The term “420” is widely recognized as a code linked to cannabis culture, but its roots are often misunderstood. The History behind 420 traces back to a group of high school students in the early 1970s who used the number as a secret meet-up time to search for an elusive cannabis crop. This small tradition grew into a global symbol for marijuana use and advocacy.

Over time, 420 evolved from a simple time reference into a date—April 20th—that now represents cannabis-related events worldwide. Its adoption by counterculture groups and advocates helped cement 420 as a day that promotes awareness, legalization, and solidarity. Understanding this history explains why 420 remains a powerful symbol today.

Origins of 420

The number 420 has deep roots tied to a specific group and time. It later grew into a widespread cultural symbol with various interpretations.

The Waldo Story

The most accepted origin of 420 comes from a group of high school students in San Rafael, California, in 1971. They called themselves “the Waldos” because they hung out by a wall outside campus.

The Waldos used “420” as a code for meeting at 4:20 p.m. after school to search for a rumored abandoned cannabis crop. Although they never found it, the term stuck as a secret signal for smoking marijuana.

This story is supported by interviews with members of the group and is often cited as the true beginning of the 420 term.

Early References to 420

Apart from the Waldos, early public uses of 420 appeared in music and counterculture publications during the 1970s and 1980s. For example, the band Grateful Dead helped popularize the term when their fans adopted 420 as part of their cannabis culture.

By the early 1990s, 420 was used more openly in cannabis activism and media, often designating April 20th or the time 4:20 p.m. as a moment to collectively consume marijuana.

Misconceptions About 420’s Meaning

Many inaccurate stories exist about the number’s meaning. Some claim it comes from police radio codes, government laws, or Bob Marley’s death date, but these have no credible evidence.

The most common false explanations include it being a cannabis law section or a stoner-friendly police code, both debunked by fact-checking sources and historical research. 420’s actual meaning is simply a time and code by a small group of friends, later popularized by counterculture movements.

Did you know this about April 20?, Share the history behind 420 to your sesh partner and dont forget to visit us if you are at Pasadena