Every April 20, known as 4/20, people around the world unite for a day of celebration, marking the national day of weed in the United States and honouring the broader cannabis culture. With the ongoing legalization and commercialization of weed, 4/20 has transformed into a global high holiday featuring huge celebrations across various cities. This festive day brings happiness and joy through multiple events, from public gatherings and music festivals to educational workshops and advocacy efforts, illustrating the growing acceptance and enthusiasm surrounding cannabis culture. It is called Green Day or Green Celebration Everywhere.
History of 420 or 4/20 Day Celebration
In the early 1970s, five high school friends—Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich—from San Rafael, California, became the unexpected originators of “4:20,” a code term for cannabis consumption that would grow into an international symbol.
Their journey began with a rumour about an abandoned cannabis crop and a treasure map leading to it. The group, known as “The Waldos” because they typically hung out by a wall outside San Rafael High School, decided to meet daily at the Louis Pasteur statue at 4:20 pm to search for the rumoured treasure. They called their plan “4:20 Louis.”
Despite never finding the crop, “4:20” became their code word for cannabis activities, gaining popularity among their peers. By the early 1980s, the term had spread beyond San Rafael, and the first mention of it in High Times magazine in May 1991 helped cement its status in cannabis culture.
In 1989, the Cannabis Action Network, associated with High Times, began organizing political and cultural rallies on April 20 to promote cannabis legalization, reinforcing 4/20 as a day of advocacy. This helped transform April 20 into a significant date for cannabis celebration and activism.
Today, 4/20 is recognized worldwide and celebrated by millions who embrace the spirit of community and support cannabis reform. What started as a group of high school friends’ quest for a hidden cannabis crop became a global movement, solidifying April 20 as Cannabis Celebration Day.
include everything from dried cannabis flowers to edibles, oils, accessories, and merchandise.
Private Parties:
Individuals or smaller groups may host private parties to celebrate cannabis culture in a more intimate setting. These parties can feature various activities, including smoking, music, games, and other entertainment, with a focus on socializing and enjoying cannabis-related experiences.
Themed Beer:
Some breweries create cannabis-themed beers or beverages to commemorate the occasion. These drinks may include unique flavours or branding that aligns with cannabis culture, contributing to the overall festive atmosphere.
Together, these activities form a tapestry of experiences that unite cannabis enthusiasts and provide a platform for celebrating the culture, community, and ongoing legalization efforts.
Cannabis culture celebrations, especially around “Four Twenty Day,” draw crowds worldwide to commemorate and promote cannabis culture. In the United States, events occur in iconic spots like New York City’s Washington Square Park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, and Washington, D.C.’s National Mall. At the same time, Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver also host significant celebrations. In Australia, Sydney and Melbourne are critical locations for cannabis observances. Across the globe, Hyde Park in London and the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, are among the notable sites for similar events. Ljubljana, Slovenia, has seen cannabis-themed protests by university students contributing to local legislation changes. Even in regions with strict drug laws, such as Northern Cyprus, small-scale 420 events have occurred, advocating for cannabis legalization.
List of states where Cannabis is Legalized:
| Legalized for Recreational Use | Legalized for Medicinal Use |
| California Alaska Nevada Oregon Washington Maine Colorado Montana Vermont Rhode Island New Mexico Michigan Arizona New Jersey Delaware Connecticut Massachusetts Illinois Maryland Minnesota New York Ohio Missouri Virginia District of Columbia Washington, D.C. Guam Rhode Island | California Alaska Nevada Oregon Washington Maine Colorado Hawaii Montana Vermont Rhode Island New Mexico Michigan Arizona New Jersey Delaware Connecticut Massachusetts Illinois Maryland New Hampshire Minnesota New York Ohio Pennsylvania Iowa West Virginia Missouri Oklahoma Utah Mississippi South Dakota Virginia Kentucky District of Columbia |
Conclusion:
The evolution of 4/20 from a secret code among high school friends to a globally recognized day of celebration speaks to the changing views about cannabis. For many, 4/20 represents a joyful expression of community and a symbol of the growing acceptance of cannabis culture. The day showcases a diverse range of celebrations, from significant public events to intimate gatherings, reflecting the varied ways people connect with cannabis. As the movement toward legalization continues, 4/20 has also become a platform for advocacy and education, helping to challenge outdated stigmas and promote cannabis reform. Ultimately, the widespread observance of 4/20 highlights an emerging cultural shift and underscores a broader movement toward normalizing and embracing cannabis in society.
