People are mostly accustomed with the terms like user-friendly, bike-friendly, and dog-friendly etc., signaling a welcoming atmosphere for user, bike, and dog. There is another term you might have come across – 420 friendly. Do you know what does 420 friendly mean? It’s a term used among enthusiasts of cannabis culture. Whether you are a weed smoker, or have never smoked any, you are not supposed to ignore the significance of this term. This number is associated with the consumption of a weed, and the term refers to people or places that don’t mind the smoking of this weed.
Now the question arises, why it’s called 420 and not any other number, and which weed is used for the purpose? In this blog post, you’ll find answers for these questions and many more about the term.
What Does 420 Stand For?
Basically, a person is called 420 friendly if he doesn’t mind smoking of a weed called ‘Marijuana’ in his/her presence or participate himself/herself in smoking.
It was also the case with hotel or any place in the past. A hotel was considered as 420 friendly if the owner of the hotel allowed an individual or a group for smoking the weed without facing any legal issues. People also celebrate National Weed Day on 20th April. As the celebration of the National Weed Day provides an opportunity to the weed enthusiasts to unite and smoke on the 20th day of the 4th month of the year – 4/20. But for having a clear idea about 420 and 420 friendly, we have to go back for its origin.
The Origin of 420
There are various theories about the term but one common theory dates it back to 1971 and associate the term with Marijuana. When a group of California High School students, nicknamed themselves the “Waldos” decided to hunt a rumored pile of abandoned marijuana. They decided the meeting time 4:20 pm, near a statue of Luis Pasteur at San Rafael High School. Over time, “4:20 Louis” evolved into “420” then dropped “Louis”, and became universally recognized “420” only. This term served as both a call to search for cannabis and a covert code for smoking.
What Does 420 Friendly Mean?
Now, when pondering the question, “What does 420 friendly mean?” it’s essential to understand that the term integrates into mainstream culture. In essence, 420 friendly means that a person is friendly about the use of the weed. Whether he is smoking himself or not, but shows a friendly disposition toward those who do. Beyond a mere label, being 420 friendly conveys an easy-going attitude and a willingness to connect with individuals who share a common appreciation for weed smoking. It serves as a unifying symbol for cannabis enthusiasts to come together and foster a sense of camaraderie, transcending societal judgments surrounding marijuana use.
National Weed Day
The selection of April 20 as National Weed Day is not a random choice. With 420 deeply rooted in marijuana culture, the date mirrors the month and day – the 20th of April. Although not formally recognized on an official level in many places, National Weed Day has become a massive cultural phenomenon that unites weed enthusiasts worldwide.
On this day, people come together to celebrate marijuana, aiming to destigmatize its use and advocate for its legalization. In regions where cannabis is legal, large gatherings witness the communal enjoyment of weed. In places where cannabis remains illegal, individuals participate in legalization demonstrations, expressing their desire for a change in laws.
The Rapid Spread of 420
The widespread popularity of 420 can be attributed, in part, to the influence of the band The Grateful Dead. Having transferred to the San Rafael area in 1970, members of the band adopted the term and began incorporating it into their culture. A pivotal moment occurred on December 28, 1990, when Deadheads distributed flyers inviting people to smoke weed on April 20 at 4:20 pm. This caught the attention of Steve Bloom, a former High Times magazine reporter, who published the flyer in 1991. The Waldos were later acknowledged as the “inventors” of 420 in a 1998 High Times article. From there, the term rapidly pervaded global cannabis culture, becoming a widely celebrated day for marijuana enthusiasts worldwide.
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Conclusion
The journey of 420 seems to be remarkable, though began as a simple high school students meeting, led to a globally recognized symbol of weed culture. It has easily entered into popular culture, serving as a unifying force for those who share an attraction for marijuana. Whether you’re actively engaged in marijuana consumption or simply accepting of those who are, the phrase “420 friendly” has become a universal symbol of open-mindedness and friendship in the ever-evolving setting of weed culture.
FAQs
Q1: What does “420 friendly” mean?
The term “420 friendly” is used in the weed culture to denote individuals or places that are accepting and open to the smoking of marijuana. It signifies a welcoming attitude towards weed enthusiasts, whether or not the person himself engages in smoking.
Q2: Why is it called “420 friendly”?
The term “420” is associated with the consumption of marijuana. It originated from a group of California High School students, known as the “Waldos,” who used “420” as a code to meet at 4:20 pm to search for an abandoned pile of marijuana. Over time, “420” evolved into a universal term for marijuana-related activities.
Q3: Is being “420 friendly” only about smoking marijuana?
No, the term basically originated in the context of smoking marijuana, being “420 friendly” has evolved to convey a general acceptance and open-mindedness towards marijuana use. It doesn’t necessarily denote personal involvement in smoking but denotes a friendly disposition towards those who do.
Q4: What does “National Weed Day” signify?
National Weed Day, celebrated on April 20th (4/20), is a global cultural phenomenon among weed enthusiasts. It aims to destigmatize marijuana use and advocate for its legalization. It provides an opportunity for marijuana enthusiasts to come together, celebrate, and express their views on the weed-related issues.
Q5: Why was April 20th chosen for National Weed Day?
April 20th (4/20) was chosen for National Weed Day because it aligns with the numeric code “420,” which has deep roots in marijuana culture. The date has become a symbol for the celebration of marijuana worldwide.
Q6: How did the term “420” gain widespread popularity?
The term “420” gained widespread popularity, in part, due to the influence of the band The Grateful Dead. Members of the band adopted the term, and its promotion through flyers led to global recognition. The publication of a flyer in High Times magazine in 1991 further contributed to its rapid spread in weed culture.
Q7: Is National Weed Day officially recognized?
National Weed Day is not formally recognized on an official level in many places. However, it has become a significant cultural event, with widespread celebrations and activities advocating for marijuana legalization.
Q8: Can being “420 friendly” apply to places, not just individuals?
Yes, being “420 friendly” can apply to both individuals and places. In the past, establishments like hotels were considered “420 friendly” if they allowed guests to smoke marijuana without legal consequences. The term extends beyond personal attitudes to include the acceptance of marijuana.
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