By Ruth Hill, R.N.
Here comes Peter Cottontail, tokin’ down the bunny trail. In the past 40 years, Easter Sunday has fallen on April 20 exactly once: April 20, 2003. That year, the Paschal full moon occurred on April 16; the following Sunday was April 20, perfectly aligned with 4/20. This rare convergence means that cannabis enthusiasts share the date with Jewish and Easter celebrants, although cultural implications likely vary based on local traditions and attitudes toward cannabis.
How did this unofficial holiday start?
In 1971, five high school students in San Rafael, California, known as the Waldos because they would meet at a wall, began a ritual that continues to this day. Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich would say “420” to each other as a code for marijuana. They learned about a Coast Guard member who had planted a cannabis plant but could no longer tend to it, which led him to abandon the crop.
The group would gather at the Louis Pasteur statue outside their high school at least once a week to search using a treasure map from the grower. Their meeting time was set for 4:20 PM, after practice. They chose this specific time because extracurricular activities typically ended by then. The Grateful Dead band promoted it, and the Internet spread the word through social media. Any time you see ‘420’ in the classifieds or on social media, it signifies marijuana friendliness. See more about the Waldos Group on YouTube.
April also marks Cannabis Awareness Month across the country. While marijuana is legal in many states, health concerns still persist, especially regarding synthetic cannabis products. At The Leaf on El Paseo, preparations are underway for the upcoming 4/20 celebration. Assistant Manager Miguel is dedicated to product safety. He ensures that everything from Delta-9 THC tinctures to cannabidiol (CBD) gummies undergoes thorough testing. Miguel believes that safety is essential for both new and experienced users.
Meanwhile, health experts like Dr. Alexander Simopoulos from the Betty Ford Center are urging caution. He warns that even moderate marijuana use can carry risks. Synthetic products made in a lab may lead to harmful side effects. Only cannabis plant products are sold in dispensaries. Despite these concerns, Miguel remains a strong advocate for marijuana’s medicinal use. He views cannabis as a healing tool when used responsibly. As 4/20 approaches, The Leaf promotes both celebration and education.
Where to Celebrate
CVCAN presents Cannabis Industry Insights & Member Spotlights on April 17th at Miracle Springs Resort & Spa. They will curate an excellent lineup of CVCAN Member Speakers who will discuss various cannabis topics. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, raffles, and 420 swag!
Zahara’s 3rd Annual Smoked Out 420 Fest will be celebrated on April 19th. LA SESH FEST ’25, celebrated on April 19th, is canceled.
The Underground 420 Festival 2025 will take place in Los Angeles, CA 90015, featuring live music and performances, unique vendors showcasing the best of cannabis culture, delicious food options, entertaining games and activities, and special guest appearances. Organized by True Potheads, who have over 501 followers on their social media, Underground 420 promises an exhilarating experience.
Status Music Festival celebrates cannabis culture with live music, a car show, boxing sparring, and a diverse selection of cannabis vendors. This free event emphasizes community, providing a relaxed atmosphere where enthusiasts can explore, learn, and enjoy the plant in a safe and welcoming environment.
Although cannabis will be present at the Status Music Festival, it is an event that the whole family can enjoy. All cannabis sales, vendors, and anything else related to the industry will be located in a designated area for those aged 21 and over. You will need an ID to enter this area. Date: April 19, 2025, Location: 12000 Stadium Way, Adelanto, CA 92301, Time: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM PST. Although the event is free, Preferred and VIP admission tickets can be obtained here.
The San Francisco 420 event has been canceled for the second consecutive year. Why? In short, it’s the same reason as last year. Citing a struggling cannabis industry and city budget cuts, organizers have canceled the celebration in 2024, and these same economic conditions have led to the same outcome this year. In the years before cannabis was legalized in California in 2016, the 420 event in San Francisco was an informal but well-attended gathering of dedicated enthusiasts.
Every year on April 20, cannabis enthusiasts gather on Hippie Hill, overlooking Robin Williams Meadow (formerly Sharon Meadow) in Golden Gate Park, to enjoy the finest weed by lighting up together at 4:20 p.m. This event creates a cloud of smoke substantial enough to trigger a false alarm to the fire department. (To understand why “420” became synonymous with marijuana, you can read or listen to KQED Bay Curious’ episode on how five San Rafael high school students coined the term in the 1970s.)
Over the years, the growing popularity of the informal San Francisco 420 event led to challenges, culminating in 2016 with reports of violence, theft, and 11 tons of trash left behind by attendees, putting it at “risk of being shut down,” according to the event’s website. However, the voter-approved measure from 2016 that legalized cannabis statewide also opened the door for organizers to apply for permits. In 2017, they formally sought the city’s approval to transform the Hippie Hill 420 party into an officially sanctioned bud-bonanza.
Since then, the celebration has evolved from an informal gathering of hacky sacks and drum circles into a highly produced event featuring improved amenities such as portable restrooms. Best Weed for 420
Leafly’s best strains in 2025 are the new classics: Biscotti, Rainbow Belts, Motorbreath, White Rhino, Papaya Punch, MK Ultra, Animal Cookies, Khalifa Kush, Watermelon Zkittlez, Ghost Train, Haze, and Pennywise.
Strains that are no longer popular include G13, Afgooey, Romulan, OGKB, Gorilla Cookies, Banana Punch, XJ-13, Apple Jack, Red Congolese, Jillybean, and Alaskan Thunder Fuck.
When you light up at 4:20 PM this year, be grateful for the many activists, scientists, and advocates who have risked their reputations and livelihoods to show that your joint is safe. Happy 420.
