420
By Myrrdin
@Myrrdin (3599)
Canada
April 11, 2008 10:40am CST
With April 20th fast approaching I thought I'd start a discussion about the origins of the code word 420. Most marijuana fans know that 420 is slang for marijuana or more specifically using marijuana, and to this end April 20th or 4/20 became a stoners holiday of sorts. Few people really know where this term came from, in fact I'd argue that no one knows for sure. There are several theories, some of them outright incorrect, some of them not.
Police Code:
It is said that 420 comes from the police radio code for a drug offense, however my research indicates that there is no police district that uses 420 as this code.
Bob Marley's Birth/Death date:
Bob Marley was born on Feb 6th and died on May 11th
Hitler's Birthday:
Well yes, but how is that relevant?
Highschool:
The most likely theory is that some highschool students in California in the 70's began using 4:20 as a slang term for smoking up because that is when school let out and allowed them to sneak off and light up. I have found no reason why this isn't the most plausible reason.
I know there are others, but these are the most common theories.
7 people like this
4 responses
@novataylor (6570)
• United States
11 Apr 08
As I mentioned earlier to a friend here, my 12th wedding anniversary is 4/20. When I found out it was Hitler's birthday, I was rather irritated, but what can you do? I remember well the first time someone mentioned that number to me with a waggle of the eyebrows, and a "wow, your anniversary is 420???" I had to get someone to explain it to me and when they did, I was rather tickled, since I happen to be a long time fan of the stuff. As to the origin of it, I think that the high school theory is definitely the most plausible. It just makes the most sense. CG said something about the oil being prepared in advance, so I'm assuming you're cooking the substance, or parts of it, in the oil. I have found that if you cook it in butter, it works very, very well and the taste is superb. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you lots and lots of fun. Have a blast! And take a bite for me, please.
2 people like this
@Myrrdin (3599)
• Canada
11 Apr 08
We are using a brownie mix that calls for oil, so ya I'll be making up some oil in advance :D preparing the oil is pretty easy you basically mix equal parts product with oil and cook at an extremely low temp for a long time (up to 12 hrs) then strain out the plant material and voila powerful oil LOL :D.
1 person likes this
@novataylor (6570)
• United States
11 Apr 08
That's exactly what I do with the butter! Mmmm, you're going to have some mighty good brownies, myrrdin. And another way to stretch your product is to save your stems and cook them in the same fashion. There is thc to be extracted. So don't throw them away. Stash them away for a rainy day. And you and CG will be in my thoughts on April 20th when I put a match to my pipe and begin my own celebration. And, hey, know what? It's a full moon that night, myrrdin. Ahhooooooooo!!! To my mind, that makes the whole thing even better. I expect to do some serious howling.
2 people like this
@Myrrdin (3599)
• Canada
11 Apr 08
Oh my a full moon on 420... that does make things better :D. I know have been keeping some stems, but at the rate I am going it will be ages before I have nearly enough to use them for much LOL. I did once make hash oil out of stems and such using a honeybee extractor, and wow that had a kick, but that was a while ago and I don't even know where the honeybee extractor went too.
2 people like this
@idiotjim (13)
• Sweden
21 Apr 08
Thank you for this basic info! Here in Sweden the term means nothing and when ive walked stoner sites etc i over and over stumble over this 420.
This is at least an indicium,telling its a pure American saying.
Didnt know what to think when linx like: '420 bikini babes dances with mary jane.' came.(well kinda)
idiotjim
see my lo-fi music at youtube! search 'idiotjim' and youll find my 50sch vids.(of nuisiance-ho ho)
1 person likes this
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
12 Apr 08
I have to agree with eanna13. I had been told it was due to four fingers worth was equal to $20 but of course this was back in the 60's and 70's. Prices were much lower then they are today for such things.
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
12 Apr 08
Myrrdin, I am so glad you posted this discussion. Amazing! I was just wondering what 420 meant and was going to ask you. You must be on the same wavelength as I am just now. I will follow this thread and see what others have to say also. Thanks.
