Long before legalization and when cannabis dispensaries (like ours!) opened retail doors, there was already a deep, underground movement shaping the cannabis community. Both seasoned stoners or just canna-curious folks know there’s one simple number that embodies all of cannabis terminology: 420. However, in the cannabis world, its meaning is a little different than a time of day or a date on the calendar—today, it’s grown to be a cultural symbol.
Each year on April 20th, cannabis consumers worldwide gather to honor the plant and the community that’s flourished around it. In Haverhill, Massachusetts, our dispensary is gearing up for another incredible 4/20 celebration! Our Haverhill cannabis dispensary has previously discussed 4/20 and why it’s important to the Massachusetts community, but let’s explore the history of this cannabis holiday and why it matters today.
The Story Behind 4/20
If you’ve spent any amount of time invested in cannabis culture, then you’ve likely heard the number 420 tossed around. This popular cannabis term pops up in movies, music, and memes and is even mentioned by many celebrities and artists.
(Plus, if you’ve ever timed lighting up a sesh at 4:20 pm, you’re part of the tradition!)
Over the years, a bunch of theories have tried to explain the hazy history of this 420 origin:
- Some say it was a police code for marijuana use (plot twist, it’s not).
- Others point to cryptic messages and meanings in songs, like Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” (since 12 x 35 = 420).
While these guesses may be creative, they’re not entirely accurate. The real story goes back to a group of high school friends in the early ’70s who called themselves the Waldos.
Who are the Waldos?
Let’s take it back to 1971 in San Rafael, California. A group of friends would gather outside daily behind the school, nicknaming themselves ‘the Waldos.’
The Waldos had all caught wind of a rumor: a hidden cannabis plant abandoned by a Coast Guard member after he was deployed. Intrigued by the story, the group of friends got their hands on a secret map that hinted precisely where this hidden cannabis plant was located. Naturally, they decided to hunt it down.
Each day after school, the Waldos would meet up to embark on their newest mission—finding the rumored plant! The Waldos met up each day at, you guessed it, 4:20 pm. They’d hop in the car, spark up, and head into the San Rafael woods while following their map and searching for the plant.
The hunt went on for some time and each friend in the group kept their cannabis hunt secretive by using the code the phrase “4:20.” Though the Waldos never actually found the plant, little did they know that their cannabis treasure hunt would emerge into a cultural phenomenon that would make waves across the country.
Enter the Grateful Dead
Surprisingly, once the Waldos all graduated school and journeyed into their adult lives, Dave Reddix, a friend from The Waldos, landed a gig working with Phil Lesh, the bassist of the legendary jam band the Grateful Dead. It didn’t take long for Reddix to notice just how cannabis was a core part of the band’s culture, the roadies, and their following.
Many of the band members began using the term ‘420’ to announce smoke breaks and stoner sessions while on tour. From there, Deadheads, the Grateful Dead’s enormous fan base, picked up on the slang quickly. Fans would gather before concerts at 4:20 to light up in preparation for the show.
By the time the 1990s rolled around, the number ‘420’ had spiraled into a complete cannabis symbol in mainstream culture. Around this era, a group of Oakland Deadhead fans started handing out flyers inviting people to “smoke 420 on 4/20 at 4:20.” This marked a turning point, transforming 420 from an inside joke among friends into a culturally significant holiday.
A Cannabis Holiday is Born
After this monumental shift of cannabis culture into the mainstream, the 4/20 holiday became a rapid global phenomenon. More musicians began rapping about ‘420’ in their song lyrics, and artists became more comfortable being open with their cannabis use.
The growing acceptance of cannabis culture showed up in other forms too. Entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Sir Richard Branson have credited cannabis with helping them brainstorm their innovative ideas. Even some states legalizing cannabis incorporated the ‘420’ number in their bills (like California’s official bill for medical cannabis was titled ‘SB 420.’)
Today, the annual unofficial holiday reflects a time of celebration for all:
- Friends sharing a joint or smoke session in celebration
- Baking homemade edibles or hosting meals to satisfy munchies
- Community events like extensive smoke sessions and cannabis parades
- Shoutouts in music and pop culture
- Continuous advocacy efforts for reform and legalization
- And, of course, some amazing 420 dispensary deals!
Celebrating 4/20 Deals at Our Haverhill, MA Dispensary
The 4/20 season is here, and what better way to gear up for the biggest day in cannabis culture than with an unforgettable dispensary celebration? At Stem, our MA recreational dispensary focuses on community events that embrace cannabis culture. Whatever your 4/20 plans this year are looking like, know that Stem Haverhill has got you covered!
The history of 4/20 has significantly impacted today’s cannabis culture. This year, be part of the cultural movement and celebration! If you’re looking to stock up on your favorite flower, try a new concentrate, or explore edibles, Stem has the perfect product for your perfect 420 celebration. Check out some of our exciting deals and 420 events happening in Haverhill:
🎉 Check out a sneak preview of our doorbuster dispensary deals & exciting promotions happening on 4/20!
- $15 eighths of flower from Cape Cod Grow Lab
- Stem’s pre-roll packs (5 count) for $20
- Rythm flower & cannabis vapes
- Half price on Happy Valley edibles
- And more!
Stop in on April 19th & 20th to celebrate and shop for this official cannabis holiday!
**All items and deals available while supplies last** — For more information about cannabis in Massachusetts, visit our Blog page. Shop our dispensary menu now for the latest and greatest products at Stem Haverhill!
The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.