What does 420 mean and where did it come from?
Rumors and myths abound when it comes to our highest holiday, April 20th, but the truth is that it started with a group of high school kids in California’s Marin County in the early 70s. The kids, known as the “Waldos,” had a poorly-drawn map leading to a marijuana plant that a friend was growing in the woods. Every day after class at 4:20, they would meet up to smoke weed and search for the marijuana plant. They never found it, but they started a ritual they referred to simply as “420”.
Did the Grateful Dead help make 420 popular?
The Waldos were friends and followers of the Grateful Dead, with invitations to party with the band backstage. Soon, their codeword for smoking marijuana became part of the band’s — and the counterculture’s — vernacular.
How did 420 become synonymous with cannabis culture?
In 1990, a group of Deadheads passed out a flyer at a music festival that said: “there’s something magical about getting ripped at 4:20, when you know your brothers and sisters all over the country and even the planet are lighting up and toking up right along with you. Now there’s something more grand than getting stoned at 4:20. Now we are talking about the day of celebration, the real time to get stoned, the grandmaster of all holidays, 4/20 or April 20. This is when you must get the day off work or school.”
One of these flyers ended up with a reporter for High Times magazine. The magazine printed the flyer in 1991, and with that a holiday celebrating weed and cannabis culture was born.
How do people celebrate 420?
From yoga retreats to music fests, there’s something for everyone to celebrate on April 20. Here’s what’s going on this weekend around the country:
Elevate’s 420 Celebration Lasts 3 Days
Why not make the good times last? We’re starting our celebration a day early with a few popups! Find us on April 19th! We’re partnering with a few of our favorite brands to bring you some 420-worthy specials. Can’t make it to a popup? No worries. Drop by one of our locations between 4/19-4/21 for 3 days of discounts and deals.
We’re also partnering with Proper Brands to bring you a cinematic event on 4/21. See all about it here!
Buds-a-Palooza, Phoenix, AZ
Downtown Phoenix becomes a weed wonderland on Friday April 19 for the annual Buds-a-Palooza Block Party. From 4:20 p.m. to midnight, attendees can light up, grab a bite, listen to live music, and watch a group of glassblowing masters of the craft.
420 on the Rocks, Morrison, CO
420 On The Rocks with Wiz Khalifa and Flatbush Zombies—Wiz and his entourage of national, cannabis-loving hip hop artists, including Earthgang and Chevy Woods, take over Red Rock Amphitheater for another year of 420 On The Rocks, a night of stoner anthems and good vibes in one of the stoniest states in the nation.
MARY Fest, Brooklyn, NY
MARY Magazine throws an all-day party in Brooklyn for both industry insiders and the public, with food, music, workshops (including a homegrow masterclass) and a designated smoking area for consumers of all kinds.
Kushstock, Adelanto, CA
Kushstock returns with its hippie-meets-hip hop ethos for a hazy day of music, good food, art demonstrations, and shopping some of the state’s best brands.
The Loop 420 Street Fest, St Louis, MO
St Louis’ historic walk of fame on the Delmar Loop will once again transform into an all-day weed party. There will be live music as well as demos for glassblowing and infusion, plenty of vendors, and if you’re brave enough — flash tattoos.
Chronic Palooza, Oklahoma City, OK
Chronic Palooza offers Oklahoma City locals and visitors a weekend of fun for all ages. Come for the cannabis vendors and Chronic Palooza awards, stay for performances by Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs N Harmony, wrestling, and a car show.
Sweetwater 420 Fest, Atlanta, GA
Weed still isn’t legal in Georgia but that hasn’t stopped the people of Atlanta from smoking plenty of it to the live soundtrack of blues, electronic, and hip-hop music hosted by Sweetwater Brewing Company. This year Beck and Slightly Stoopid headline.
Northwest Cannafest, Portland, OR
Where can you see a Weezer tribute band, eat donuts, and watch magicians on stilts, all while enjoying quality cannabis? At Portland’s annual Northwest Cannafest!
420 Week by the National Cannabis Festival, Washington, D.C.
Cannabis isn’t yet federally legal, but the nation’s capital never fails to show it lots of love. This year’s National Cannabis Festival includes a week of events that span culture, policy, media, and activism before the main concert and festival event—headlined by Wu-Tang Clan and Redman.
Celebrate 420 with Elevate on April 20th!
No matter how you choose to celebrate 4/20, we’re here to level up your weekend. Shop at Elevate to discover all the amazing specials we have on your favorite cannabis products from 4/19-4/21. Here are just a few.
$100 Mix and Match 4 Elevate 8THS!
$50 QUARTERS PROPER CANNABIS
42% OFF CAMINO GUMMIES
42% OFF TIMELESS CARTS
50% OFF AMAZE
White Label Bulk Deal
$100 half ounce
$175 full ounce
AND so much more!
