{"id":4242,"date":"2024-04-11T23:16:32","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T03:16:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepass.co\/?p=4242"},"modified":"2024-05-16T21:55:23","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T01:55:23","slug":"cannabis-history-how-4-20-became-a-symbol-of-acceptance-and-advocacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepass.co\/cannabis-history-how-4-20-became-a-symbol-of-acceptance-and-advocacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Cannabis History: How 4\/20 Became a Symbol of Acceptance and Advocacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Few dates hold as much significance as April 20th, more affectionately known as 4\/20, in the cannabis world. What began as a covert meeting time for a group of high school students has evolved into a massive celebration of cannabis culture. (If only they knew\u2026)<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, 4\/20 is observed by consumers and cannabis professionals alike \u2013 and the event seems to grow larger in scale every year. Around the world, the holiday has become a symbol of the journey toward destigmatization and cultural acceptance of cannabis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What better way to show the evolution of cannabis culture than by watching a once-frowned-upon holiday (meant only for \u201cstoners\u201d) become a global phenomenon?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As permeating as this day has become in past years, many consumers (seasoned or new) wonder about its origins. Let\u2019s take a deep dive into how 4\/20 came to be, why it\u2019s so significant for cannabis culture, and how you can celebrate it this year:<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the history behind 4\/20?<\/span><\/h3>\n

The origins of 4\/20 go back to the early 1970s when a group of high school students known as the Waldos from San Rafael High School in California began to meet at 4:20 pm after school in search of a patch of cannabis on the Point Reyes Peninsula.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>official Waldos website<\/span><\/a>, \u201cThe Waldos all agreed to meet at 4:20 pm at the statue of chemist Louis Pasteur on the campus of San Rafael High. They met, got high, and drove out to search for the patch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the search progressed, they regularly used the term \u2018420 Louie\u2019 to remind each other when and where to meet after school. Eventually, they dropped the \u2018Louie\u2019 and just said \u2018420\u2019 to refer to cannabis, the evolution of their inside joke.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soon after, the slang was picked up by others within their circle. In fact, the group has <\/span>documented proof<\/span><\/a> of its use in personal letters, newspaper articles, and more during those early days. Before they knew it, the term spread from generation to generation, city to city, country to country, across decades, and throughout all media around the globe.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s fascinating about this origin story is that it was initially dismissed as a mere \u201cstoner reference,\u201d a niche, counterculture term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, that all changed when one of the Waldos became a roadie for Grateful Dead and started circulating flyers at shows all about 4:20. The term quickly gained traction among the Grateful Dead community and led to a reporter sharing one of the flyers in High Times and the Huffington Post.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, as more states legalize recreational cannabis, \u201c4\/20\u201d has transcended its origins to become a much more inclusive holiday, celebrated with enthusiasm and creativity by individuals from all walks of life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Waldos of San Rafael High School<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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Why is 4\/20 so significant?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Today, 4\/20 represents not only a day of communal enjoyment but also a celebration of cannabis culture’s resilience and evolution.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the annual celebration continues to gain momentum, its significance represents a milestone in the <\/span>growing acceptance of cannabis<\/span><\/a>. Each year, the event and its celebrations draw increased attention from consumers, businesses, and policymakers alike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For dispensaries like ours at The Pass, 4\/20 presents a unique opportunity to showcase our offerings and connect with our community in meaningful ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not to mention, the heightened demand for cannabis products leading up to and during the 4\/20 celebrations translates into increased sales and revenue, which directly supports the local ecosystem, including municipal expenses, community initiatives and resources, employee wages and benefits, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, the celebration of 4\/20 empowers dispensaries like The Pass to continue delivering high-quality cannabis products year-round. The increased visibility and consumer engagement during this time allow us to refine our offerings, strengthen our partnerships, and elevate the standard of excellence in the cannabis industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By embracing the spirit of 4\/20 and its broader implications, we can collectively shape a future where cannabis is celebrated, respected, and accessible to all.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ways to Celebrate 4\/20<\/span><\/h3>\n

As nature and culture enthusiasts here at The Pass, we encourage our customers to celebrate 4\/20 locally. Stock up on your favorite cannabis products and accessories, and then head out to enjoy the beauty of the local Berkshires area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Accessible from Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut, we have plenty of exciting things to do nearby before or after consumption. If you\u2019re celebrating in the Berkshires or beyond, be sure to check out <\/span>Massachusetts cannabis laws<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some things you can do to celebrate 4\/20 in the Berkshires:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Explore Nature with Cannabis<\/span><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s no secret that the Berkshires are filled with activities to do in nature. From the local parks to the hiking trails, there is an endless variety of scenic spots where you can enjoy nature and cannabis simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n

We love the area’s trails so much that we crafted our <\/span>TrailBlazers<\/span><\/a> 0.5g mini-pre-rolls for this exact reason. When you buy one of our 5-packs, a percentage of the sale goes toward the <\/span>Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC)<\/span><\/a>, which preserves and maintains many of the trails located in the Berkshires.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our staff recommends <\/span>exploring Mt. Greylock<\/span><\/a>. At 3,491 feet, it is the highest point in Massachusetts. On a clear day, you can see as far as 90 miles away from its peak.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this 5.5-mile out-and-back trail is considered a challenging route, taking an average of 4 hours to complete. Therefore, avoid making the full <\/span>hike while consuming<\/span><\/a>, unless you\u2019re a pro in both hiking and consuming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for something closer to our dispensary location in Sheffield, we recommend Bartholomew’s Cobble and Dry Hill. You can also check out the <\/span>BNRC\u2019s recommended trails<\/span><\/a> for more suggestions.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can always set up a picnic at a local park, enjoy the trail, and unwind in your private residence. Regardless of how you choose to explore nature with cannabis, be sure to give it the respect it deserves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Public spaces or not, don\u2019t forget to pick up after yourself and be aware of the environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Experience Art & History with Cannabis<\/span><\/h4>\n

Many consumers know that the \u2018high\u2019 you experience from cannabis allows recreational activities such as making or viewing art much more enjoyable. This is likely because the effects of cannabis amplify your senses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s music, a social gathering, or art, the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts have a wealth of events to enjoy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our staff at The Pass recommends:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n