Holiday
A marijuana holiday or so-called Weed Day has gained popularity as the world legalizes the use of Cannabis. 420 is celebrated on the 20th day of the 4th month and at 4:20 p.m every year, and there are multiple theories regarding its origins.
The theories cover multiple possibilities from law to music; here are some of the most believed myths about the origin of the 420 holiday.
420 active chemicals in Cannabis
As this theory can sound very scientific, the truth is that marijuana has more than 500 active ingredients, but only about 70 are unique to the plant; these are called cannabinoids.
Teatime in Amsterdam
The capital of the Netherlands is known for its broad Cannabis culture. 420 cafés, a 420 festival, and the Hash & Hemp museum are part of the fascinating 420 attractions that tourists and locals can enjoy. Still, the holiday’s origin is not related to drinking tea while you are there.
Super secret police code
When police officers communicate through radio, they usually have short codes for confidentiality, and faster communication. 420 as a code is not associated with any illegal cannabis activity. The only police department with a 420 code in the United States is the San Fransisco police department, and it relates to juvenile disturbance.
The actual historical origin of the 420 usage is related to coding, but not by police or web developers. It takes us back to “The Waldos”, a group of high schoolers in the 1970s who enjoyed cannabis consumption.
The Waldos Legacy
The Waldos lived in San Rafael, California, and would usually meet at 4:20 p.m. They started using 420 to refer to their cannabis reunions. Other teenagers started spreading the code around California and eventually the world. It passed from popular domain to legislation when John Vasconcellos of the California State Senate introduced the 420 senate bill number known as Medical Marijuana Program Act, passed by the California state legislature and signed in 2003.
