The History of 420: 5 Key Moments That Started It All

The history of 420 is one of the most iconic origin stories in cannabis culture. What started as a secret code between five high school friends in California has grown into a worldwide celebration observed every April 20th. Whether you light up at 4:20 PM or attend a rally on 4/20, understanding the history of 420 connects you to decades of cannabis advocacy and community.

The History of 420: How It All Started

The history of 420 begins in 1971 at San Rafael High School in California. Five friends who called themselves “The Waldos” — named because they hung out against a wall after school — received a hand-drawn treasure map from a cannabis grower. The map supposedly led to an abandoned cannabis crop hidden somewhere in the Point Reyes area.

The Waldos made a plan they called “420 Louis.” They agreed to meet at exactly 4:20 PM at the Louis Pasteur statue in front of their high school. From there, they would pile into a car, smoke up, and search for the hidden crop using the treasure map.

5 Key Moments in the History of 420

1. The Waldos Create the Code (1971)

The five high school friends began using “420 Louis” as their code phrase. They would remind each other in the hallways — “420 Louis” meant meet at the statue at 4:20 PM to search for the lost cannabis crop. After several failed treasure hunts, they never found the stash, but the code stuck.

2. The Term Gets Shortened

Over time, the Waldos dropped “Louis” and simply said “420” to reference smoking cannabis. It became their shorthand for everything related to getting high — a time, a vibe, and an inside joke that only their circle understood.

3. The Grateful Dead Connection

The Waldos had connections to the Grateful Dead through family and friends. The term 420 spread through the Dead’s touring community, where fans (Deadheads) adopted it as their own. This underground network carried the phrase across the country long before the internet existed.