The Origin of 420 & How to Celebrate It
The Story Behind 420
According to popular lore, the origin of 420 began with a tradition that young people all over the world have been honoring since the dawn of time: hanging out. As the story goes, in the fall of 1971, a group of five San Rafael High School students coined the term during their clandestine search for an abandoned cannabis patch aided by a treasure map given to one of them by its grower, a friend’s brother. Designating a statue of chemist Louis Pasteur as their meeting place, they agreed to meet at 4:20 p.m. They called their mission “4:20 Louis” as shorthand, and after numerous thwarted attempts to find the stash, they gave up, eventually shortening their phrase to “420.” Their search plan may have failed, but the lingo has stuck around for generations, and the rest is – quite literally – history.
How 420 Is Celebrated Today
Though decades have passed since, and with them countless changes in cannabis culture, technology, and so forth, the spirit of playful companionship still remains alive and well in modern celebrations of 4/20. Once upon a time, not so long ago, toking was just about all there was in terms of participation. But these days, options like Wynk are an accessible, discreet, and delicious way to celebrate The Date without having to sacrifice any of the fun and mischief notorious to cannabis culture. And even better, it falls on a weekend this year, so the possibilities are endless. As an unofficial holiday, but a holiday all the same, why let it be just a date when you can make it a date? If you happen to be located in Marin County, California, you could indeed make a date of taking a short trip to the site where it all began. But if sparking up next to a statue of Louis Pasteur at 4:20 isn’t on the agenda for this year, you can spark some inspiration from here to get your friends together for a date of your very own wherever you are.
Smile! It’s 4/20 😊
It wouldn’t be 4/20 without some comedy, would it? Try Gregg Araki’s stoner screwball odyssey Smiley Face (2007) on for size. Starring Anna Faris in a project that remains her personal favorite to this day, over the course of 84 minutes, you’ll be reminded the hard way to never, ever eat any mysterious cupcakes set out by your roommate. As a bonus, the film’s cast is rounded out by some beloved familiar faces, so you and your friends can share priceless “Wait…you’re in this?” moments over and over again.
Everybody Do Your Share 🌎
Every year, Earth Day falls on 4/22. A bit of research can point you in the direction of any local events and organizations promoting environmental protection in your IRL community, but we’ve only got this one Earth, and small choices made year round can go a very long way. Is there a park, beach, community garden, or city block you can think of that could use some TLC? It’s easier than you might think to make a big difference. Once you’ve chosen your site, grab some heavy duty trash bags and make a date to get some friends together for a clean-up.
Make It a Mukbang 🥘
Does your friend group also have a list of to-try restos that expands more and more with each viral TikTok? If so: more than ever, small businesses need your support in order to keep serving their communities through challenging times. Make a date of your support by choosing a restaurant or restaurant(s) to whet your 4/20 munchies whistle by dining in or taking your bites to-go for a cozy takeout spread. As you eat your way through, compare notes and exchange ratings with your friends as the amateur food critics that every stoner is uniquely equipped to be.
Sing Like No One’s Watching 🎤
Is there ever really a bad time for karaoke? Release your inhibitions by giving your karaoke sesh a gardener’s twist. Singing is not only fun, but no matter your skill level, has real benefits for mental health. Did you know it can lower cortisol and relieve stress and tension from the body? There’s a reason blasting music in the privacy of your bedroom or car and losing yourself in the moment feels so good. Toss back some Wynks, queue your most wow-worthy tracks, and sing your heart out like your 4/20 depends on it.
The Waldos, Wynk & What Comes Next
As for the get together that started it all, we’re happy to report that the original 420 Waldos are alive and well, and you can read more about them and the holiday’s humble beginnings here on their blog. As a lifestyle or as a date, 4/20 can be whatever you want it to be. And for that matter, so can a Wynk, especially with the introduction of our new 10mg lemonades. Who would have thought all those decades ago that one day, THC could come in the form of a crisp, fruity seltzer? However you plan to mark the occasion, just be sure to stay social. It is, after all, a date 😉
