It’s that time of year again! 4/20 is the unofficial holiday for cannabis enthusiasts around the world. For decades, it has been a day for stoners to come together, smoke up, and celebrate their love for cannabis. But as society and attitudes toward cannabis have evolved, so has the meaning behind this day. Now, more and more people are redefining what it means to consume cannabis and celebrate this holiday. Let’s look at the evolution of the cannabis industry and where it's headed, and we’ll offer a few tips for how to celebrate 420 in a new way.

What the Heck is 420, Anyway?

If you're not a cannabis enthusiast, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Why is April 20th such a big deal? The origin of the holiday is shrouded in mystery, but there are a few theories. One of the most widespread myths is that "420" was the police code for cannabis possession and that the holiday originated as a way for cannabis enthusiasts to celebrate their favorite herb. However, this is not true, as there is no police code for cannabis possession that corresponds to "420".

Another more popular theory has to do with a bunch of teenagers in the 1970s. The “Waldos” were a group of high school students in San Rafael, California. According to popular legend, the group used "420" as a code word to refer to smoking cannabis and would meet at 4:20 pm to partake in their favorite activity. One day, they heard about a Coast Guard member who had planted a cannabis crop but had to abandon it. He left a map behind, so the Waldos decided to follow it and find the plants. This became their code for searching for the crop and eventually the origin story of the 4/20 stoner holiday. While the true story may be embellished over time, the Waldos remain an important part of cannabis culture and are credited with popularizing the term "420". They even have a website with documented “proof” they coined the term.

There are also several theories relating to music culture. Some fans of the Grateful Dead believe that the band is responsible for popularizing 4/20. Apparently, they frequently played shows on April 20th, and their fans would celebrate by smoking cannabis at 4:20 pm. Others believe that Bob Dylan's song "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" was the inspiration for the holiday. The lyrics "Everybody must get stoned" were believed to be a coded reference to cannabis, as the numbers 12 and 35, when multiplied, equal 420.

While the true origins of the 4/20 holiday may never be fully known, it has become an important cultural celebration for many people around the world who appreciate cannabis and its role in their lives.

The Evolution of the Cannabis Industry

To understand where we're headed, we first need to look back at where we've been. The cannabis industry has undergone significant changes over the decades and even more so in recent years. From the underground culture of the 60s and 70s to the legalization of medical cannabis in the 90s and now, the growing popularity of recreational use. We've come a long way! And with each passing year, the industry only continues to evolve.

Today, cannabis is a multibillion-dollar industry with countless products, from edibles to oils to topicals and beyond. You can buy infused joints, easy-to-take capsules, and even CBD treats for our furry friends. It’s a big, wide, beautiful world of personal choice for new cannabis consumers. Sometimes we still can’t believe that accessing cannabis is as easy as shopping online for delivery! But it’s true. We’re living in some kind of bubbly daydream, and it makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Cannabis Consumption is Going Mainstream

People from all walks of life are discovering its benefits, and cannabis is going mainstream. In fact, some of the biggest names in business and entertainment have come out as cannabis consumers. From Seth Rogen to Martha Stewart, the list of high-profile cannabis enthusiasts continues to grow.

So, where is the cannabis industry headed? A new era of social wellness and connection.  As people continue to discover the benefits of cannabis, we'll see it integrated into more social settings. Imagine a dinner party exclusively serving cannabis mocktails, or a workout class where everyone uses CBD-infused topicals to help soothe sore muscles. What about a juice bar pressing nutrient-dense cannabis leaves into its drinks? The possibilities are endless, and we're only just beginning to scratch the surface. 

The growing popularity of products like WYNK seltzer highlights the shift towards a more social and approachable way to consume cannabis. But social consumption isn't just about having fun with friends. Many cannabis users are seeking out social experiences as a way to connect with others and improve their overall well-being. As the stigma surrounding cannabis continues to fade, more people are discovering the benefits of incorporating cannabis into their social lives. If there are health and wellness benefits that coincide, then all the better!

Ways to Celebrate 4/20

There are plenty of ways to get in on the fun, and besides, who doesn’t love an offbeat holiday?

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Host a cannabis-themed party: Invite some friends over for a potluck ;) Offer cannabis drinks, infused foods, or desserts. Always be sure to label anything infused and keep it low dose. To play it on the safe side, you can stick to WYNK infused seltzers. The perfectly balanced dose of THC:CBD is just right for a night of fun with your friends.



2. Attend a cannabis event: From concerts to art shows to yoga classes, there are plenty of events happening around 4/20 that are cannabis-friendly. Head to this site to check out nationwide 4/20 events or see what your local dispensaries have planned.



3. Support your local dispensary: Visit a shop in your neighborhood and have a talk with the awesome budtenders. You might learn a thing or two or discover a new product. Pick up some WYNK while you’re there! Here’s where you can find out who carries our products



4. Donate to a good cause: While cannabis has been legalized in many places, there are still nearly 32,000 people in jail for non-violent cannabis-related offenses. Legalization is a recent development, and retroactive application of the law often does not apply to prior convictions. People of color and low-income individuals have been disproportionately affected by the enforcement of cannabis laws. Donations to causes like the Last Prisoner Project and Cage-Free Cannabis is one way to help address these systemic issues and ensure that everyone is treated fairly under the law.

Nowadays, 4/20 is about redefining the way we consume cannabis and using it to connect with each other socially. And that's where WYNK comes in, with a light, bubbly buzz that’s perfect for connecting with loved ones and enjoying all life has to offer.