An oral history of 420

The story of 420 is a part of cannabis culture that has gained immense popularity over the years. It is a term that is widely used to refer to the consumption of cannabis and to celebrate its culture, effectively making April 20 the hallmark holiday for cannabis businesses and consumers.

The origins of 420 can be traced back to San Rafael, California in the early 1970s.

In 1971, a group of high school students who called themselves the Waldos started using the term 420 as a code word for smoking marijuana. The Waldos would often meet up at 4:20 p.m. after school to smoke weed and go on adventures to search for a mythical cannabis plant that was rumored to be growing in the area.

Over time, the term 420 spread beyond the Waldos and became a part of cannabis culture. It is now used all over the world to refer to the consumption of cannabis and as a symbol of the fight for legalization.

The significance of 420 in cannabis culture is not just limited to the consumption of cannabis. It has also played a role in the fight for legalization. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2021, 91% of U.S. adults believe marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use. This represents a significant shift in attitudes towards cannabis over the years.

In addition, the legal marijuana industry has become a significant contributor to the economy. In 2020, the industry generated over $17.5 billion in sales, with projections that it could grow to over $73 billion by 2027. This has led to job creation, in Missouri alone marijuana legalization is estimated to have created nearly 15,000 new jobs since 2020, and increased tax revenue for states that have legalized marijuana.

In Missouri, legal marijuana has generated more than $900 billion to date, with the state bringing in more than $100 million monthly since the first legal recreational marijuana sales in February.

However, the fight for legalization is far from over. Many people are still serving time in prison for non-violent drug offenses, particularly those related to marijuana. While Missouri’s Article XIV provides for automatic expungement for many non-violent cannabis crimes, advocates for marijuana legalization continue to push for reform, particularly to expand automatic expungement of criminal records and enrich social equity programs.

Despite these challenges, the significance of 420 in cannabis culture cannot be overstated. It has become a symbol of the fight for legalization and a celebration of the plant’s unique ability to bring people together.

In the end, the story of 420 is a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the ability of a small group of individuals to make a significant impact on the world. It is important to remember the origins of 420 and the values it represents: inclusivity, community, and the fight for justice.

So when you light up a joint on April 20, remember that you are part of a long and storied tradition that spans decades and crosses borders. You are part of a movement that is fighting for change and standing up for what’s right. And that, my friends, is something to be proud of.