Cannabis enthusiasts around the world look forward to April 20th for many reasons. It’s the perfect excuse to attend a festival or event, or spend the day hanging out with friends with some pre-rolls or weed brownies.
If you are new to cannabis or have never heard of 420, you may be wondering how the 420 tradition started and how you can celebrate it.
This article helps answer any questions and suggest some creative ways to celebrate 420. We’ll also recommend some products perfect for you and your friends to try.
Let’s start at the beginning. What exactly is 420, and how did it start?
The History of 420
Today 420 is an unofficial holiday that celebrates cannabis culture, but how exactly April 20th became associated with cannabis is still debated.
There are many theories around the origin of 420. Some people say it comes from the number of chemicals in cannabis. Others say it matches up with a mythical tea time in Holland. Finally, some speculate that the number comes from Bob Marley’s birth date or the death dates of Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, or Jimi Hendrix combined.
A famous 420 origin story that is widely accepted begins with a group of high school students who called themselves the Waldos. Back in the 1970s, this group of school athletes would meet every day at 4:20 p.m. near a statue of Louis Pasteur to smoke cannabis.
The time 4:20 p.m. was chosen because it was right after they got out of practice, but before their parents got home from work, giving the teens a small window of opportunity to get high.
As the story goes, their code for their meetup started out as “4:20-Louie”, but Louis eventually was dropped. As word of the ritual spread, 420 became code for smoking marijuana. Ultimately, 420 was adapted to a calendar date – April 20th – as a day to celebrate all things cannabis.
Why Do People Still Celebrate 420?
Since the birth of 420, April 20th has been recognized by both cannabis enthusiasts and activists alike. Before Canada legalized cannabis, many activists used 420 as an opportunity to highlight the need for change in cannabis policies.
With the Cannabis Act in place in Canada, 420 has become a fun-filled day with events and festivals popping up all over the country.
Many cannabis fans see the day as a way to celebrate the legalization of cannabis within a community of like-minded enthusiasts, not to mention giving the nod to the recreational and medical benefits cannabis provides.
Ways to Celebrate 420
After two long years of enduring the isolation brought about by COVID-19 social distancing, most people are ready to go out and celebrate. Though some have celebrated 420 for a long time, this tradition is still new to many who are just beginning to become familiar with cannabis culture.
If you are new to marijuana or just want to make the most of your 420 celebrations, here are some ideas to get you started:
Make Tasty 420 Edibles
There are a ton of different ways to eat marijuana. Edibles can come in the form of baked goods, gummies, candies, chocolates, capsules, teas, and oils. So whether you like it savoury or want to keep it sweet, there are plenty of recipes that you can infuse with cannabis.
Perhaps one of the most recognized and popular edibles is weed brownies.
If you’re not big on chocolate, you can make any kind of cannabis-infused treat by replacing regular butter or vegetable oil with cannabis butter or oil in the recipe.
This is a great hands-on activity for those who want to control the potency level or anyone who loves cooking.
Watch a 420 Classic
If a crowded festival or party isn’t your scene this April 20th, why not stay in and watch a movie.
Whether you are hosting a small gathering or celebrating solo, there are plenty of popular stoner flicks to choose from. Here are a few classics:
- Friday (1995)
- Half Baked (1998)
- Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
- Up in smoke (1978)
- Pineapple Express (2008)
- How High (2001)
Roll Up a Joint
Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or if this is your first time smoking weed, rolling up a joint is a staple of the 420 holidays. It’s not only a great way to relax and hang out with friends, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to try out different strains. So take a pick from our list of the best sativa strains in 2022 and have a blast with the best options out there.
Go to a 420 Festival
The Niagara Falls 420 Expo is a celebration of cannabis and the community right here in Ontario. This year’s event will have more than 30,000 square feet of everything cannabis-related, including exhibitors, educational seminars, guest speakers, and more.
There are plenty of other events happening in and around Toronto. From an Ecstatic Dance Party and Social at Chocolate Groove, where you can bust out your dance moves, to 420-themed comedy acts such as the Secret Stash Show and The 420 Show.
In addition to these crowd-pleasers, many other events will be happening in Toronto, so be sure to keep a lookout.
Use Concentrates to Get the Most Out of Your 420 Experience
A concentrate is much more potent than an edible or a joint. This is because a concentrate contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in their purest form. It creates a more potent high. If you’re looking for a stronger effect, concentrates are the way to go!
Experienced enthusiasts could give concentrates a try this 420 – you could dab a concentrate with a torch and oil rig or smear the concentrate on top of your cannabis flower in a pipe or joint.
If you’re new to concentrates, read our helpful guide here.
Best Cannabis Products to Celebrate 420
1. Wildflower Honey Oil | 0.5g
Wildflower Honey Oil is a natural and full-spectrum extract high in THC. Made from a CO2 extraction process that uses no harmful chemicals or artificial terpenes. This hybrid blend is both potent and euphoric.
Enjoy the uplifting effects by dabbing, rolling, filling, vaping, or infusing this wildflower honey oil into your favourite recipes.
2. Blue Iguana [Double Dutch X Old Time Moonshine] Pre-Roll 3-pack | 1.5g
![Blue Iguana [Double Dutch X Old Time Moonshine] Pre-Roll 3-pack | 1.5g](https://leaflabcannabis.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blue-Iguana.png)
The Blue Iguana is the perfect hybrid for those looking for a strong THC potency. Though it has a skunky, earthy aroma, it also boasts flavours of dried fruit, spice, and deep musk.
If you’re looking for a creative high, the Blue Iguana is your pre-roll!
3. Blueberry Sour Soft Chews | 2x5mg
This 420 is going to be a sweet one! If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy some THC, Wana’s Blueberry Sour Soft Chews are a great choice.
Infused with indica-enhanced distillate, they include 5 mg of THC per chew, perfect for enjoying anytime, anywhere.
4. Gelato 33 [Sunset Sherbet X Thin Mint GSC]
![Gelato 33 [Sunset Sherbet X Thin Mint GSC]](https://leaflabcannabis.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Gelato-33-1024x1024.png)
Looking for a hybrid flower that’s out of this world? Then you have to try Gelato #33. This unique strain is the lovechild of Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, and it inherits some unique terpenes from its parents.
You’ll be amazed by its intense aromas of orange, earth, and mint. Don’t forget to grab some Cyclones Hemp Wraps Pre-Rolled Cones to complete your festivities.
Time to Celebrate!
The 420 holiday is just around the corner, and now you’re well-prepared to celebrate. This year, be sure to try out something new, like cooking with cannabis or buying a new strain.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, visit our store or explore our cannabis collection online to see everything we have to offer. We can’t wait to see what everyone gets up to this year.
