Title: 420: The Origin Story and Why It Still Matters
Every year on April 20th, clouds of smoke rise across the globe in celebration of 420 - the unofficial holiday of cannabis culture. But what’s the real story behind these three digits, and why has 420 become such a powerful symbol for the cannabis community?
At PureXtracts, we believe in honoring the roots of the culture while pushing the plant’s potential forward. So here’s a quick hit of history and meaning behind the number that changed the game.
Where Did 420 Come From?
Forget the myths about police codes or Bob Marley’s birthday. The true story starts in the early 1970s in San Rafael, California.
A group of high school students known as The Waldos (because they hung out by a wall after school) heard about an abandoned cannabis crop nearby. They agreed to meet at 4:20 PM after practice to search for it. Though they never found the hidden grow, “420” became their code word for weed - a discreet way to talk about it without parents or teachers catching on.
The phrase caught on with their friends… and eventually with one very famous group of friends: The Grateful Dead. As Deadheads picked it up, it spread like fire through the counterculture. By the 1990s, High Times magazine had adopted it, and 420 was cemented in cannabis history.
- Team PX Grateful Dead playlist: Althea, Brown Eyed Woman, Casey Jones, Shakedown Street, Scarlet Begonias, Truckin’
Why 420 Still Matters
420 isn’t just about lighting up - it’s a symbol of freedom, community, and progress.
- Freedom: It reminds us of the decades-long struggle for legalization and the people who paid the price for prohibition. It's a day to celebrate how far we’ve come and to advocate for the work that’s still left — especially for those still incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis offenses.
- Community: Whether you're blazing with your crew or hitting your favorite vape solo, 420 connects people around the world. It’s a shared language, a ritual, and a reason to come together.
- Progress: Legalization has opened the doors to innovation. From clean extractions to curated strains, the industry has evolved - and 420 has become a showcase of that growth. Brands like PureXtracts are proud to bring the plant into the future with integrity, transparency, and quality in every drop.
How We Celebrate at PureXtracts
At PX, 420 is more than just a date - it's a vibe. We're passionate about crafting pure, potent extracts that elevate your experience, whether you're a seasoned consumer or new to the scene.
Stay tuned for 420 specials, new drops, and more ways to light up the day with us. Follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to get early access to all the goods.
Final Toke
From a wall in California to a global movement, 420 has grown up - and so have we. But we’ll never forget where it all started. Here's to the culture, the plant, and the power of three little numbers that changed everything.
Happy 420 from your fam at PureXtracts.