Typically observed on April 20th of each year, 420 is often depicted in mainstream culture as a group of tie-dye-clad stoners shrouded in a plume of smoke, celebrating by lounging in a bean bag chair and scarfing down a bag of orange-colored chips. And while this is certainly one way to celebrate, we believe you don’t have to get stoned to the bone to enjoy this annual holiday.
In fact, legend has it that 420 was originally a time of day for friends to get together in a judgment-free environment and enjoy a few puffs of cannabis. Keeping that spirit in mind, WYNK wants to offer a more mindful way to observe this holiday that is more about connecting and less about blasting off into the stratosphere. Curious? Read on to learn more about the history behind 420 and how to make it your own.
What are the origins of 420?
Although the exact history of 420 is a tad hazy, most believe that it was started in the 1970s by a group of five teenagers at San Rafael High School in California. Each day, these students would get together at 4:20 PM to hang out by a wall (they called themselves “the Waldos”) outside their school and share a joint. They landed at 4:20 PM as a meeting time because it was after school and sports practice had finished for the day but before they had to go home to their parents. This eventually became not only their designated meeting time but also a codeword to discuss cannabis without their parents or teachers finding out.
So how did 420 become ubiquitous with cannabis in pop culture? For that, we have The Grateful Dead to thank. As fate would have it, a few of these teenagers had direct ties to members of The Grateful Dead so the phrase began to spread through the “Deadhead” community. Flyers would be passed out before their concerts detailing that concertgoers were to meet on 4/20 or at 4:20 at a certain spot to get together, smoke weed, and connect with their community.
Once “High Times” got wind of these flyers, they helped spread the word on a global scale and commemorated 4/20 as an official holiday of pot culture. Celebrating this day has become almost a rite of passage for anyone who enjoys cannabis—and there are many ways to observe this day beyond partying or sharing a joint with friends.
Best 420 Celebrations for 2024
Although 420 has garnered a reputation for being a day of raucous celebrations, we believe that you can commemorate this day in whatever way you see fit. It doesn’t have to be a day exclusively for professional stoners—it can also be a day for anyone who wants to find a deeper connection to their friends, family, themselves, or even the world around them. This 4/20, we invite you to get creative with your celebrations and try something new, like:
Outdoor Adventure
420 is a springtime event, making it the perfect time to go out and explore the great outdoors. This could look like a hike with friends, a picnic in a park, or heading to the beach for a day of fun in the sun. If you prefer something a little more interactive, you could even make up a scavenger hunt to keep things interesting. Just remember to pack some THC seltzer and you’ll have an exciting day ahead of you.
City Exploration
Rain or shine, you can always plan a day to investigate or experience a new part of town with a can of WYNK in hand. Whether that means going to a new museum, planning a route to see some of the best street art, or renting a bike for the day to cycle through the streets, there are an endless number of ways to get a fresh perspective in the city you live in. You may even consider being a tourist for the day by taking an architecture tour or indulging your munchies with a food tour. You never know what you might discover!
Bonfire Retreat
Gathering around a fire with friends always feels festive, especially if you live in a slightly colder climate or along the coastline. It harkens back to a time before technology when we used to simply swap stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the company of loved ones. All you need is a cooler of WYNK and it’s officially 420-approved.
Gourmet Gathering
Cannabis-infused dinners are having a major moment right now—and WYNK makes it easy to infuse any meal. All you have to do is whip up a few mocktails to pair with your meal and you’ll have a tasty, well-balanced buzz fit for the holidaze. As far as the food, you could choose to plan the menu yourself, make it a potluck, or get fancy by hiring a chef to make your 420 dinner a time to remember.
Final 420 Thoughts
Pop culture does not have to dictate how you celebrate this April 20th. As a cannabis-infused seltzer brand, we believe that you can get in on the fun of the holiday while redefining what it means to you. Plus, with two different dosage options and four delectable flavors, there’s something for everyone in our line of seltzers. For more education, recipes, and entertainment, stay tuned for more on our blog.
