4/20 - Where we came from, and where we're going
Every year on April 20th, we celebrate a unique holiday of sorts. No, I’m not talking about National Lima Bean Respect day(which is absolutely a real thing that also falls on the same day!). We are indeed talking about 4/20, a day where enthusiasts unite under a cloud of shared appreciation for a different plant, Cannabis.
The Waldos, pictured here in 2018. The self described 'stoner dads' who coined 4/20
Originating as an underground code, or shorthand, 4/20 has moved into the forefront of the cannabis culture. Many consider it to be their second Christmas, where the trees are the presents. This worldwide phenomena started with a group of San Rafel, CA high school students, known as ‘The Waldos.’ Rumor of a local abandoned cannabis crop was circulating, and the group agreed to meet up after school and search for the elusive crop. Though they were reportedly unsuccessful in their search, their rendezvous time, 4:20pm, became their own shorthand for meeting up to smoke or find cannabis.
This story would be oft repeated, even showing up in High Times, which had cemented the concept of 4/20 and its relationship to cannabis by the ‘90s. Now, over 50 years after its initial origin, 4/20 has become ubiquitous, both within the cannabis community, and outside as well. While the clock may read 4:20 twice a day, the date itself only rolls around once a year, giving celebrants cause to go all out.
Major cities around the world, especially those with legal recreational cannabis, transform into canna-tourism hotspots Thousands of people flocking to big events, such as Denver’s Mile High 420 Festival. These massive gatherings of like minded folk serve to coordinate and continue the process of legalization, and help destigmatize cannabis use.
In the wake of relatively widespread legalization, some enthusiasts have bemoaned the corporatization of cannabis, and its associated holiday. Their criticism is that the larger goals of community and cannabis activism have been lost in a haze of parties, and dispensary deals. Sometimes, it seems as though the 4/20 holiday is celebrated as a sort of Victory Lap of legalization. But many people across the world still live under draconian anti-cannabis sentiment and laws.
This presents a catch-22 for some people. Celebration seems wrong when many people are still persecuted for their cannabis consumption, and are forced to resort to now antiquated underground codes to identify and communicate with fellow users, effectively coming full circle back to origins of 4/20. Yet, it is the widespread and public celebrations of consumption which have done so much in regards to changing the negative image that has traditionally shadowed cannabis and its use.
Truthfully, there is no right or wrong way to approach 4/20. As long as you’re enjoying yourself, are surrounded with good company, and are flush with good bud, then all is right. Take a tip from the Waldos, and spend the afternoon looking for the elusive crop!
Whether your 4/20 plans including loading a bowl to yourself, or lighting up a Snoop sized blunt the important thing is to take a moment to appreciate where the cannabis culture is today, reflect on where it has come from, and to consider what part you are personally playing as it moves forward.
