One of the most universally recognised numbers in cannabis culture is 420. This iconic figure is intrinsically linked to April 20th (4/20), a date that has grown into a worldwide celebration of cannabis advocacy, community, and identity.

But where did this term originate, and how did it become such a powerful symbol for cannabis enthusiasts? This guide explores the fascinating history, evolution, and modern-day significance of 420 in the cannabis world.

Table of Contents

• The Origin and Meaning Behind 420
  • Understanding the Date: 20 April
  • Popular Theories on 420’s Origins
• The True History of 420: The Waldos and the Code
  • Who were the waldos?
  • How 420 gained traction
• 420 as a Global Cannabis Celebration
• From Secret Code to Public Holiday
• Iconic 420 Events in History
• Global Reach: How 420 Is Celebrated Beyond the U.S.
• 710: Another Number in the Cannabis Lexicon
  • What is 710 and Why Is It Important?
  • Origins of 710
• 420 and 710: More Than Dates—Symbols of the Cannabis Movement

 

The origin and meaning behind 420 in cannabis culture

Understanding the Date: 20th of April

In countries like the United States, the date April 20th (written as 4/20) is designated as World Cannabis Day, a moment to spotlight Cannabis appreciation and activism. Though it started as a secret code, 420 has transformed into an openly recognised and respected symbol within the Cannabis community.

Popular Theories on 420’s Origins

Over the years, several legends and theories have attempted to explain the origins of 420. Some speculate that the number references the birthday or death of Bob Marley, a global icon of Cannabis legalisation and Rastafarian culture. However, this theory does not hold up when examined alongside the actual dates of Marley’s birth and death.

Another rejected notion is that the number refers to the number of cannabinoids found in Cannabis plants—though modern research confirms there are over 500, this is not the source of the 420 code.

A more intriguing idea, widely circulated thanks to High Times magazine in the 1990s, suggests that police in San Rafael, California, used “420” as a radio code for Cannabis-related incidents. However, this too was later debunked by one of the original creators of the 420 term, who clarified the real story.

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The true history of 420: The waldos and the code that spread worldwide

Who Were the Waldos?

The most credible and widely accepted origin of the 420 term is traced back to a group of high school students in San Rafael, California, during the early 1970s. Nicknamed “The Waldos”, this group used “420” as a secret signal to meet up after school—precisely at 4:20 p.m.—to search for an abandoned Cannabis crop.

What began as a private joke among friends quickly evolved into a unique term that encapsulated Cannabis use. Little did they know, their code word would eventually become the rallying cry of a global subculture.

How 420 Gained Traction

The Waldos’ chosen meeting time and its coded reference to Cannabis caught on quickly, especially due to their proximity to members of The Grateful Dead, a rock band deeply entrenched in the counterculture of the era. The band’s members and followers began using “420” regularly, and as the band toured across the United States, so too did the term.

This underground signal grew into a nationwide phenomenon thanks to publications like High Times, which amplified its reach by using “420” in their articles and organising events around the number. From there, 420 evolved into a day, an identity, and a movement within the global Cannabis culture.

420 as a global cannabis celebration

From Secret Code to Public Holiday

Today, April 20 is not merely a date on the calendar—it has become a day of activism, celebration, and education for the worldwide Cannabis community. Events take place across parks, streets, and even political buildings, where people gather to promote awareness, encourage dialogue, and advocate for the legalisation and responsible use of Cannabis.

Iconic 420 events in history

One of the most talked-about 420 events occurred in 2016, when hundreds gathered in Washington, D.C., and carried a massive 15-metre inflatable joint to the White House, urging then-President Barack Obama to decriminalise Cannabis. Their message: “Obama, decriminalise Cannabis now.”

In 2017, the activist group DCMJ launched a more strategic protest. They handed out over 1,000 joints to U.S. lawmakers, aiming to drive home the importance of personal choice and freedom from government-imposed misinformation about Cannabis.

Such events illustrate how 420 has matured into more than a cultural reference—it is now a platform for change, inspiring legal reform and dismantling outdated stigmas associated with Cannabis consumption.

Related: Why is 420 associated with weed/cannabis?

Global reach: How 420 is celebrated beyond the U.S.

While 420 began in the United States, its influence has transcended national borders. In the United Kingdom, for instance, public gatherings, peaceful demonstrations, and Cannabis education events are increasingly common each 20th of April. From Hyde Park in London to local events in cities like Manchester and Birmingham, Cannabis advocates continue to fight for legalisation and policy reform.

420 today serves as a yearly reminder of the importance of open, evidence-based discussions about Cannabis use, regulation, and harm reduction.

710: Another number in the cannabis lexicon

What is 710 and Why Is It Important?

While 420 holds historical significance, a newer term has entered the Cannabis vocabulary—710. When flipped upside down, “710” resembles the word “OIL”, referring to Cannabis concentrates such as BHO (Butane Hash Oil) and dabs. The number 710 has thus become associated with Cannabis extracts, and the date 10 July (7/10) is now celebrated as a day to honour this part of the Cannabis experience.

Origins of 710

The term 710 first gained traction thanks to TaskRok, a rapper who coined it during a TinyChat conversation with fellow Cannabis enthusiasts. TaskRok also released an album called The Movement on July 7, 2011, aiming to promote this new symbol of Cannabis extract culture.

The first official 710 celebration occurred at the 710 Cup in Denver, Colorado, in 2013. Since then, the term has been widely adopted commercially and culturally. Coffee shops, Cannabis lounges, merchandise, and entire festivals have embraced 710 as a modern-day counterpoint to the more traditional 420.

Despite originating the term, TaskRok later declared that 710 belonged to the public, underscoring the inclusive, evolving nature of Cannabis culture.

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420 and 710: More than dates—symbols of the cannabis movement

In essence, both 420 and 710 represent much more than dates or numbers. They are powerful icons of community, resistance, education, and celebration. As legalisation efforts continue around the world, these numbers serve as unifying emblems that capture the spirit of the Cannabis movement.

From their grassroots beginnings to their global significance today, 420 and 710 show how deeply Cannabis is woven into society’s cultural and political fabric.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.