The High History of 4/20: How the Pot Holiday Became a Global Phenomenon

The Origins of 4/20: A High School Mystery

Like many great legends, the birth of 4/20 is clouded in mystery—mainly because the people involved were very high. The most widely accepted origin story traces back to 1971 in San Rafael, California, where five high school students, known as The Waldos, coined the term.

They weren’t looking to start a revolution. They were looking for some abandoned weed. Armed with a hand-drawn treasure map, they met at 4:20 p.m. daily to search for a hidden cannabis crop. The crop, as far as history tells us, was never found. But the time 4:20 stuck.

As the Waldos passed the phrase around their circle, it spread like the sweet aroma of a freshly sparked joint. Eventually, it landed in the hands (and mouths) of none other than The Grateful Dead. Once the Deadheads got hold of it, 4/20 was no longer just a number—it was a movement.

The Grateful Dead Connection: Spreading the Word

If anyone deserves credit for launching 4/20 into the cultural stratosphere, it’s The Grateful Dead. The band’s dedicated fan base—people who followed them from concert to concert—were the original influencers, minus the Instagram filters.

One particular Deadhead, Steve Bloom, was working as a reporter for High Times magazine when he saw the term 4:20 on a flyer at a 1990 Dead show. The flyer explained that “4:20 is when we get high.” Intrigued, Bloom brought the concept back to the editors at High Times, and from there, it was cemented in cannabis culture.

By the mid-’90s, stoners everywhere knew what 4/20 meant, even if they had no idea where it came from.

The Rise of 4/20 as a Countercultural Holiday

Once High Times got involved, 4/20 evolved from a time of day into a full-fledged countercultural holiday. By the late ’90s and early 2000s, large gatherings began forming in cities across the U.S. and beyond.

• In San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, thousands of smokers began meeting each April 20th to celebrate in a cloud of communal joy.
• In Boulder, Colorado, a massive 4/20 smoke-out became a tradition, drawing students and cannabis enthusiasts alike.
• Canada embraced 4/20 with protests in Vancouver, where activists combined celebration with advocacy for legalization.

What started as a quiet joke among high schoolers became an act of rebellion—an annual protest against outdated marijuana laws.

4/20 Goes Global: A Movement, Not Just a Moment

As cannabis legalization gained momentum worldwide, so did the 4/20 holiday.

• In Amsterdam, 4/20 celebrations at the city’s famous coffee shops draw international cannabis lovers.
• In South Africa, pro-cannabis rallies on April 20th have pushed for legal reforms.
• In Mexico, Argentina, and Spain, activists use the date to protest strict drug laws.

The rise of social media has only fueled the fire. What was once an underground ritual is now a global event, with hashtags like #420Life and #CannabisCulture trending every April.

How 4/20 Became a Corporate Holiday

Where there are crowds, there is capitalism. Once legalization spread to states like Colorado, California, and Oregon, 4/20 became more than just a stoner’s secret—it became a marketing goldmine.

Cannabis companies offer special deals; music festivals feature 4/20-themed events and even mainstream brands (which once shunned marijuana) sneakily mention the holiday in promotions. Suddenly, 4/20 wasn’t just for activists—it was for everyone.

Biggest 4/20 Celebrations in the United States

Every April 20th, cannabis enthusiasts across the U.S. gather to celebrate, protest, and advocate for legalization. These are the country’s largest and most iconic 4/20 events, drawing thousands of people each year.

• Mile High 420 Festival – Denver, Colorado
  The biggest 4/20 event in the U.S., featuring live music, vendors, and a massive public smoke-out in Civic Center Park.
• San Francisco’s Hippie Hill 4/20 Celebration – San Francisco, California
  It is a legendary gathering in Golden Gate Park where thousands come together for a day of music, activism, and cannabis.
• National Cannabis Festival – Washington, D.C.
  It is a politically charged event with concerts, panel discussions, and a march for cannabis reform near the nation’s capital.
• 4/20 on the Rocks – Morrison, Colorado
  A high-energy cannabis-themed concert held at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, featuring major artists and breathtaking views.
• Seattle 4/20 Fest – Seattle, Washington
  A vibrant festival combining music, comedy, and cannabis culture in one of the most weed-friendly cities in the U.S.
• Las Vegas 4/20 Festival – Las Vegas, Nevada
  A massive cannabis celebration with industry showcases dispensary deals and all-night parties in Sin City.
• Ann Arbor Hash Bash – Ann Arbor, Michigan
  One of the oldest cannabis events in the country, dating back to 1972, with speeches, protests, and an electric atmosphere at the University of Michigan.

Each event offers a unique way to celebrate 4/20, whether you’re there for the music, the activism, or to light up with a crowd of fellow enthusiasts.

FAQs

Conclusion: Working Out and Marijuana

From ancient medicine to modern legalization, marijuana has a fascinating history filled with twists, turns, and a little bit of absurdity. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker, a curious newcomer, or someone who enjoys a good fun fact, there’s no denying that cannabis continues to shape culture, science, and even tax policies.

So, the next time someone tells you they “know everything” about marijuana, hit them with a few of these facts—because knowledge is power. And sometimes, it’s also pretty hilarious.

I got to run: it’s almost 4:20!