The term "420" became associated with weed because it originated in the early 1970s from a group of high school friends in San Rafael, California, who called themselves "the Waldos." They would meet at 4:20 p.m. after school to smoke marijuana together and search for a rumored abandoned cannabis crop. Although they never found the crop, the time "4:20" became their code word for marijuana use. This slang spread first among their friends and followers of the Grateful Dead band, and later was popularized by High Times magazine in the 1990s. April 20th (4/20) has since become an international day of cannabis celebration.
Several other theories like police codes or references to Bob Dylan songs have existed, but the Waldos' story is the most substantiated and widely accepted origin of the term.
Summary of Key Points:
- "420" originated as a meeting time for cannabis consumption among high school friends called the Waldos in the 1970s.
- The number spread through the Grateful Dead fan community and was popularized by High Times magazine.
- April 20th (4/20) is now celebrated globally as a day linked to cannabis culture.
- Other theories (police code, Bob Dylan) lack supporting evidence.
This explains why "420" is synonymous with weed culture and cannabis use today.
