The REAL Reason Why 4/20 Is National Weed Day
DALY CITY, CA - APRIL 18: Leaves of a mature marijuana plant are seen in a display at The International Cannabis and Hemp Expo April 18, 2010 at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California.
If you are familiar with the cannabis world, you probably know the significance of April 20th. It is known as National Weed Day. Now, what you may NOT know is the real reason behind that date.
There have been several myths including:
- Some claim the number comes from the California criminal code to punish the use or distribute marijuana. But, the states 420 code actually applies to obstructing entry on public land.
- And then there’s the theory that code 420 is what police in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco use to signal marijuana use, but not true. For example, code 420 is for “juvenile disturbance.”
- Or how about because the date honors the legacy of reggae king Bob Marley who was also a known weed user. But no, that’s not it either.
The real deal, at least according to the curator of the Oaksterdam Cannabis Museum in Oakland, California, is that 420 started as a secret code among high schoolers in the early 1920s. Curator Chris Conrad says a group of friends at a California high school called themselves “the Waldos.”
“The Waldos” would meet every day at 4:20 pm to get high. Supposedly, they agreed that was the best time because they were out of school and their parents weren’t home.
Janine “JD” Davis: JD The Diva is the spicy, bold, and highly energetic radio and TV personality you hear hosting the midday shift (10 am till 3 pm) each weekday at V 101.9. An award-winning 30-year radio and news journalist, Janine brings her unique style of delivering entertainment, news, and inspiration to the airwaves. From her quick-witted ‘dirt’ on celebrities to the live Facebook mix show featuring JD and her best dance moves to JD’s Inspirational Moments where she shares personal battles and triumphs, JD keeps listeners engaged and entertained. When she’s not on air, you can find JD getting involved in the community and embracing Black-owned businesses and stories online. She enjoys writing about small Black-owned businesses, our HBCUs as a grad herself, and all things supporting women.
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