use, the number of marijuana compounds, or Bob Marley's birthday, but none are true.
• The most credible explanation remains the Waldos' story, documented and supported by historical artifacts cited by the Oxford English Dictionary.

Cultural Impact

• 420 evolved into a code word for marijuana consumption, and April 20 became a day for cannabis enthusiasts to celebrate, advocate for legalization, and raise awareness about cannabis culture.
• The term and date are now widely recognized and celebrated with events, including festivals and promotions in legal cannabis states.

This widely accepted origin story explains why 420 is synonymous with weed today.