The history of 420 is one of the most iconic origin stories in cannabis culture. What started as a secret code between five high school friends in California has grown into a worldwide celebration observed every April 20th. Whether you light up at 4:20 PM or attend a rally on 4/20, understanding the history of 420 connects you to decades of cannabis advocacy and community.
The History of 420: How It All Started
The history of 420 begins in 1971 at San Rafael High School in California. Five friends who called themselves “The Waldos” — named because they hung out against a wall after school — received a hand-drawn treasure map from a cannabis grower. The map supposedly led to an abandoned cannabis crop hidden somewhere in the Point Reyes area.
The Waldos made a plan they called “420 Louis.” They agreed to meet at exactly 4:20 PM at the Louis Pasteur statue in front of their high school. From there, they would pile into a car, smoke up, and search for the hidden crop using the treasure map.
5 Key Moments in the History of 420
1. The Waldos Create the Code (1971)
The five high school friends began using “420 Louis” as their code phrase. They would remind each other in the hallways — “420 Louis” meant meet at the statue at 4:20 PM to search for the lost cannabis crop. After several failed treasure hunts, they never found the stash, but the code stuck.
2. The Term Gets Shortened
Over time, the Waldos dropped “Louis” and simply said “420” to reference smoking cannabis. It became their shorthand for everything related to getting high — a time, a vibe, and an inside joke that only their circle understood.
3. The Grateful Dead Connection
The Waldos had connections to the Grateful Dead through family and friends. The term 420 spread through the Dead’s touring community, where fans (Deadheads) adopted it as their own. This underground network carried the phrase across the country long before the internet existed.
4. High Times Publishes the Story (1991)
The history of 420 went mainstream in May 1991 when Steve Hager, editor of High Times magazine, published an article about the Waldos and the origin of the term. Once High Times put it in print, 420 exploded. People started celebrating at 4:20 PM daily and organizing events on April 20th.
5. April 20th Becomes a Global Holiday
Today, April 20th (4/20) is recognized worldwide as a day to celebrate cannabis culture. From peaceful rallies advocating for legalization to casual smoke sessions with friends, the history of 420 has evolved from a high school treasure hunt into a global movement for cannabis normalization and advocacy.
Common Myths About the History of 420
Over the years, several myths have circulated about where 420 came from. Some people claim it was a police code for cannabis in progress, but no such code exists. Others say there are 420 chemical compounds in cannabis, which is also false. The true history of 420 always traces back to the Waldos in San Rafael, California — and the High Times article that brought their story to the world.
How to Celebrate 420
There are plenty of ways to honor the history of 420. Many people gather at 4:20 PM to smoke with friends. Others attend cannabis events, marches, or festivals that promote legalization and education. You can also celebrate by trying new edibles, exploring different consumption methods, or simply learning more about the plant. Whatever you do, 420 is a reminder that cannabis culture has a rich history worth respecting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Waldos?
The Waldos were five high school students at San Rafael High School in California. They earned their nickname because they hung out against a wall outside the school. In 1971, they created the term “420” as a code for meeting to search for a hidden cannabis crop at 4:20 PM.
Is 420 a police code for cannabis?
No, this is a common myth. There is no police radio code “420” that refers to cannabis. The true origin is the Waldos’ meeting time of 4:20 PM at San Rafael High School in 1971.
When did 420 become a national celebration?
The term gained widespread recognition after High Times magazine published the story of the Waldos in May 1991. From there, it grew rapidly into the global cannabis celebration we know today on April 20th each year.
References
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