The legends of 420 go back to the last century, when the prohibition of cannabis was much more widespread. Because of the secrecy with which the subject had to be handled, 4:20 is World Cannabis Day. But it is also a symbol of camaraderie among its consumers.
Origins and meanings of the 420 legends
The legends of 4:20 are related to the prohibitions imposed by States to control the consumption of cannabis. The reasons they have had are not purely sanitary, they have also been political and commercial.
All this gave rise to the fact that measures will be taken on the part of consumers not to be discovered. From this secrecy came 4:20, a key to concealing consumption. But there are several versions of the birth of this key. Here we mention the most popular.
California: The real 420 legend?
Most of the people you ask will agree that it was in California where 4:20 was born. The Waldo brothers provided proof of using 4:20 by the ’70s. So far no more solid evidence has been provided, so they have the most credible version.
Some friends from San Rafael High School knew that someone would not take care of their marijuana plot anymore. So they made the decision to look for the plot, which belonged to a member of the Point Reyes Coast Guard.
The friends had to wait until the time when all the training was finished: 4:20, so that they could be free and not arouse suspicions. Although they never found the field, the number was associated with the practice of smoking.
The time was established as a habit. Maybe that’s why it was extended to another group of friends, the Waldo brothers. All began to relate and by one of the boys established contact with the band of Gratefull Dead.
Because of the friendship, it is said that they met during the rehearsals of the band to smoke. For this reason, the band popularized the code, which was born in relation to the search and consumption of weed.
Thus, it became worldwide a code unknown to parents and teachers. Surely none of the friends thought that a small foray into the forest could lead to a worldwide celebration.
Hitler
Although it was a coincidence that 420 is homonymous with Hitler’s birth, one of the versions relates it. This version is one of the least accepted due to the fame of the Nazi leader. In addition, some Neonazis groups meet this day to commemorate it.
Police
There is a version linked to a police code to alert consumers, traders or carriers. This was disapproved, as the code was actually used as a reference for riots.
British Version
There’s a version of the legend that’s a long way from California. This version seems somewhat unlikely because cannabis use has been much more accepted in Europe. In fact, there is greater tolerance for self-cultivation and recreational and therapeutic use.
The fact that triggered the 4:20 according to this version is a meeting in British Columbia. About 200 people gathered in Vancouver one day in 1995 to demand the decriminalization of cannabis.
As the meeting was held at 4:20 the cannabis day became April 20. Many detractors have mentioned that 4:20 is more associated with tea time. And countries like France have decided to take other days because the date coincides with the birth of Adolf Hitler.
Prohibition law
There is another version related to California legislation, which passed a code law SB420. This law, admitted by voters, was a huge breakthrough in legal matters. It was also of great help to minority populations who were imprisoned for microtrafficking and carrying.
Meaning and current importance of 4:20
The legends of 4:20 attempt to account for a code that celebrates the persistence and companionship of a collective. This collective only wants the abolition of restrictions that do not help the State or themselves.
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