420: The Origins & How It Started
What started as a code between a few high school friends has grown into one of the most iconic dates in cannabis culture. April 20, better known as 420, has evolved from a secret meet-up time into a full-blown international celebration of weed, freedom, and community. From its roots with the Waldos in California to its spread through Grateful Dead tours and legalization rallies, 420 has become more than just a number, it’s a movement.
At Sunshine Daydream, we’re proud to be part of it. Let’s look at how 420 got started, how it grew, and why it’s still the best time of year to light up and stock up on your favorite smoking essentials and cannabis-friendly gear.
Table of Contents
1. The Waldos & The Birth of 420
2. The Grateful Dead Effect
3. From Counterculture to Mainstream
4. 420 in Activism & Legalization
5. How 420 Became a Global Celebration
6. Celebrate 420 with Sunshine Daydream
The Waldos & The Birth of 420
The story of 420 starts in the early 1970s with a group of high school students from San Rafael, California, known as The Waldos. These five friends—Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich—would meet after school at exactly 4:20 PM by a statue of Louis Pasteur to search for an abandoned cannabis crop rumored to be nearby.
Though they never found it, "420" became their secret code for smoking and getting high.
The Grateful Dead Effect
The phrase "420" might have remained a small inside joke, but The Waldos had a unique connection to The Grateful Dead. One member's father managed real estate for the band, and another had an older brother who was friends with Dead members. Through this network, 420 spread among Deadheads, appearing in flyers, concert gatherings, and even Dead tour posters.
This cemented 420’s place in stoner culture, making it a recognized symbol among cannabis enthusiasts.
From Counterculture to Mainstream
By the 1990s, 420 had exploded beyond Deadhead circles. High Times magazine caught wind of the term and popularized it in cannabis culture. Once it appeared in print, it became the de facto code for weed enthusiasts worldwide.
April 20th (4/20) was soon unofficially recognized as a day for collective smoking, meet-ups, and celebrating marijuana culture.
420 in Activism & Legalization
As cannabis culture evolved, 420 became more than just a fun inside joke—it became a symbol of resistance and advocacy. Protestors and legalization supporters started gathering at 4:20 PM for smoke-outs, and April 20th became a rallying date for drug policy reform efforts. Events at places like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and Denver’s Civic Center turned into large-scale gatherings demanding marijuana legalization.
How 420 Became a Global Celebration
Today, April 20th is celebrated worldwide—not just by cannabis enthusiasts but also by major brands, dispensaries, and businesses in the marijuana industry. Legalization in many states and countries has led to 420-friendly events, concerts, and product releases. What started as a secret joke among a few high schoolers has evolved into an internationally recognized holiday for cannabis culture.
And if you're shopping for 420-themed products, smoking gear, tie-dyes, incense, or stash essentials, this is the best time of year to stock up.
Celebrate 420 with Sunshine Daydream
Whether you’re new to the tradition or a seasoned smoker, Sunshine Daydream is your go-to for 420 gear and gifts. For over 30 years, we’ve supported cannabis culture through community, creativity, and authenticity — and this year is no different.
From April 17 to 20th 2025, enjoy 20% off select 420 merch both online and in-store. We’ve got everything you need, from glassware, pipes, rolling trays, and grinders to festival shirts, incense, stash jars, and more.
Whether you’re refreshing your own setup or grabbing a gift for someone who gets it, now’s the time.