420 - National Today

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420, as the name implies, is celebrated annually on April 20. It is an international celebration during which people come together to consume cannabis and advocate for its legalization. Cannabis is widely acknowledged to be a simple plant that has complex effects on the human body. The plant contains chemicals known as cannabinoids. Those that campaign for cannabis to be more widely accepted and available point towards research that suggests some of these cannabinoids, such as CBD, have valuable therapeutic effects on people experiencing chronic pain or undergoing chemotherapy.

History of 420

You can be forgiven for thinking 420 has more origin stories than the Marvel Universe. One popular rumor is that “420” is the code police officers use to signal to each other that marijuana smoking is taking place. Another theory tries to attribute the date to a Bob Dylan song.

The most concrete evidence of the holiday’s origins, however, can be traced back to San Rafael high school in Marin County, California. A group of students, known as the “Waldos,” because they used to hang out by a wall, came into possession of a map that they thought would take them to a field full of marijuana. Map in hand, they met at 4:20 pm and eagerly tried to locate the crop. While they left empty-handed that day, 420 became their thing and the term began to spread among their friends.

Fast forward half a century, the holiday has taken on a more purpose-driven tone, providing a platform for scientists, medical professionals, politicians, and cannabis consumers to discuss the medicinal benefits of the plant. While the Controlled Substances Act’s categorization of marijuana means it cannot be sold under federal law, the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is legal in 36 states (at the time of writing), with an increasing number also legalizing recreational use too.

This year on 420, we are joining with many others to promote access to safe, legal, and natural cannabis products as many Americans believe that cannabis products can contribute towards a better quality of life.

420 timeline

2737 B.C. The Earliest Medicinal Record

Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung is credited with the earliest record of cannabis being used for medicinal purposes.

1937 The Marihuana Tax Act

Although medical use is still technically allowed, this legislation significantly impacts its usage and availability in the U.S.

1970 The Controlled Substances Act

Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, which means it can no longer be used for any purpose, including medicinal use.

1971 The Waldos

The Waldos, a group of friends in California, begin using the term 420 when discussing cannabis.

1996 Medicinal Cannabis is Legalized

California becomes the first state to legalize medicinal cannabis with the approval of Proposition 215.

2012 The First Legalization of Recreational Use

Washington and Colorado legalize the recreational use of cannabis.

2021 The First Celebration

Garden Remedies sponsors the first 420 celebration. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.

420 FAQs

What is the meaning behind 420?

420 is synonymous with cannabis culture and the events and discussions held on April 20 have become a call to action, with many advocating for the legalization of cannabis products.

What is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid derived from hemp. Research carried out so far suggests that it is a non-addictive product and does not make you high. CBD is often used to help address anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain.

How do I know if medicinal cannabis is the right option for me?

Every case should be treated on its individual merits. You should consult a qualified professional with your symptoms and make an informed decision based on the information that is given to you.

420 Activities

  1. Conduct research

    You can find a wealth of knowledge online about cannabis products. 420 is a great opportunity for you to do some independent research into the various products that are available, what the medical professionals and scientists are recommending, and which products could have the most positive impact on your overall well-being.

  2. Be fully aware

    Reputable dispensaries, which can be found in a number of U.S. States, will always be transparent about the common signs and symptoms to look out for in case of potential drug abuse. Be aware of the symptoms and contact relevant authorities if you think you may have a substance abuse problem.

  3. Have fun, be responsible

    420 is, of course, famous for people enjoying cannabis products. It’s an upbeat celebration synonymous with fun and it’s known for people being vocal on a topic that they believe in. Enjoy the celebrations, but do so responsibly and be sure to abide by the specific laws of wherever you are located.

6 Facts About Cannabis

  1. Cannabis contains more than 500 compounds

    These include terpenoids, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are compounds that are unique to cannabis. The most well-known cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) — these are the main two that are used in medicine and THC also produces the “high” that cannabis is associated with.

  2. Common consumption methods

    The three most common methods of consumption are ingesting, inhaling, and topical treatment (applying products to your skin). Depending on where you live, edibles, vapes, and oils are among the many cannabis products now legally available from reputable dispensaries.

  3. Conclusive evidence

    The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine state that there is conclusive evidence that cannabinoids can help manage chronic pain in adults, nausea that arises because of chemotherapy, and some symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

  4. Two million patients

    Data from May 2018 shows that there are over 2 million legal medical marijuana patients in the U.S. The same data suggests that the number would be 3.5 million if medical marijuana was legal in all 50 states.

  5. Humans have receptors

    Chemicals in marijuana connect with specific parts of the brain, which are known as receptors. Scientists have identified cells in our brains and immune systems that have cannabinoid receptors.

  6. A legal battle

    According to the Last Prisoner Project, 40,000 people are currently in prison in the U.S. for cannabis-related offenses that are now legal. It is the mission of many to redress the past through legal intervention and legislative advocacy.

420 dates

Year Date Day
2026 April 20 Monday
2027 April 20 Tuesday
2028 April 20 Thursday
2029 April 20 Friday
2030 April 20 Saturday

420 related holidays

SunJan 3Featured

International Mind-Body Wellness Day

MonMar 30Featured

Doctors' Day

ThuFeb 4Featured

World Cancer Day

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