Think 420 came from a police code? Think again.
Let’s take a trip through history, pop culture, and rituals you’ve never heard of.
Forget the myths — 420 isn’t a police code or the number of active compounds in cannabis. The term actually traces back to a group of California high schoolers in the 1970s, known as The Waldos.
They used to meet at 4:20 PM to search for a hidden cannabis crop, and “420” became their secret code for lighting up. The phrase spread through Grateful Dead circles, caught the attention of High Times magazine, and eventually went global.
Today, April 20 (4/20) is recognized as an international day to celebrate cannabis culture, unity, and legalization efforts — all thanks to a group of teens chasing a legendary weed patch.
Cultural Uses of Cannabis in Africa, Asia, and the Americas
Africa:
Cannabis (locally called dagga in Southern Africa) has long been used by indigenous groups for spiritual rituals, traditional medicine, and community bonding. The Rastafari movement, rooted in Jamaica but deeply tied to Ethiopian traditions, views cannabis as a sacrament.
Asia:
In India and Nepal, cannabis has been part of religious ceremonies for centuries — especially during Holi and Shivaratri. It’s often consumed as bhang (a cannabis-infused milk drink). In China, ancient texts reference hemp for both textiles and medicine as early as 2700 BCE.
The Americas:
Indigenous cultures in Central and South America have used cannabis for healing, relaxation, and ceremony. In North America, the plant became popular through immigrant and counterculture communities, leading to its role in modern-day recreational and medical use.
