What is 420? Hashtag's 10th year anniversary
By Jeff Eckenrode
420: Hashtag’s Birthday
This year, April 20, 2025 marks Hashtag’s 10th year anniversary!
Although much has changed since we first open our doors in 2015, one thing has remained the same: 420 is the code-word for cannabis consumption and a rally flag for marijuana legalization throughout the world.
But what does 420 mean? And how did a number as peculiar as 420 become associated with marijuana to begin with?
Depending on who you ask, you may be surprised by the answer.
No matter where 420 came from or who coined the term, one thing is certain: Hashtag is celebrating its 10th year anniversary this Sunday, April 20 with storewide sales at each of our three locations in Seattle, Redmond and Everett!
Why is 420 associated with cannabis?
420 in the 1970s
In 1971, five California high schoolers who called themselves “The Waldos” were hunting for some abandoned cannabis plants. They met to plot their search at a designated spot, the Louis Pasteur statue at San Rafael High School.
The time they chose to meet? You could probably guess: 4:20 p.m.
The Waldos referred to this plan as “4:20 Louis” and, after several failed attempts to find the crop, the phrase was shortened to 4:20, which they ultimately used as a code-word for cannabis use.
420 in the 1980s
Several of The Waldos had connections to the Grateful Dead. In fact, one of the Waldo’s father managed the band’s real estate; another Waldo’s brother was friends with The Grateful Dead’s bassist Phil Lesh and managed a Grateful Dead sideband.
On tour, cannabis consumption was common.
But due to its illegal nature, codewords were regularly used to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
When joints were passed backstage, the phrase “Hey, 420!” was often heard. The term spread with the band as they toured the country.
420 in the 1990s
In December 1990, High Times reporter Steven Bloom was wandering through a gathering of hippies before a Grateful Dead concert in Oakland.
He was handed a yellow flyer, which read: “We are going to meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais.”
Until that time, Bloom had never heard the term “420” or “420-ing” before, but wrote about it in the May 1991 issue.
From there, the term 420 took off and became the international sensation it is today.
So what’s the significance of 420 today?
Since Bloom’s High Times article hit the magazine racks in 1991, April 20 has become an international counterculture holiday. People around the world gather to celebrate and consume cannabis.
In 2017, journalist Phoebe Judge investigated the term’s origins further, after 420 was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Want to learn more about Cannabis?
Then you’re in luck! Check out some of our related posts on THC as well as other cannabinoids!
And if you need help selecting a product from our huge inventory then ask one of our friendly budtenders for guidance.
Whether you’re shopping in Seattle, Redmond Everett or online, we’re here to help and get you the information you want, when you need it.