The History of 420
The true origin story behind cannabis culture's most famous number
What is 420?
420 (pronounced “four-twenty”) is cannabis culture's most iconic code. It refers to both 4:20 pm as a time to consume cannabis and April 20th (4/20) as an unofficial holiday celebrating marijuana. But how did this specific number become synonymous with cannabis worldwide?
At The Library dispensary in West Orange, we celebrate 420 culture year-round—and especially on April 20th with special events and promotions. Let's explore the fascinating origin story of this phenomenon.
The True Origin: The Waldos
The real story begins in 1971 at San Rafael High School in California.
The Original Group
Five high school students—Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich—nicknamed “the Waldos” because they hung out by a wall outside school, heard about an abandoned cannabis crop near Point Reyes Peninsula.
They agreed to meet at 4:20 pm by the school's statue of Louis Pasteur to search for the mythical harvest. They'd say “420 Louis” as their code to meet up.
The Hunt
Week after week, the Waldos would meet at 4:20 pm, smoke cannabis, and drive out to search for the rumored crop. They never found the plants, but the code “420” stuck as their shorthand for consuming cannabis.
The phrase evolved from “420 Louis” to simply “420,” meaning it was time to get high.
The Grateful Dead Connection
The crucial piece: Waldo Dave Reddix's older brother was friends with Phil Lesh, bassist of the Grateful Dead. The Dead's rehearsal studio was near San Rafael, and the Waldos hung around Dead shows and parties.
The term “420” spread through the Grateful Dead community, one of cannabis culture's most influential networks. Deadheads traveling to shows nationwide carried the code everywhere.
How 420 Went Mainstream
High Times Magazine (1990)
In December 1990, High Times magazine printed a flyer from a Grateful Dead show that explained 420 as the code to smoke cannabis. The magazine's editors began using "420" in articles, giving it mainstream visibility.
Internet Era (1990s-2000s)
The internet amplified 420's spread exponentially. Cannabis forums, websites, and early social media adopted the term. By the late 1990s, 420 was entrenched in cannabis culture worldwide.
April 20th Celebrations
The date 4/20 became an unofficial cannabis holiday. Mass gatherings on college campuses (UC Boulder, UC Santa Cruz) drew thousands. Today, 4/20 celebrations happen globally, from Amsterdam to California to right here in New Jersey.
Debunking the Myths
Many false origin stories circulate. Here's what 420 is NOT:
❌ Police Code for Marijuana
No police department uses "420" as a code for cannabis possession or use. This is completely false.
❌ Bob Dylan Song Reference
The claim that "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" (12 × 35 = 420) inspired the code is coincidental. The Waldos predated this theory.
❌ Chemical Compounds in Cannabis
There are not 420 active compounds in cannabis. This myth arose after 420 became popular.
❌ Adolf Hitler's Birthday
Hitler was born on 4/20, but this coincidence has nothing to do with 420's origins. The connection is unfortunate but unrelated.
420 in Modern Cannabis Culture
Daily Tradition
Many cannabis consumers observe 4:20 pm (and am) as designated consumption times, whether solo or with friends.
April 20th Holiday
4/20 has evolved into cannabis culture's biggest celebration, with festivals, concerts, and dispensary sales worldwide.
Brand Marketing
Cannabis companies use 420 in product names, promotional events, and branding to signal authenticity and cultural connection.
Mainstream Recognition
420 has transcended cannabis culture into pop culture. Movies, music, and mainstream media reference 420 regularly.
Celebrating 420 at The Library
Every year on April 20th, The Library hosts special 4/20 celebrations:
- • Exclusive 420 product drops and limited editions
- • Special promotions and deals on cannabis products
- • Extended hours for the holiday rush
- • Educational events about cannabis culture and history
- • Community gathering space for enthusiasts
Follow us on Instagram @thelibrarynj for 420 event announcements!
The Waldos' Legacy
The original Waldos still exist and have documented proof of their 420 origins:
Physical Evidence
The group preserved letters, a 420 flag from the 1970s, and other artifacts proving they coined the term before it spread.
Media Recognition
Huffington Post, Los Angeles Times, BBC, and other major outlets have verified and reported the Waldos' story as authentic.
Cultural Impact
From a small group of high school friends in California to a global phenomenon—the Waldos created one of cannabis culture's most enduring symbols.
Celebrate 420 at The Library
Experience cannabis culture at West Orange's premier dispensary—not just on 4/20, but every day
Educational Purposes: This information is for educational purposes only. Must be 21+ to purchase. The Library holds NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228.