Welcome to the ultimate celebration of all things cannabis – 420, also known as Cannabis Day. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker, new to the game or simply curious about this cultural phenomenon, join us as we dive into the history and traditions. From blazing up with friends to exploring new strains of herb, it’s time to get ready for an unforgettable day filled with good vibes and even better cannabis.
420, named after the date of April 20th, is a long-standing tradition in the cannabis community and in recent years has become more mainstream. Which easily is explained by the fact that there is an estimate of over 100 million people around the world using the flowering herb. With large events being held in cities across the globe, there are many different ways to celebrate and whilst some people like to get together with friends and smoke marijuana, others prefer to use it as an opportunity to learn more about the plant and its many facets. No matter what you choose to do, it is a great time to partake in a substance that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and recreational purposes.
THAT ONE MOMENT IN TIME – A BRIEF HISTORY OF 420
But let’s travel back in time to take a look at the history of this controversial plant and how it became such an important part of our culture. Though its use dates back centuries, marijuana was made illegal in most parts of the world in the 1930s. Since then, its legalization has been a hot-button issue, with proponents arguing that it has medicinal value and should be regulated, and opponents asserting that it is a gateway drug with no redeeming qualities. Despites its illegal status, it was always present and used and so it became its own celebration on 4/20.
There are several references the date gets connected to. Some say it is the police code for smoking marijuana and sure where there is a story there likely is another one and theory suggests that the term comes from a 1971 Grateful Dead concert in New York City. According to that version, a flyer was distributed before the show that listed various slang terms for marijuana, and “420” was one of them. One more for the kids in the back? Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” might be the furthest it can go by applying the idea that 12 multiplied by 35 equals 420. We actually are fans of that idea and also can`t stop doing the math about the last two lines of the song: “But I would not feel so all alone. Everybody must get stoned”.
Still, here is the most reasonable origin of them all. A daily ritual going back to five high school students in San Rafael, California 1971. The group would meet after classes at 4:20 pm to smoke marijuana, and they eventually began using the code word “420” to refer to their activities. And since it has become a widely recognized symbol for cannabis culture
THE MANY MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT 420
It is still common sense to associate 420 to the idea of getting stoned, but god, that is just so wrong! As in: WRONG. In fact, for some people, it’s not about cannabis at all – it’s simply a day to celebrate the plant and its many uses. So let’s clear a few things up.
Myth #1: You have to be a stoner to celebrate 420
Nope. 420 is not just and at all about getting stoned. For some people, it’s a day to appreciate cannabis and its many benefits – both recreational and medicinal. So if you’re not looking to get high on 420, you can still join the party!
Myth #2: April 20th is the best day to plant cannabis
There is the idea of planting in spring and harvesting in autumn. But there is also no such thing that would prove that this anyhow has an effect on the quality of the plant.
Myth #3: 420 is only celebrated by young people
While there are certainly plenty of young people who celebrate 420, the day is enjoyed by people of all ages – from teens to seniors.
LET`S GET THIS PARTY STARTED – MAKING THE MOST OF 20TH APRIL
While 420 has been historically celebrated as a day to honor the use of cannabis, there is no one right way to celebrate. With so many options available you can really make it your own and do whatever is matching what you scream for. Whether you stick with some good old-fashioned bud smoking or branch out into oils, and other cannabis products; there sure are many ways to explore and make it a unique 24 hours.
Globally most big cities complete 420 with concerts, festivals, and other events. And if that is not what you look for, we will give you alternatives that shall make it a smoking hot day. Cause friends share, right? So one being to attend a local event that is held in support of legalization. Another way to get involved is to join an online community or forum dedicated to discussing all things cannabis. And lastly, you can also show your support by sharing pro-legalization content on social media platforms.
London hosts Europe’s (because even without the EU, we share the continent) biggest 420 festival in Hyde Park with about 20.000 people attending yearly. In our home city Berlin it became a yearly procedure hitting Görlitzer Park as the hotspot for a smoke-out, a symbolic move to lighten a joint, real or fake, and count down to 4.20 pm to then share that moment of “HAPPY 420” together. So pack your friends or just go on an adventure yourself as sure you won’t be alone and will meet like-minded companions. And if you preferably hang out at one of Berlin`s always nice to go places Maybachufer, you shall also not be worried to find your scene within a group of ganja lovers.
And if you over the weather and not wanting to risk ending up drained in rain drops when enjoying your bluff, there is Barcelona. With one of our shops being located there, we took a closer look into what to do in Spains so called cannabis paradise. There is endless events hosted within Barcelona`s weed associations. Besides throwing massive parties, there is weed tasting sessions accompanied by live music, Djs and food. You can find yourself smoking within art exhibitions and get taken away by the spirit of joy spread within the clubs. One thing you have to do to become part of the fun: Sign up for membership.
But no matter how you choose to celebrate 420 as International Weed Day, it is a great opportunity to come together and appreciate the wonders of cannabis. We are getting our lighters and grinders prepared and sure what would it all be for us without our CBD FLOWERS 420 BERLIN MIX created in honor of 420. So with all that, we ready to taking part in celebrating and you are more than welcome to do so with us in one of our stores: https://www.tomhemps.com/en/store-locator/.
SEE YOU THEN!
