To the uninitiated, 420 (or 4:20 or 4/20) is a number with a strong association with cannabis. This date, April 20th, has become a day for smoking and celebrating weed around the world. But the significance of the number 420 itself extends far beyond just the date – it has become an integral part of marijuana culture.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the fascinating history and backstory behind the iconic 420, exploring the myths, legends, and real reasons why this number has become so synonymous with cannabis. We’ll also uncover the surprising lengths that hotels and other establishments have gone to in order to avoid the dreaded “room 420” – a number that has become a magnet for pot enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors alike.
So buckle up, because you’re about to discover the untold story behind the most famous weed-related number in the world.
The true origin of the 420 phenomenon has long been shrouded in mystery and urban legend. Many theories have been put forth over the years, but the real story behind this iconic number is far more interesting than you might expect.
The most commonly cited explanation is that 420 refers to the police radio code for “marijuana smoking in progress.” However, this is simply not true – law enforcement agencies have confirmed that 420 has never been used as an official code for anything, let alone marijuana-related activities.
Another popular myth is that 420 represents the number of chemical compounds found in cannabis. But once again, this turns out to be inaccurate – the actual number of known cannabinoids in the marijuana plant is around 113.
This room number is 419+1
So where did 420 really come from? The real story can be traced back to a group of high school students in the 1970s, who called themselves the “Waldos” and met up at 4:20 pm by a statue of Louis Pasteur on their school campus to partake in a little cannabis consumption. The code word “Louis 420” quickly spread among their friends, eventually making its way to the pages of High Times magazine in the 1990s – and the rest, as they say, is history.
While the 420 number has become a beloved rallying cry for marijuana enthusiasts, it has also presented some unique challenges for the hotel industry. Many establishments have gone to great lengths to avoid having a “room 420” altogether, for fear of attracting unwanted attention and potential trouble.
One hotel, for example, cleverly labeled their room 420 as “419+1” in an attempt to discourage guests from seeking out the infamous room. Another hotel in Colorado, where recreational marijuana is legal, simply stenciled the number 420 directly onto the corresponding door to prevent the placard from being stolen.
The sign for room 420 has been stolen so many times in this Colorado hotel that they just stenciled the number right on the door.
But the “curse” of room 420 extends beyond just hotels. Street signs bearing the number 420 have also become a popular target for memorabilia collectors, leading some transportation authorities to abandon the use of this number altogether in favor of alternatives like 419.99 or 42x.
The avoidance of the number 13 in buildings and hotels is a well-known phenomenon, often attributed to superstitions and the fear of bad luck. But it seems that 420 has taken on a similar stigma in the hospitality industry, with establishments going to great lengths to prevent their guests from associating their property with the world of cannabis.
Despite the hotel industry’s best efforts to distance themselves from the number 420, the date itself has become a global phenomenon, with cannabis enthusiasts around the world coming together to celebrate and indulge in their favorite herb.
From the iconic Hyde Park in London to the streets of Amsterdam, 420 has become a day of solidarity and pride for the marijuana community. Thousands of people gather in these public spaces to smoke, socialize, and show off their love for all things cannabis-related.
But the 420 celebration is not just limited to public spaces – many private businesses and events have also embraced the holiday. Dispensaries and cannabis-friendly establishments often offer special promotions and deals, while music festivals and other events have incorporated 420-themed activities and programming.
The global reach of the 420 celebration is a testament to the enduring power of the cannabis culture and the resilience of the marijuana community. Despite the ongoing legal and social challenges, the 420 tradition continues to thrive, bringing people together in a shared celebration of the plant they love.
The story of 420 is a fascinating mix of urban legend, historical coincidence, and the power of grassroots cultural movements. From its humble beginnings as a code word among a group of high school stoners, to its current status as a global phenomenon, the 420 number has become ingrained in the very fabric of marijuana culture.
While the hotel industry may continue to struggle with the “curse” of room 420, the 420 celebration itself shows no signs of slowing down. As more and more countries move towards the legalization of cannabis, the 420 tradition is likely to continue to grow and evolve, becoming an increasingly visible and celebrated part of the global zeitgeist.
So the next time you hear someone casually drop a “420” reference, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance behind this iconic number. It’s a symbol of the enduring power of the cannabis community, and a reminder that the fight for marijuana legalization and acceptance is far from over.
