This year, an unusual overlap is happening: Easter Sunday and the unofficial cannabis celebration known as 420 both land on April 20. It’s a rare coincidence that hasn’t occurred in more than a decade. While Easter is a sacred day for Christians, marking the resurrection of Jesus, 420 is widely recognized by cannabis users as a day to celebrate marijuana culture.
So, what exactly is 420, and where did it come from? While the exact origins remain debated, the term has become a global symbol of cannabis use.
In places where marijuana is legal, people mark the day with festivals, film screenings, educational events, and other gatherings focused on cannabis. Dispensaries and smoke shops typically run promotions and discounts, taking advantage of the day’s popularity.
Even in areas where cannabis remains illegal federally, April 20 is often used as a day for activism, pushing for legalization and policy reform.
According to reports, the connection between cannabis and 420 dates back to the early 1970s and a group of youngsters from San Rafael High School in Northern California. They dubbed themselves “the Waldos” and had a routine of getting together to smoke pot at 4:20 p.m. after school.
One of the group members, Steve Capper, emphasized they weren’t just goofing off—they were solid students with good records. The chosen meeting time, 4:20, became a kind of inside joke and secret code for getting high.
Eventually, this code spread. One of the Waldos, Dave Reddix, ended up working with the Grateful Dead, a band deeply tied to 1970s counterculture. Through their fan base, known as Deadheads, the term 420 gained traction.
A flyer circulated at a 1990 concert in Oakland invited attendees to smoke weed on April 20 at 4:20 p.m. That flyer reached journalist Steven Bloom, who later published it in High Times magazine. From there, the term exploded in popularity and became permanently linked with cannabis culture.
Other theories float around—some say 420 is a police radio code or that it’s tied to lyrics from Bob Dylan. But the original Waldos stand by their story and have long claimed credit for the term’s rise.
This year’s double observance of Easter and 420 won’t happen again until 2087, making this overlap especially noteworthy. For many, it’s a day of spiritual reflection; for others, a time to come together over a shared love of cannabis.
Either way, April 20 carries meaning for millions and firms like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) will look back on how far they have come and leverage this holiday as they seek to take their operations to the next level.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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