The Origins of 420 Debunked

“Happy 4/20!”

This is a phrase that every cannabis community member is familiar with, as it represents National Weed day, on April 20^th of each year, as well as general pot consumption – especially when the clock hits 4:20. It is also an opportunity to take a political stance; for the community to step up and fight for legalization and decriminalization. Thankfully as Canadians, we have already tumbled over this hurdle with Canada being the second country world-wide to legalize AND decriminalize marijuana. So, where does 420 come from?

Back in my high school days in Northern Ontario, Canada, I have vague recollections of widely varying tales about the origins of the infamous slang 420 – some more far-fetched than others. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular theories and break down the logic.   

Chemical Compound Theory

Some say that 4:20 represents the number of chemicals that are active in marijuana. This, however, is false that there are only actually 315 active chemical compounds, according to High Times Magazine.

Police Radio and Codes Theories

Another string of theories that are quite common, are the connection between 4:20 and the law. Some claim that 4:20 is the police radio call for any marijuana violations. This does not ring true. Further, some have stated 420 is the California Penal Code related in marijuana. In actuality, the California 420 Penal Code refers to obstructing entry on public land.

Although California does in fact have a California Senate Bill 420 (Medical Marijuana Program Act) which indeed refers to the use of medical marijuana, this bill was signed in 2004, decades after the pop culture slang surfaced.

The Commemoration of the Deaths of Musical Greats – Hendrix, Morrison, Joplin, Marley

Though the thinking behind this is quite appealing, unfortunately, April 20^th does not represent the day of passing for any of these Pro-Cannabis legends. Rather, their final days landed on the following, respectively: Jimi Hendrix died on September 13^th, Jim Morrison succumbed on July 3^rd, Janice Joplin on October 4^th, and Bob Marley on May 11^th.

It’s also been stipulated that the 4:20 tradition derives from the acknowledgement of Adolf Hilters’ birthday (what?). Although Hitler was in fact born on April 20th, THANKFULLY this is not where the tradition rooted from.

Bob Dylan’s Song Rainy Day Woman no. 12 and no. 35

12 X 35 = 420. Bob Dylan’s hit Rainy Day Woman no. 12 and no. 35 includes the following lyrics, “Everybody must get stoned”. Some say that this clear coincidence was actually an articulated move to bring 420 slang to the forefront. Oof. If that’s not a stretch, I don’t know what is!

April 20^th is the Best day to Plant your Pot

Ok, really? Whoever believes this tall tale does not understand how weather works globally. I will leave it at that!

Grateful Dead Always Chose Room 420 on Tour

Although there is in fact a connect between the wide-spread use of 4:20 and the Grateful Dead band, the rumour that the band always stayed in room 420 while on tour was adamantly debunked by a Grateful Dead’s Productions spokesperson.  

What then, is the True Origin of 4:20?

The most widely accepted origin of 4:20 roots back to 1971 with a group of high school kids in Rafael, California. As documented by Larry "Ratso" Sloman in his book, Reefer Madness: A History of Marijuana Use in the United States, a  group of high school kids who called themselves the “Waldos” had begun a tradition familiar to many, of meeting after school for toking sessions with friends. During the day when they would cross each other’s paths, they could you the code phrase, “4:20 Louis”, which meant to meet at the Louis Pasteur statue at 4:20.

This is where it gets interesting. It turns out, one of the Waldo members’ older brothers was in fact friends with a member of the Grateful Dead. Through this connection, the Waldo’s found themselves getting high with the Grateful Dead members at their rehearsal studio in Rafael. The Grateful Dead eventually picked up the term and the rest is history!

So there you have it. You have a group of smart-thinking high school kids who found a way to keep their secret toke sessions hidden to thank for National Weed Day.

- The Waldos (Image from Leafly.com)