The Origins and Evolution of 4/20: From Counterculture to Mainstream
The term “4/20” has become synonymous with cannabis culture, celebrated worldwide on April 20th. While numerous myths attempt to explain its origins, the most credible account traces back to a group of high school students in San Rafael, California, in the early 1970s. These students, who called themselves the “Waldos” due to their preferred hangout spot near a wall outside their school, began using “4:20” as a code for their plan to search for an abandoned cannabis crop after school. Though they never found the rumored crop, their use of “4:20” as a cannabis-related term spread through connections with the Grateful Dead, a band with deep ties to the counterculture movement.
Over time, “4/20” transitioned from a clandestine phrase to a widely recognized cultural phenomenon. The 1990s marked a turning point when Steven Hager, a writer for High Times magazine, helped popularize the term, linking it to pro-cannabis activism. This period also saw the emergence of major public gatherings in places such as San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and Denver’s Civic Center Park. These annual celebrations, often attracting thousands of attendees, feature live music, art displays, and speeches advocating for cannabis legalization and criminal justice reform.
The mainstreaming of 4/20 reflects the broader societal shift toward cannabis acceptance. In recent decades, cannabis laws have changed dramatically, with 24 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., legalizing recreational marijuana use as of 2024. Canada fully legalized cannabis in 2018, and several European and Latin American countries have also moved toward decriminalization or medical legalization. As attitudes shift, businesses and media outlets have embraced 4/20, with brands offering special promotions and news networks covering its significance.
Despite its mainstream appeal, 4/20 remains a focal point for advocacy. Many activists use the day to highlight issues such as expunging criminal records for nonviolent cannabis offenses and ensuring equitable access to the cannabis industry for marginalized communities. While the celebration has become commercialized, its roots in counterculture and activism remain relevant.
From its humble beginnings as a secret code among California teens to its evolution into a global event, 4/20 serves as a reflection of society’s changing relationship with cannabis. As legalization efforts continue, the meaning of 4/20 is likely to expand, blending celebration with ongoing advocacy for cannabis reform.