Every April 20th, cannabis consumers across the country—and increasingly around the world—come together to celebrate 420, one of the most recognized symbols in cannabis culture. But 420 didn’t start as a holiday. It began as a quiet code shared between friends and evolved into a global celebration of cannabis, community, and progress. If you’ve ever wondered “what does 420 mean?” or “where did 420 come from?”, here’s the full story.
A Celebration of Cannabis Trailblazers
420 is more than a date—it’s a tribute to the people who helped shape cannabis culture. Long before legalization, cannabis consumers navigated stigma and risk. Many used cannabis not just recreationally, but as a form of relief, creativity, and connection. Others advocated, educated, and pushed for change in a time when that wasn’t easy. Today, 4/20 honors that legacy. Some of the most influential voices in cannabis history include:
- Brownie Mary – A medical cannabis pioneer who provided edibles to AIDS patients
- Steve DeAngelo – A leading advocate for legalization and cannabis reform
- Bob Marley – A global cultural icon who helped normalize cannabis
- Willie Nelson – Longtime advocate and symbol of cannabis freedom
- Whoopi Goldberg – Advocate for wellness and cannabis accessibility
- Carl Sagan – Early proponent of cannabis for intellectual and creative exploration
- Ricky Williams – Athlete and advocate for cannabis reform
- Jack Herer – Author and activist who helped reshape cannabis policy
How Did 420 Begin?
The origin of 420 is surprisingly simple. In the early 1970s in California, a group of high school students known as “The Waldos” would meet at 4:20 PM each day after school. Their goal? To search for an abandoned cannabis crop they had heard about. While they never found the plants, the phrase “4:20” stuck. It became their inside code for meeting up—and eventually, for cannabis itself. What started as a local joke quickly grew into something bigger.
How 420 Spread Across the Country
420 might have stayed a small, regional phrase—but it didn’t. The Waldos had connections to the Grateful Dead community, whose fans traveled extensively across the U.S. As Deadheads adopted the term, it began spreading from city to city. Then came a major turning point: High Times Magazine. By publishing references to 420 in the 1990s, High Times helped bring the term into the mainstream. From there, it quickly evolved into a recognized symbol of cannabis culture nationwide. Eventually, April 20 (4/20) became the unofficial holiday.
From Code to Cultural Movement
What began as a private code has transformed into a global event. Across the U.S., you’ll find 420 events, dispensary deals, festivals, and community gatherings bringing people together in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. Today, 420 represents:
- Cannabis culture and community
- Progress toward legalization
- Advocacy and education
- Celebration of plant-based wellness
- A shared identity among consumers
Celebrate 420 with Native Sun
At Native Sun, we honor the roots of 420 while celebrating how far the cannabis industry—and community—has come. This year, we’re hosting our 4 Days of 420, featuring:
- Food trucks and local vendors
- Artisan markets and pop-ups
- Live music and community vibes
- In-store experiences and product activations
- Explore all upcoming events
Shop 4/20 Bundles
420 is also one of the best times of the year to explore new products and stock up on your favorites. Whether you’re looking for premium flower, flavorful vapes, or cannabis edibles, there’s something for every type of consumer. Native Sun is offering:
- Exclusive 4/20 deals
- Discounts across flower, vapes, edibles, and more
- Limited-time product drops
- In-store specials and recommendations
Why 420 Still Matters
Even as cannabis becomes more widely accepted, 420 still carries meaning. From underground gatherings to legal dispensaries, the journey has been long—but the spirit of 420 remains the same. It represents:
- The progress made toward legalization
- The communities that kept the culture alive
- The ongoing push for equity and access
- The shared experience of cannabis consumers everywhere
See You This 420
However you choose to celebrate, remember to enjoy responsibly.
- Stay hydrated
- Start low and go slow
- Take breaks when needed
- Know your limits