Why Do We Celebrate 4/20?

4/20 is an unofficial holiday that cannabis fans celebrate every year on April 20th.

Many see April 20th as “Christmas for cannabis users.” Whether you use cannabis or not, when most people hear or see the number 420, they instantly think of cannabis. Therefore, it is only fitting that on the twentieth day of the fourth month of each year, cannabis users around the world take a day to appreciate this plant and all it has to offer. How the number 420 became synonymous with cannabis, however, is somewhat up for debate, with many different theories about how this number evolved into a pop culture phenomenon.

If you are a seasoned cannabis veteran, chances are you have celebrated this day of observance before, and you might even know a little about the history of the holiday. If you are new to cannabis or have never partaken, you still have probably heard about the holiday and maybe even know people who celebrate.

Either way, the next time you hear your friends debating why we celebrate 4/20, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of this holiday’s history. Just be sure that you pass the joint before you start diving into the origin story of how this holiday came to be.

If you are planning on celebrating 4/20 this year, make it special with some of the best products available. Canna Culture in San Jose offers a full spectrum of lab-tested THC and CBD products, including edibles, waxes, a variety of strains of flowers, and so much more! Contact Canna Culture online or visit our locations in San Jose to check out our extensive menu.

If you are ready to place an order over the phone or have any questions, please call (408) 264 -7877 for our Charter Park Drive location or (408) 850-5820 for our Midtown location.

While we want you to celebrate 4/20 with the best cannabis in the Bay Area, we want you to do so safely. Let Canna Culture provide your party supplies through our delivery service. Canna Culture is proud to offer the widest delivery range in the Bay Area.

Why 4/20 is Celebrated: A Brief History

Long story short, the reason why April 20th is an unofficial holiday is that the number 420 goes hand-in-hand with cannabis, and 4/20 is the twentieth day of the fourth month of the year. But how the number 420 became synonymous with cannabis is a little more complex. In fact, it is so complex that it is frequently the subject of debate.

One of the most common beliefs is that the cannabis plant contains 420 different chemicals in it. While this sounds like it would make sense, it is actually a myth. In reality, Cannabis sativa actually contains around 550 different compounds. ⁽¹⁾ Some people argue that 420 became synonymous with cannabis because 420 was the California penal code for cannabis, but a quick internet search would quickly falsify this claim, as the 420 penal code actually has to do with preventing people from entering public land in California. ⁽²⁾ Another common belief is that it comes from Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” because the numbers 12 and 35 multiplied together come out to the number 420. Although Bob Dylan is famously a cannabis aficionado (even being responsible for introducing it to The Beatles!), it is doubtful that this was intentional.

The most widely accepted origin of “420” as a cannabis term dates back to the 1970s in California. A group of five high school students from San Rafael, known as “The Waldos,” reportedly coined the term “420” as a code for smoking cannabis. The Waldos would meet at 4:20 PM after school to search for an abandoned cannabis crop based on a rumored treasure map. It is believed they chose this time of day because they thought it was the socially appropriate time of day to start using cannabis. While they never ended up finding the cannabis crop, 420 stuck.

The Growth of 4/20

The Grateful Dead Brings 420 Alive

Despite its disputed origins, there is no denying that 420 and weed are now intertwined. The connection between 4/20 and cannabis culture gained momentum in the 1990s when the Grateful Dead and their followers helped popularize the term. Among the five high schoolers in The Waldos was Dave Reddix, who became friends with Phil Lesh, a founding member of the Grateful Dead. Reddix would eventually befriend other members of the legendary music group, who quickly adopted the term.

Continued Growth in the 2000s

High Times Magazine, a publication dedicated to cannabis culture, also played a crucial role in spreading the phrase. By the early 2000s, 4/20 had evolved into a countercultural holiday for cannabis enthusiasts around the world. Cannabis usage became a major part of popular culture, with many celebrities basing their brand largely around its usage, such as Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, who even wrote a song titled “420 (Blaze Up).” The growing acceptance of cannabis use in pop culture created an increasing acceptance in society, even helping push efforts to make it legal.

4/20 as a Holiday Symbolizing Legalization Efforts

The push for cannabis legalization gained significant traction in the early 2000s, leading to the establishment of medical cannabis programs in several states. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first U.S. states to legalize recreational cannabis, with California following their lead in 2016, paving the way for broader acceptance. Today, many states and countries have decriminalized or fully legalized cannabis, further solidifying 4/20 as a day of celebration and progress. For many people, this holiday serves as a platform for political reform and a celebration of how far legalization efforts have come.

Celebrate 4/20 the Right Way with Canna Culture

With April 20th quickly approaching, it is important to stock up! Whether you are looking for something mellow or plan on starting the celebration early by waking and baking, Canna Culture has all the supplies you need and products for users with all levels of cannabis experience. Peruse our extensive menu to explore all of our offerings, from edibles and tinctures to flower and topicals. Our specials can also help you save this holiday!

With so many premium options available, if you are not sure where exactly to begin, contact Canna Culture online, call (408) 264 -7877 for our Charter Park Drive location or (408) 850-5820 for our Midtown location, or visit us to speak with one of our expert team members about which products might be best for you to enjoy this 4/20.

Canna Culture Delivery

Whether you are enjoying the holiday with a nice walk on the beach, jamming out to some tunes at a concert, or simply watching television from the comfort of your home, Canna Culture has a vast selection of top-shelf products for you to enjoy safely and responsibly. And, you don’t even need to visit us in-store! Instead, let Canna Culture come to you with our delivery service, which extends out to Los Gatos in the west and San Martin to the south, making it the widest delivery range in the Bay Area. Some of the details of our delivery service include:

Contact Canna Culture online or call (408) 264-7877 to learn more about our delivery services or check out our website for more details.

Canna Culture VIP Rewards

Whether this is your first 4/20 as a cannabis fan or your favorite day of the year, everyone wants special perks. The Canna Culture VIP Rewards program is a great way to get the most out of every purchase. When you sign up, you get 2% back for every dollar you spend (pre-tax, too!), you will hear first about new products, BOGO deals, and demo days, and, if you bring a friend or family member, you will get a pre-roll for less than $2.

As You Celebrate…

The celebration of 4/20 has evolved from a small, localized tradition into a global phenomenon that reflects shifting attitudes toward cannabis. While it remains a day of celebration for cannabis users, it also carries deep political and social significance, serving as a reminder of the ongoing fight for legalization, criminal justice reform, and equitable industry practices. As laws continue to change, 4/20 will likely remain a crucial date for both celebration and activism in the years to come.

FAQ

References

1. Rock EM, Parker LA. Constituents of Cannabis Sativa. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2021;1264:1-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_1
2. Law Offices of Randy Collins. CMCDefense. Published 2025. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.cmcdefense.com/california-penal-code-section-420/