Holiday Haze: The History of 420
Long before it was a number used to identify marijuana use, The term 420 has been used for decades by a group of people who share no common medical or recreational agenda. This is an interesting and rare collection of stories and facts about 420. From the beginning until today's worldwide acceptance, in this episode Toya takes you through time while explaining the origins of 420.
The term '420' was first used in 1971 by a group of high school students.
In 1971, a group of five teenagers in San Rafael, CA, smoked their first ever marijuana “joint” at 4:20 pm. At the time, it didn't strike them as any different than smoking at any other time of day or on any other day of the week — except that they never kept track of time as religiously before. The clock had always seemed boring and predictable; almost like clockwork. Yet this seemingly pointless activity would be what started 420 off on its current trajectory into stoner lore.
The phrase 420 spread beyond the initial group of teenagers.
“What will we smoke on?” The phrase spread beyond the initial group of teenagers at San Rafael High to all corners of the Grateful Dead community and eventually worldwide when some of their fans attended Vancouver's The Trips Festival in January 1966. A flyer (page 3, middle) advertising "“The Smoke-In” — a gathering to take place during the Trips Festival — lists Magic Acid (Mark McCloud), Golden Turd (Donovan) & Happy Pill as entertainment for the evening.
Every year, April 20th is observed as a day to protest marijuana laws and promote the decriminalization of cannabis. The use of cannabis is illegal in most countries, but it does not stop people from using it, especially on this day.
420 was picked as a day to hold protests
According to an interview with the Huffington Post, the son of Louis Pasteur (the scientist who invented pasteurization) claimed his father discovered a cure for tuberculosis, but the French government did not want him to reveal it because they thought there would be too much competition in the wine industry. This claim is backed up by documents found by Danny Danko from High Times, which show that Pasteur was experimenting with terpenes and cannabinoids in the late 19th century.
The US government under President Richard Nixon declared war on drugs in 1971. The Controlled Substances Act classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse. This led to more arrests for possession than any other drug combined.
In 1972, a group called NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) tried to petition Congress and get marijuana moved off Schedule I but was unsuccessful. They then decided they would try again later with more public support.
“420 is half celebration and half call to action.”
The City of San Rafael hosted a '420 Day' event in 2005
The City of San Rafael hosted a "420 Day" event in 2005. The event included a festival and the planting of 420 marijuana plants. The city also adopted the number as its police code for marijuana violations. On April 20, 2010, Oakland, California, held a "Global Marijuana March" event in which over 2,000 people marched to promote legalization of cannabis. On April 20, 2011, events were held throughout the United States to protest marijuana prohibition laws. In New York City, the march went from Washington Square Park to Union Square and then back to the Washington Square Park where there was a concert with live reggae music by Yellowman along with other performers.
In 2014, the Denver 420 Rally drew thousands of people to downtown Denver's Civic Center Park and featured musical acts Cypress Hill, Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa as well as speakers including U.S. Representative Jared Polis (D-CO).
Conclusion
The story of 420 as a counter-cultural phrase and a rallying cry for the legalization of marijuana is not nearly as hazy as the smoke that wafts from the bong. While we have no way of knowing who first uttered "420," it's definitely a term that has evolved, taken on a life of its own and become ingrained in our vocabulary. Looking at 420's past, we can only imagine what it may bring in its future. If you are not a fan of changing attitudes towards cannabis, use or simply do not care about 420, that's fine. But keep this in mind, regardless of where you stand on marijuana legalizations or non-legalizations, having your brand associated with 420 is not a bad thing. Everybody knows what 420 and 4:20 means. Happy April 20th, everyone.
Tune in to the episode as Toya takes us through the true origins, the true roots of the term 420 and how it became codeword for cannabis and also how it became this historic data. You will discover that this is a very non melanated history but very interesting one.
Sit back, relax, and let's get started!
Timestamps
[00:05:10] The several theories regarding the term 420
[00:06:13] The history of 420 during the disco era
[00:07:50] The Waldos and why they refer to themselves so
[00:10:00] How 420 really began
[00: 10:45] How 420 was managed to be spread internationally
[00:10:55] Who were The Grateful Dead?
[00:15:00] The High Times A very popular cannabis enthusiast magazine starts using the term 420.
[00:16:27] Why April has become an international counter culture holiday
[00:17:50] Several locations in America to observe 420 celebrations
[00:19:0] The most recent cannabis celebration
[00:19:47] Different ways you can celebrate 420
[00:21:08] marijuana tax act that basically prohibited cannabis throughout the US.
[00:23:04] A lot of talk on decriminalizing cannabis
[00:26:07] Some black cannabis brands to enjoy and support making an impact in the green rush
[00:33:37] CBD alternative to Cannabis
