What is 420 Day and How to Celebrate it?

Information and misinformation spiral from every direction in the pot world. One section of society swears that this culture is more lethal than the virus we face, while the other section hails it as the cure for everything. Even though the green herb sprouting out of mother nature makes no baseless claims, it has been unjustly shunned by the public for a long time. And with people changing their opinion and perceptions about nature's gift and the years of struggle and fight is beginning to show results, we are slowly but surely, seeing a decrease in people's hostility towards Marijuana. And what better day to address this than on 4/20.

So, what is 420, and what does 420 mean? Apart from answering all queries related to 420 meaning, we will also discuss its history, origination, and how we actually celebrate the 420 day.

Weed Day, also known as 420 days, has multiple origin stories but serves the same purpose for all stoners worldwide. You get together, smoke up, have munchies, celebrate the green herb, and go back thanking the people who fought for its legalization. You must be thinking, what does 420 mean? Basically, the word 420 has become synonymous with everything related to the pot world, and its history dates back to many years ago (at least that's what we know). 

In memory of the pre-pandemic 420 celebrations and my inclination towards the green buds, I am dedicating this article to giving you some information about its origin and explaining a few activities you can do to mark this stoner's holiday.

Where did 420 originate from and what is 420?

420 days, 420, 4:20, stoner holiday, smoke up day; all these have been used interchangeably to denote the most significant occasion of the pot world. However, not many people know why we commemorate this auspicious day with blunts, joints, bong rips, and munchies. Like everything else in the stoner world, the origin of 420 is also debated. Here are some possible explanations of how this holiday came about. 

When talking about 420 meaning, some people believe the number 420 was picked up from California Criminal Codes as it designated the punishment for the use or distribution of Marijuana. However, on further enquiry, it was revealed that the criminal code 420 actually applied to barring entry on public land. 

Another section believes that 420 originated from the very famous song by Bob Dylan named "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35". The lyrics for the song went on like "Everybody must get stoned". I know what you're wondering; where's the 420 in that?

The 420 day here comes by multiplying 12 by 35; I know a little far-fetched! There has been no confirmation from Dylan's end, so we cannot 100% guarantee that this is the origin.

| Also Read: The Effect of Medical Cannabis Legalization on the Crime-Rate |

Another opinion says the earliest link between flower and 420 came in 1939 from a short story by H.P. Lovecraft and Kenneth Sterling. The report "In the Walls of Eryx" talked about a "curious-mirage plant" similar to cannabis and used to appear around 4:20 to get the narrator high.

The most credible origin story is attributed to the 'Legend of the Waldos". This is my favourite anecdote that is related to the 420 meaning. According to Chris Conrad, the Oaksterdam Cannabis Museum curator, 420 was initiated as a secret code among high schoolers in the early 1970s. Five San Rafael High School students would meet at 4:20 to smoke up and get high. The time was ideal since it was a freedom window from school and parents. This became a ritual until they started meeting up every day. 

The group - Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich, started using the code '420' in front of parents and other suspecting individuals to denote their 'high' time. And the rest, as they say, is history.

| Also Read: Medical Cannabis Card - Over 20,000 Users Benefit from 'Cancard' |

How can you celebrate 420 day?

After understanding what does 420 mean, let's move on to the best part. It is a widespread perception to assume every pot lover is stoned on 420. I am not going to defend it (cause it is true), but there are many different ways people indulge in the celebration. I have some homies who like attending rallies and making strange friends, whereas I personally want to wind down with my favourite strain, a bag of munchies, and an episode of Spongebob. 

However, with the pandemic changing the face of social events and gatherings, here are some ways in which you can celebrate 420 day.

1. Purchase Quick and Easy

You don't want to be stuck in a headshop at 3 pm on 420, looking for your favourite strain, accessory, or equipment to get high. Not to mention the floating social distancing rule; any type of work on 420 negates the entire essence of the holiday. To efficiently celebrate 420 days, I advise you to gather or hoard the materials beforehand. Most stoner stores offer a discount or run a promotional event before and after 420. 

Trust me, you would be thanking me for this. 

Olivastu offers up to 42% off on their dope collection of smoking accessories. Check it out! My idea is to order online a few days before the big event to be prepared to get ripped on 420.

2. Going Deeper

Just because the world is opening up to cannabis and pot is being accepted doesn't mean that the war on drugs is over. Use the monumental day to learn more about the history of cannabis, its legalization route, and how its users have been persecuted by the government. 

Don't forget the roots of where your privilege and easiness came from.

3. Munching the day away!

You're not allowed to eat healthy today! 

A day of celebration and holiday (for the lucky ones) would only serve well if you start your day with wake and bake and then actually bake. Pot brownies, cannabis ice cream, weed shake, canna-toast; you name it, and you can have it. Of course, you can always order the burger you have been craving or the cheese-loaded pizza. Without guilt, you can also go crazy on sugar and have that triple-layered chocolate frosted cake. You're high and hungry, so who cares about the calories?

4. Watch & Hear the Classics

If you're embracing the culture, embrace it completely. Get high on the classic by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Rick James. I like to start slow with something like 'Mary Jane' by Rick James and slowly build up my high energy to appreciate gems like "How High" -- Redman and Method Man and Kaya by Bob Marley. 

A genius group of people making relatable smoke up music - Simply Perfect!

If you're not a music person, perhaps a round of stoner movies will make your 420 day. My personal favourites are Pineapple Express, Cheech and Chong, Half Baked, and Harold and Kumar.

5. Get High with Homies

You don't understand 420, meaning if you're not getting high. Meeting up with homies, reflecting, discussing, and being grateful for one another; is all that 420 is all about. If the current covid restriction doesn't allow you to meet up, a virtual stoner session would also serve the purpose. Reflect on how your friendship had grown over the years, the times when the green plant saved you or made you understand new stuff, and how grateful you are for being a part of the 'green' culture.

6. Understand the other side

Just because you're enjoying pot and celebrating it doesn't mean everyone around you is doing the same. Make sure you're still very aware and cautious of the surrounding. People can be calm about weed but not smoke it. Don't blow smoke or vape clouds in front of anyone's mouth, nor force them to participate. Be aware and respectful about where you consume, ensuring you keep a safe distance from kids and families. 

This brings us to the end of our article on 420 day.

Hope you have a great stoner's holiday! For more such articles, keep watching this space.