Every April 20th, known as 4/20, there is a special celebration among marijuana enthusiasts. It is like a holiday where people come together to enjoy and appreciate cannabis, but do you know where it all started?
The story goes back to the 1970s in California, where a group of friends, nicknamed “the Waldos,” used to meet at 4:20 p.m. after school to search for a hidden cannabis patch.
Although they never found it, their tradition of meeting at 4:20 became a thing, and the term “420” stuck as a code for cannabis.
Over time, this code spread, especially among fans of the band Grateful Dead. It gained even more popularity when a flyer circulated at one of their concerts, inviting people to “meet at 4:20 on 4/20.” Since then, 4/20 has become a symbol for cannabis culture.
Nowadays, 4/20 is celebrated in various ways. Some people gather at festivals like the Mile High 420 Festival in Denver, while others enjoy more laid-back gatherings in parks or on college campuses.
Breweries even release special beers inspired by 420, but it is not just about having fun.
There is also a serious side to the 4/20 celebrations. With more states legalizing marijuana, there is a growing push for social justice and equity in the industry.
Many activists are working to ensure that communities harmed by the war on drugs, especially people of colour, benefit from legalization.
Despite progress, there is still work to be done; Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, and many people remain in prison for non-violent cannabis offenses.
That is why activists like Vivian McPeak emphasize the importance of continuing the fight for justice.
So, as we celebrate 4/20 this year, let us not forget the history behind it and the ongoing struggle for a fair and just cannabis industry.
AP
