So, what does 420 mean? The origin of the term dates back to a group of high school students in California in the early 1970’s. The group called themselves “The Waldos”. They used the phrase “4:20 Louis” as a code to signal the rest of the group to meet up after school at 4:20 p.m. by a statue of Louis Pasteur. Once gathered, they’d head off to search for an abandoned cannabis crop they’d heard about.
Over time, the phrase “4:20 Louis” was shortened to 420. It spread by word of mouth through music circles and eventually found its way into cannabis publications in the 1990s.
How 4/20 Evolved Over Time
By the time the Waldos left school, 4/20 gatherings in the 1980s and 1990s were largely underground events. There were legal risks for celebrating cannabis in public, and the culture associated with 420 operated largely in the shadows. But as legalization spread, 4/20 changed from a quiet countercultural movement to a mainstream event.
Today, dispensaries host specials, education events, and community-focused promotions to celebrate the 20th of April. The tone of the events has shifted from secrecy to celebration and openness.
Massachusetts’s cannabis history played a role in this shift. After voters approved adult-use legalization in 2016, licensed dispensaries began operating under the state’s new regulated system. The legal framework for cannabis use helped normalize weed as a consumer product rather than a taboo drug.
What 4/20 Represents Today
4/20 is still about cannabis culture, but today it’s also become a symbol of progress. The day represents advocacy for safe, regulated cannabis markets. For some, it’s a good time to reflect on how far policy has come. Others view this as a day to gather with friends and responsibly consume marijuana.
Modern celebrations tend to focus on education about the history of the culture and legalization. It’s about helping people make informed choices about their consumption rather than excess. In the legalized era, 4/20 is less about rebellion and more about responsible use in a regulated industry.
7 Modern Ways to Celebrate 4/20 Solo or With Company
There’s no single way to mark the holiday…and that’s exactly the point. 4/20 is yours to shape. Here are a few ways to make it memorable:
- Spend the evening solo with a film you’ve been meaning to revisit or an album you know by heart. Pair it with premium flower in a strain you already love, or take the night as an opportunity to try something new off the shelf. Sometimes the most intentional celebrations are the quiet ones.
- Host a low-dose edible tasting with a small group of friends. Pass around a few options, let everyone sample at their own pace, and compare notes on flavor, onset, and effect as the evening unfolds. It’s a grounded, social format that works just as well for seasoned consumers as it does for newcomers.
- Take things outdoors. A hike pairs naturally with a portable vape. They’re easy to carry and simple enough to tuck away when you’re moving through areas where public consumption isn’t permitted. Fresh air and good cannabis have always made a strong case for each other.
- Set up a creative session at home. An uplifting cannabis pre-roll and a hands-on activity like painting, playing an instrument, or sketching.
- Build a cannabis-and-cuisine pairing night around tinctures. Infuse your drinks with measured drops and put together snacks designed to complement the flavor profiles you’re working with.
- Use the day to go deeper on something you’ve always meant to learn. Brush up on your terpene knowledge, explore the relationship between cannabinoids, or spend some time understanding how cultivation methods shape the final product. (The more you know, the better every future purchase gets!)
- Finally, consider setting a personal intention for how you want to approach cannabis for the rest of the year. 4/20 can be a moment to pause, take stock, and decide what comes next.
However you celebrate, be intentional about it. Plan ahead and know your tolerance levels.
Celebrating Locally in Blackstone
Shopping at a local licensed dispensary is one of the safest (and best) ways to celebrate 4/20. Choosing a regulated retailer means you are buying products that have been tested for potency and safety and are getting good value for your money.
Green Choice Dispensary is a trusted Blackstone, MA dispensary. We’re located on 114 Main Street and have a wide range of cannabis products on our shelves. Our team can help you find a new product or connect you with the ones you already know and love.
4/20 has changed a lot since its original coded meaning, but it’s still a day to celebrate cannabis culture in all its forms.
