The Origin Story of 420

If you've ever been part of the cannabis culture, you’ve likely heard of 420. But have you ever wondered where it all started? The number 420 has evolved from a simple code to a global celebration of cannabis, with fans around the world marking April 20th (4/20) as a day of unity, advocacy, and, of course, cannabis consumption. But how did this seemingly random number become synonymous with marijuana culture? The origin story of 420 is far from ordinary—it’s rooted in a mix of youthful rebellion, a hidden code, and a bit of serendipity. In this blog, we’ll dive into the fascinating history behind 420, how it became the global phenomenon it is today, and why it continues to hold such cultural significance. Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast or simply curious, understanding the roots of 420 is a journey worth taking.

The foundation of Happy420 Africa’s name comes from the international phenomenon of 4/20. The story of 420 as a term for lighting up a zoot with your nearest and dearest is a beautiful tale of freedom and friendship. For some, 420 is just another dot on the calendar. For cannabis users, it's both a treasured holiday and the industry’s highest grossing day of the year. Happy420 Africa is proud to represent the core beliefs and values that originate from cannabis cultures' proud motto.

The foundation of Happy420 Africa’s name comes from the international phenomenon of 4/20. The story of 420 as a term for lighting up a zoot with your nearest and dearest is a beautiful tale of freedom and friendship. For some, 420 is just another dot on the calendar. For cannabis users, it's both a treasured holiday and the industry’s highest grossing day of the year. Happy420 Africa is proud to represent the core beliefs and values that originate from cannabis cultures' proud motto. 

4:20PM is considered amongst weed smokers as a particularly special time of the day to light up. On the other hand, 420 refers to the 20th of April, the biggest day of the year for cannabis users. It’s a day to get together and light up in collective support of the legalization of marijuana. Stoners around the globe unite triumphantly in public parks, beaches, or the comfort of their own homes, and “smoke-da-herb” with collective vigor. The origin of this world-wide celebration highlights the unity that marijuana smokers share today, as well as its turbulent political history. Happy420 Africa takes pride in its association with those who came before us, and banded together definitely against the status quo. 

In the early 70’s, A group of teenagers from San Rafael highschool in California were notoriously known as ‘The Waldo’s’ by their peers. They were dubbed this title because the group would religiously perch themselves on a wall by the Louis Pasteur Statue every day at 4:20PM. Their meetings were characterized by hilarious impersonations of passers by, and of course, marijuana.

In the early days of their wall-sitting-marijuanna-smoking ventures the group came up with a secret phrase that would be their rallying cry to spark up a fat old joint. The phrase was “420 Louis”, which was later shortened to “420”. This code word for cannabis consumption spread like wildfire from campus to campus across the state. Younger siblings also adopted the term and its popularity thrived across generations.

420 went international when Dave Reddix, one of The Waldo’s, got a job as a roadie for anti-establishment band, The Grateful Dead. This group of musicians and their music were synonymous with recreational drug use, particularly marijuana and psychedelics. After meeting Dave, The Dead began publicly coining the 4:20 term on stage in front of thousands of like minded stoners.

Fans of The Grateful Dead compassionately referred to themselves as Deadheads. In December 1990 one of these Deadheads covered the streets in flyers calling for a mass gathering of stoners on April 20th (4/20). The weed-lovers were to meet at the same public spot at 4:20PM, and paint the sky in a purple haze. The following year a reporter from High Times Magazine published one of the fliers ahead of the event, and the movement became etched in history. 

The term itself underpins a political era characterized by violence, oppression, and the power of the people coming together to fight for change. The need for a secret code reminds us of the war against weed, as well as the significance that marijuana played in the political movements of the 1970’s. 

Marijuana and the 1970’s are mutually exclusive. This period saw marijuanna become increasingly accepted in popular culture as it symbolized freedom and rebellion. Marijuanna had been attacked and stigmatized by the state owned media as its message of peace and love stood in strong opposition to the violence of the Vietnam war. The criminalisation of marijuanna was seen as an attack on people's freedom, and smoking weed became an act of defiance.

Musicians, writers, and artists of all kinds popularized weed in their work, flooding the mainstream media with positive messages of unity. The normalization of cannabis consumption within popular culture, as well as its political relevance as counterculture, catalyzed the drug policy reform movement which led to marijuana’s eventual legalization. 

What started out as six buddies sitting on a wall, has grown into one of the largest international events in the world. People across all cultures, religions, ethnicities and ages share in the joy of 4/20. It is the most accepting celebration of the year, and a genuine act of togetherness. Happy420 Africa expresses the same values, it’s what underscores our endeavors to make you smile. Have a look at our THC Infused Goodies, Happy Gummies, or Smart Shop if you're looking to broarden your spiritual horizons. or sign up to our newsletter for more information.