420 A day to celebrate the plant, community, and culture
April 20th aka 4/20 is a date that’s become an important part of cannabis culture and a global phenomenon that is widely celebrated by millions of recreational and medicinal consumers worldwide. However many still don’t fully understand where it all began and what exactly it means to those who participate in events, gatherings, and protests that continue to occur each year.
In this article, we’ll take a look at its roots, how the tradition spread, the cultural significance of the plant itself, and why it’s so important to enthusiasts everywhere.
The Origins of 420
As far as we can tell the origins of 420 trace back to the early 70s when a group of high schoolers in San Rafael, California used 4:20pm as a regular time to meet up and smoke cannabis. Eventually, 420 became a code for the ritual, and from there the idea caught on, resulting in its widespread use which still continues even today.
The cannabis plant's integral role in our history
Cannabis has played a critical role in human history that goes far beyond the cultural significance of the holiday, with people from many parts of the world using it for thousands of years as both a medicinal tool and a staple of religion-based rituals. From ancient Chinese medicine to Indian Ayurveda, cannabis has pretty much always been recognized and accepted as a powerful natural remedy and a way to elevate the mind.
This didn’t change until the 20th century when the prohibition of cannabis became commonplace, particularly in the Western world a shift that had a devastating impact on people and society as a whole. Criminalizing the plant resulted in mass incarcerations, the rise of the black market, and a dark stigma that still lingers around cannabis use.
Despite harsh penalties and exposure to an enormous amount of propaganda people worldwide have continued to use cannabis as both a recreational and medicinal tool even though few fully understood its benefits until recently. Since then legalization has inspired a thriving cannabis industry that generates millions in tax revenue alone each year and allowed many people may now indulge without fear or persecution.
About the cannabis community and culture
The cannabis community is diverse and rich in culture as it consists of individuals who are more than willing to celebrate and share the benefits of the plant. Here, everyone from casual consumers to dedicated activists from all walks of life come together to celebrate their love for the plant and a desire to see it both respected and accepted.
This community is about so much more than just smoking some herb, with a complex multifaceted culture and deep roots in the arts, literature, and music. Many famous musical celebrities including Bob Markley, Willie Nelson, and Snoop Dogg played a significant role in this societal shift toward acceptance, as did prolific writers like Hunter S. Thompson and Jack Kerouac, simply by making their love for the plant a focal point of their careers.
So, how can you celebrate 420 and be a part of this vibrant culture?
The best way to celebrate 420 this year no matter what you choose to do, is with friends as the bonding powers of the plant are undeniable and far more beneficial when you surround yourself with like-minded people. So why not plan a 420 gathering focusing on related activities, be it smoking, vaping, eating, or competitions that make it easy for everyone to enjoy the plant and all it has to offer together?
You could throw your own party, or attend one of many cannabis events from concerts and comedy shows to conferences and festivals, all of which facilitate the creation of lifelong connections between both consumers and industry professionals.
No matter what you end up doing this year, it’s important to be prepared and that could mean packing water, healthy snacks, and other essentials you might need to enhance this celebration of cannabis culture. It’s also a great idea to stock up on strains that deliver effects to keep you feeling good throughout the festivities.
Playing it safe
Our last and perhaps most important tip of the day is to prioritize safety while you’re celebrating 420 which is as easy as arranging a safe ride home and avoiding taking too much.
420 is so much more than just another day on the calendar. From health and wellness to cooking, music, and art, cannabis is a big part of our everyday lives, and as legalization continues to sweep across the world it’s essential to remember the roots of this amazing movement. Happy 420!
