What does 420 Mean Exactly? Sure, we all use the phrase to describe marijuana-related leisure activities, but how did it start?

The origins of the mysterious number are the subject of numerous theories. Others connect to conspiracies, while some go back to the late 1930s.

While some seem plausible, others are fantastical and unrelated to cannabis. So what exactly is 420? 

Join us to learn more about the phrase’s meaning, background, and history. Finally, we share the origin story for 420 and draw attention to the intentions behind it.

What is the association between 420 and weed? 

When the group of friends gathered and shared cigarettes, the 420 meaning was born. They would say “Louis 420” to remind one another of the meeting whenever they were nearby in the school hallways. It was already a weed code among the friends.

With the passage of time and musicians’ spread of the term, a date was added. On 420 Day, users consume the drug simultaneously all over the world. For the sole purpose of smoking some marijuana, the time and date were designated.

It quickly gained popularity among smokers. In places where the substance was illegal, they could casually mention the term in conversations without drawing unwanted attention. Additionally, it assisted in avoiding the stigma associated with stoners in public.

What does 420 mean?

The 420 saga begins in 1971 with a group of Californian high school students known as “The Waldos.” The group of marijuana enthusiasts went in search of some abandoned marijuana crops.

Under the illustrious chemist Louis Pasteur statue, they gathered in front of their school and shared a blunt or two. The lone number persisted over time. Their daily ritual’s original name was “Louis 420,” and their typical meeting time was 4:20 pm.

After smoking, they would go on what they called “safaris,” expeditions to locate the elusive marijuana plantation. They looked for it for a very long time without finding anything.

So how did the global 420 meaning spread? As the word spread, band fans known as Deadheads soon became familiar with it. Dave Reddix, a member of the Waldos, got a job working as a roadie for the bassist of the Grateful Dead.

Origin theories for 420

The 420 meaning is ambiguous, even among cannabis cliques. Its origins of it are the subject of numerous myths and legends. Before delving into the truth, let’s examine some of the most well-liked theories.

A secret code

It is common knowledge that law enforcement officials, including police officers, use codes to describe crimes and official incidents. Many people thought that one of these codes, precisely one relating to drugs, was what the number 420 meant. No evidence exists for this myth, despite how plausible it may seem.

Nazi nonsense

Some people associate the 420 symbol with the German despot Adolf Hitler. They say it’s the day he was born, and those against marijuana say it honours undesirable political ideals. Fortunately, this is a myth, and he has nothing to do with cannabis.

Harvesting and sowing

If you have any gardening experience, you know that certain crops thrive in particular climates. One odd rumour claims that the day after Thanksgiving is the best time to sow marijuana seeds. Since seasons vary worldwide, the theory is plausible but only partially believable.

The two Bobs

Celebrities like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan confessed their love for Mary Jane. Music fans who enjoy their stoner songs have interesting answers when asked what the meaning of 420 is.

Fans of Bob Dylan frequently mention his song “Rainy Day Woman #12 & 35” from 1966. They assert that when you multiply the two, you arrive at the secret marijuana number. Additionally, they claim this is the first time the three-figure digit has been mentioned.

Since the song has a cannabis-related theme, many people think he is why 420 exists. Unfortunately, the equation was just a coincidence.

On the other hand, Bob Marley was a legendary lyricist known for his pleas for peace. With the quote, “herb is the healing of the nation…,” he made his position on cannabis crystal clear.

Some marijuana users think that he passed away on the day of the 420 holiday. This theory is demonstrably false, given the available information. Although it would be a fantastic way to honour his life, he passed away on May 11, 1981.

A judicial bill?

A pending Bill #420, which could legalise marijuana, is another ludicrous theory connected to legislation. Despite how intriguing this justification sounds, there is no such Bill.

Future truths in science fiction

If timelines are any indication, the term was reportedly used in a short story published in 1939.

In his article “In the Walls of Eryx” from the Weird Tales magazine, H.P. Lovecraft hints at the 420 meaning. The story, which takes place on a far-off planet, describes a person’s encounter with a strange plant that had psychoactive effects at around 4:20 pm.

This myth is well-liked among people interested in space travel and extraterrestrial life. The book does not mention cannabis, and the concept is unclear.

Counting Compounds

Why does 420 refer to marijuana? Allegedly, the term is derived from the number of compounds that marijuana contains. There are more than 400 active chemicals in cannabis, though the exact number is unknown. As a result, it is not a plausible explanation.

Do you celebrate 4/20?

Around the world, cannabis growers, users, and enthusiasts celebrate the 420 holiday. Yet why? Most stoners will respond, “why not?” if you ask them.

There is general agreement that the holiday represents celebrating the plant while putting forward a unified front for its legalisation. As a protest against the status quo, users frequently break the law in plain sight, even in jurisdictions that prohibits marijuana.

Tokers have recently devised more creative ways to celebrate, including music festivals, 420 hikes, and 420 picnics.

The 411 on 420

Why not participate in the next one now that you understand what the number 420 means? There are several ways to join in the festivities.

Get together with friends, enjoy and observe this 420 holiday, and don’t forget to get high on top-shelf marijuana from Mediseed Man.

Consider growing marijuana and browse the seed selection at Mediseed Man. Our extensive selection is the ideal place to begin your marijuana cultivation journey.