The term “420” has become a widely recognized slang term associated with marijuana use. It is used both as a noun referring to marijuana or weed itself, and as an adjective to describe something related to marijuana or cannabis culture. The origin and meaning behind the number 420 have developed a few common myths and theories over the years. Here is a deeper look into the history and usage of 420 in slang.
Origin Theories of 420
There are a few popular theories about where the slang use of 420 originated from:
- It refers to the police code for marijuana offenses used in California. Some claim 420 was chosen because it was the radio code used by the police to describe smoking marijuana. However, there is no evidence that such a police code ever existed.
- It refers to the number of chemical compounds in cannabis. A common myth is that there are 420 active chemical compounds in cannabis, therefore 420 became associated with it. In reality, scientists have identified over 500 chemical compounds in cannabis.
- It originated with a group of high school students in the 1970s, known as “The Waldos”, who would meet at 4:20 pm to search for an abandoned cannabis crop. This story is considered the most likely origin, as The Waldos were a real group who used the term regularly.
While the exact origin is still debated, 420 began being used as a code word for marijuana and pushing for legalization in the early 1970s in California. Its frequent use among Deadheads and Hippies helped popularize it and spread it nationally in the 1980s and 1990s.
Modern Use as Slang
The term 420 is now extensively used in slang to refer to marijuana, cannabis culture, and weed-related activities. Some examples of how it is commonly used include:
- “420” – used as a noun to refer to marijuana or the act of consuming marijuana. “I’m picking up some 420 for later.”
- “420-friendly” – describing a person or place that is welcoming and tolerant of marijuana use and cannabis culture.
- “420 culture” – referring to the subculture that embraces and celebrates cannabis use and advocacy. Aspects include music, art, festivals, and practices like group smoking sessions.
- “Celebrate 420” or “Happy 420” – referring to the consumption of marijuana around April 20th (4/20) or at 4:20 pm as an act of celebrating cannabis.
Significance of April 20th
April 20, or 4/20, has become a counterculture holiday celebrating and consuming cannabis. Some key facts about the significance of 4/20 include:
- It originated from The Waldos deciding to meet at 4:20 pm to search for an abandoned marijuana crop.
- In the 1990s, Deadheads helped spread the idea of celebrating 4/20 as a day to smoke together communally.
- April 20, or 4/20, is now celebrated worldwide as a counterculture version of a holiday centered around cannabis use and advocacy.
- Large public gatherings like festivals, rallies, and smoke sessions occur on April 20th.
- People commonly consume marijuana and CBD products at 4:20 pm on April 20th.
While April 20th has no legal significance, it has become an important date for the cannabis subculture and illegal marijuana use. The emergence of legalization has also given more public visibility to 4/20 celebrations.
Other Common 420 Slang Terms
Beyond just “420”, there are a variety of other slang terms related to marijuana that incorporate the number 420 or 4/20. Some examples include:
- “420-ing” – the act of smoking marijuana.
- “420 sesh” – a smoking session, usually with a group.
- “420-friendly” – indicating something welcoming or tolerant of cannabis use.
- “420 blaze it” – encouragement to smoke marijuana.
- “420 Cheba Chews” – a brand of weed-infused candy.
- “420 bargains” – deals on weed products around 4/20.
- “420 Tours” – marijuana-themed vacations and travel.
As cannabis culture and marijuana legalization continue expanding, creative uses of 420 in branding and slang also keep emerging. The association of 420 with marijuana has made it an easy shorthand in product names and event promotions looking to connect with cannabis enthusiasts.
420 in Pop Culture
References to 420 have become common across movies, music, and television that portray marijuana use or reference cannabis culture. Some examples include:
- Pulp Fiction – a scene featuring characters smoking marijuana takes place at 4:20 pm.
- Family Guy – episode 420 titled “Blazed and Confused” centers around marijuana legalization.
- The High Road podcast – episode #420 features an interview with Tommy Chong.
- “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” by Bob Dylan – believed by some to reference 420 in the confusing song title.
- “Roll It Up” by Cypress Hill – lyrics promote smoking marijuana at 4:20 pm.
Part of what gives 420 its continued mystique and popularity is how it has been subtly referenced and woven into pop culture. Comedic references in particular help normalize the concept and spread it to wider audiences.
420 Legality and Stigma
An important reality surrounding the 420 phenomenon is that marijuana possession and use remains federally illegal in the United States and many other countries. While states are increasingly legalizing recreational and medical marijuana, 420 celebrations can still carry legal risks. Some key legal considerations related to 420 include:
- Marijuana is still largely illegal, and 420 celebrations promote illegal behavior in most jurisdictions.
- Law enforcement sometimes increases patrols around April 20th, watching for public 420 consumption.
- Colleges and universities maintain prohibitions on marijuana use, leading to campus warnings against 4/20 events.
- 420 promotion still carries stigma, limiting mainstream embrace and marketing opportunities.
However, as legal barriers continue falling, restrictions surrounding 420 celebrations have also eased over time. The legalized cannabis industry has begun to cautiously market 420-related events and products where possible.
420 Meaning and Significance Today
While the origin story of 420 may remain partially unknown, the prevalence of the term in modern cannabis culture and slang is undeniable. As a shorthand for marijuana, 420 has established itself as the universally recognized numeric code, both among users and the general public.
The legalization movement and cannabis subculture have coalesced around 420 over the years, imbuing the number with a significance extending beyond just being a slang term. Groups intentionally meeting at 4:20pm and celebrating on April 20th entrenched 420 as a viral phenomenon.
For cannabis enthusiasts, 420 has become both a codeword and a holiday centered around civil disobedience. Yet 420 has also achieved mainstream familiarity and recognition as marijuana use becomes more acceptable. The embrace and marketing of 420 reflects this growing normalization and evolution beyond rebelliousness. 420’s legacy demonstrates the ability for even illegality and counterculture to generate symbols that shape language and culture.
Conclusion
The use of 420 as slang for marijuana has a long, fascinating history driven by the cannabis subculture. While its origins as a numeric code referring to smoking remain debated, as both a subtle noun and a holiday for “getting high”, 420 has clearly left a permanent imprint. Even if the specifics fade, the shared pop culture familiarity with 420 will likely persist and continue evolving alongside attitudes about marijuana and legalization.