We use cookies to improve your experience

By continuing you agree to our privacy policy

Ok
Meaning of 420

What is the Meaning Behind 420?

Weedbates Contributor
04/20/2022

What is the meaning behind 420? Today, people from all over the world gather on April 20 to celebrate cannabis culture. For some, it’s a day to enjoy marijuana with friends.

For others, it’s an opportunity to advocate for the legalization of the plant. Few people actually know the true origins of the phrase. So how did it become synonymous with marijuana?

In this article, we will find out the true meaning behind 420, and why it’s become such a popular holiday. We will also explore some interesting facts about 420 that some people might not know about.

WHAT DOES 420 MEAN?

As you know, the term is used today as a code for marijuana. But where did the term come from? No one knows with certainty where the term 420 originated but, there are a few stories that seem to be more credible than others.

Some of the stories are discussed below. 

THE CALIFORNIA STUDENT'S STORY

The most popular story attributes the term to a group of San Rafael students in San Rafael, California, in the 1970s. The group of friends called themselves “The Waldos,” and they would often meet up at 4:20 pm to smoke marijuana.

When one of the students called for a "420 meeting," they would meet at 420pm near the statue of Louis Pasteur statue, on the grounds of San Rafael High School to search for a rumored stash of cannabis that was hidden.

They never found the stash but the meetups continued and the term 420 eventually became their code word for smoking weed. After that, the Grateful Dead got involved.

THE GRATEFUL DEAD STORY

In 1970, The Grateful Dead moved to the San Rafael area from Los Angeles. One of the band members, Bob Weir, was friends with one of the waldo's parents which is how they picked up the phrase.

The term eventually spread among the Grateful Dead community and after a story of the waldos appeared in the magazine, " High Times," the term started to be accepted as the hour to use cannabis.

It has now become an international holiday celebrated by marijuana smokers all around the world.

THE BOB DYLAN STORY

In 1971, Bob Dylan released the song “Rainy Day Women ♯12 & 35,” which included the lyric, “Everybody must get stoned.” Some people believe that this lyric is the origin of the term 420.

The theory goes that Dylan’s song was popular among the Waldos, and they started using the lyric as a code word for marijuana. This is unlikely, however, as the song was not released until after the Waldos had started using the term.

THE POLICE CODE STORY

Some people believe that it started as a police code. It’s often been said that 420 was the penal code used in California for marijuana offenses. And some people say that it refers to the sale of marijuana, I.E 4-20.

While these stories are interesting, there is no evidence to support it. In fact, the first known use of the term in relation to marijuana was in 1971, long before any police codes were in place. The story continues to circulate because it’s a simple explanation for the origins of 420. So, while the police code story is interesting, it’s unlikely to be true. 

THE NUMEROLOGY STORY

The number has a lot of meaning in numerology. Some believe that the term was started by people who were interested in this form of divination. The number 420 can be reduced to a single digit, 4+2+0=6. The number 6 is associated with the sun, and with cannabis.

It’s also worth noting that April 20 is the 110th day of the year. When you reduce 1+1+0, you get 2, which is a number that’s associated with balance and harmony. So, it’s possible that the team was started by people who were interested in numerology and the occult.

THE BIRTHDAY STORY

Some believe that the term 420 was started as a code to celebrate these birthdays.

The most far-fetched story is that some infamous historical figures were born on April 20th and that the term 420 is a reference to his birthday. This story is not supported by any evidence and is most likely just an urban legend. Obviously, this story is unlikely to be true, as no one wants to celebrate the birthday of one of the evilest dictators in history.

There are a few famous people whose birthdays fall on April 20.

Other famous people with April 20 birthdays include:

- Steve Jobs

- Bill Gates

- Leonardo da Vinci

- Dr. Seuss

So, while the birthday story is interesting, it’s not likely to be the true origin.

THE BEN AND JERRY'S STORY

It is unknown how Ben and Jerry's became associated with 420. However, it is speculated that Ben and Jerry's may have started using 420 as a code for the consumption of cannabis after the ice cream company was founded in 1978.

It is also possible that Ben and Jerry's became associated with it because the company's products are often consumed by people who use cannabis.

THE BIBLE STORY

Another story claims that the term 420 is derived from a passage in the Bible. In the Book of Revelation, Chapter 6, Verse 20, it reads:

“I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!’”

Some people believe that the term 420 is a reference to this passage in the Bible, as the numerical value of “four” in Hebrew is “dalet,” which sounds like the word “deal.”

There is no evidence to support this claim, and it seems more likely that people are reading too much into the numerical coincidence.

THE TELEGRAPH STORY

Another story claims that 420 was the telegraph address for a group of Californian friends who loved to smoke weed. They would meet up at 4:20 pm to smoke pot. They started using 420 as a code to tell others when it was time to meet up and smoke weed.

THE ACTIVE CHEMICALS STORY

Another story says that 420 is a reference to the number of active chemicals in marijuana but the story is not backed up by any scientific evidence.

THE 710 STORY

710 is the numeral for OIL. 710 upside down looks like OIL. This is in reference to smoking dabs, concentrates, and oils.


THE 710 STORY OF 420

420 AND RAP MUSIC

The term 420 has been used in rap music since the early 1990s.

THE RAP MUSIC STORIES

The term 420 has been used in rap music since the early 1990s.

One of the earliest examples is from the 1992 song "Indo Smoke" by Cypress Hill. In the song, the rappers talk about smoking cannabis "from India to Marin County." The term 420 then started appearing in other songs throughout the 1990s.

One of the most famous uses of 420 in rap music is in the 1998 song "Ain't No Fun (If The Homies Can't Have None)" by Snoop Dogg. In the song, Snoop Dogg raps about smoking weed with his friends, and he includes the line "it's 4:20 all in the Dogg house."

This use of 420 in rap music is likely what led to the widespread use of the term in popular culture.

420 AND MEME

420 Meme is an online community that celebrates 420, or the consumption of cannabis. 420 Meme is a place where users can share and create content about 420, such as memes, videos, and articles. 420 Meme is also a place where users can buy and sell products related to 420 culture. 420 Meme is a safe and welcoming community for all cannabis lovers.

420 AND TWITTER

Twitter has become one of the most popular places to discuss 420. On April 20th, Twitter users often share 420-related content, such as memes, videos, and articles. 420-related hashtags, such as #420 and #stoners are also popular on Twitter.

420 AND FACEBOOK

Facebook is another popular place to discuss 420. On April 20th, Facebook users often share 420-related content, such as memes, videos, and articles. 420-related groups and pages are also popular on Facebook.

420 AND INSTAGRAM

Instagram is a popular place to share 420-related content, such as photos and videos of cannabis plants and products. Hashtags, such as #420 and #stoners are also popular on Instagram.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In 2022, the legalization of cannabis will be a hot topic. People will be looking for information on what it is and what it means. The meaning of 420 is still up for debate and it probably always will be.

420 has become an international holiday celebrated by marijuana smokers all around the world and whether you celebrate it or not, we can all agree that 420 is now a part of pop culture and it doesn't seem like it's going anywhere anytime soon. Thanks for reading!


Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

Discover weed you never knew existed

By accessing this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy