The Brief and Hazy History of 420 | Frannys Farmacy

The Brief and Hazy History of 420

The celebration of 420 is at the center of cannabis culture. Although millions of smokers and non-smokers partake in this annual “holiday” every year, not everyone knows the history behind the festivities. Some suggest it’s connected to Bob Dylan’s 1966 hit, “Rainy Day Woman #12 & 35,” because 12 multiplied by 35 is 420. Others say that the holiday refers to the police code “420” that is used among offers when marijuana smoking is in progress.

But the true history behind this holiday is that it all began with a 1970s hangout among five California teens – Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich. The group, who were nicknamed the “Waldos,” used “420” as code for marijuana while attending San Rafael High School. They also chose 4:20 p.m. as their meet up time by the campus’ statue of chemist, Louis Pasteur, to smoke pot. In doing so, they became the innocent inventors of 420! So how did 420 turn into an international celebration? For that, we can thank the Grateful Dead. The Waldos had connections to the band – Dave Reddix even worked with the Grateful Dead’s bassit, Phil Lesh. Because of this, the band is said to have helped popularize the term “420.” The term quickly picked up traction in cannabis culture and among Deadheads. Things really took off in December of 1990, when a group of Deadheads created a flyer that encouraged people to smoke on April 20, 1991, at 4:20 p.m. The flyer was eventually picked up by High Times Magazine and printed.

Today, this “unofficially-official” holiday is celebrated around the world. Although some consider it to be a “stoner holiday,” it is much more than that. Aside from being a monumental annual event for cannabis culture, it has become a favorite holiday among hemp-derived CBD users. There are so many great ways to partake in celebrating the history of this holiday. Whether you light up a Franny’s Grammy or indulge in a Franny’s Farmacy CBD-infused chocolate bar, we have a plethora of products for you to celebrate with.