The story behind 4/20: Why is this date well-known among cannabis users?
In the world of cannabis, 4/20 is an important day. It is actually a holiday for people who love cannabis. On that day, enthusiasts get together, talk about cannabis and some even take action to support its use. But why exactly on 4/20? What makes that date so special? We discover the story behind this special date.
What is 4/20?
You may have heard of “4/20” and wondered what it means. It’s actually quite simple: it stands for April 20, a day celebrated every year by people who love cannabis.
On this day, people from all over the world gather to use cannabis and talk about its legalization. It has become a kind of holiday for cannabis lovers, where they come together to share good quality cannabis and talk about the benefits of using it.
The origins of 4/20
There are several theories about how this particular date came to be a symbol of cannabis use.
One theory suggests that April 20 is the optimal time to plant your cannabis seeds. This option sounds plausible. However, its practical applicability depends on your location and whether you grow indoors or outdoors. While not groundless as such, this thought is supported by few cannabis users.
Others again claim that “420” comes from the police code for reporting cannabis-related crimes. In reality, however, “420” is the code for murder, not cannabis use. So this theory seems less plausible.
However, there is a theory that many cannabis users support. This theory relates to a group of teenagers from San Rafael High School in California in the early 1970s. According to this theory, a group of friends gathered every day at 4:20 in the afternoon to smoke cannabis together. The story goes that these friends later became known as the “Waldos” because they often met at a wall outside the school. They would use “4:20” as code language to refer to their cannabis use, and the date 4/20 was subsequently associated with their meetings.
How has 4/20 evolved?
What once seems to have started as an informal gathering of friends has grown into a global phenomenon. Over the years, 4/20 has evolved into a day of protest, awareness and celebration of the cannabis community.
Countering Stigma
Over the years, on 4/20, people from around the world increasingly came together to counter the stigma of cannabis use. They see it as a plant with numerous medicinal, recreational and spiritual benefits and want to make others aware of it. Protest marches, music festivals and educational events are often held on this day to highlight the benefits of cannabis and fight the stigma still attached to it.
How do people celebrate 4/20 today?
Celebration of 4/20 varies widely depending on individual preferences, locations and cultural contexts. Here are some of the most common ways people celebrate 4/20 today:
1. Coming together and forming community
On 4/20, people gather in parks, private parties, coffee shops and even online to celebrate the day. It is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and participate in activities such as joint smoking sessions, cannabis policy discussions and sharing experiences.
With the rise of social media and online platforms, people around the world can also celebrate 4/20 by participating in virtual events. Consider livestreams and online discussions. This provides a way for people to stay connected even if they are physically separated.
2. Educational events and workshops
Many organizations and companies host educational events and workshops on 4/20 to educate people about the science behind cannabis, its medicinal benefits and safe use. These events play an important role in promoting cannabis awareness and combating persistent misconceptions.
3. Activism and protest
For some, 4/20 is more than just a day of fun and celebration. It is also an opportunity to participate in protests and actions that advocate for cannabis legalization and policy reforms. These efforts are important for promoting social change and protecting the rights of cannabis users.
The future of 4/20
With more and more countries legalizing cannabis, the meaning of 4/20 is constantly changing. It reminds us that there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone has access to cannabis in a safe and fair manner.
In the years to come, 4/20 will continue to change and adapt to new circumstances. But one thing remains the same: on April 20, cannabis enthusiasts from around the world will come together to show their love and respect for the plant, and to continue to fight for its rightful place in our society.
Celebrate 4/20 at The Border
Celebrate 4/20 this year by buying high quality cannabis at the perfect location on the edge of the Amsterdam Forest. Enjoy your smoking session with the best selection of cannabis and have an unforgettable 4/20. Visit The Border today and find out for yourself!