What Is 420? The History, Meaning, and Why April 20 Is the Biggest Day in Cannabis

If you've ever heard someone say "420" and wondered what it actually means — or if you already know the vibe but want the full backstory — you're in the right place.

420 (pronounced "four-twenty") is the most recognized term in cannabis culture. It refers to April 20 (4/20), the unofficial cannabis holiday celebrated by millions of people worldwide. But it's also a time of day (4:20 p.m.), a code word, a cultural symbol, and — for legal dispensaries like ours — the biggest shopping event of the year.

Here's the real story of where 420 came from, what it means today, and how we're celebrating it at Higher Collective.

The Real Origin of 420: The Waldos of San Rafael

There are a lot of myths about the origin of 420. Some people think it's a police code. Others think it has something to do with Bob Dylan or the number of chemical compounds in cannabis (it doesn't). The real story is simpler, funnier, and actually well-documented.

In 1971, five high school students in San Rafael, California — who called themselves "the Waldos" because they hung out by a wall outside school — got their hands on a hand-drawn map supposedly leading to an abandoned cannabis crop near the Point Reyes Peninsula. They agreed to meet at 4:20 p.m. by the Louis Pasteur statue on campus, pile into a car, and go find it.

They never found the plants. But they kept meeting at 4:20. "420" became their shorthand for cannabis — a code they could use around parents and teachers without getting caught. One of the Waldos had a connection to the Grateful Dead's inner circle, and the term spread through Dead culture, then through cannabis culture at large, and eventually into the mainstream.

By the 1990s, High Times magazine had picked up the term and helped turn April 20 into a full-blown cultural moment. The rest is history.

What Does 420 Mean Today?

Today, 420 means different things depending on who you ask — but it all traces back to the same idea: cannabis community.

As a time of day, 4:20 p.m. is the classic moment to light up. It's a daily ritual for some, a tongue-in-cheek tradition for others.

As a date, April 20 is the cannabis holiday. It's when rallies happen, dispensaries run their biggest sales, and people celebrate cannabis culture openly — especially in states like Connecticut where adult-use is fully legal.

As a cultural code, "420-friendly" shows up in dating profiles, rental listings, and travel reviews. It signals openness to cannabis without having to spell it out.

And as a retail event, 420 has become cannabis's version of Black Friday. Legal dispensaries across the country offer their deepest discounts of the year, and customers stock up accordingly. If you've been waiting for the best time to try something new or grab your go-to products at a better price, this is it.

Why Do People Celebrate 420?

For a long time, celebrating 420 was an act of quiet defiance — a way to publicly (or semi-publicly) support cannabis culture during decades of prohibition. Rallies, smoke-outs, and political demonstrations on April 20 pushed the conversation toward decriminalization and legalization.

Now that adult-use cannabis is legal in Connecticut and a growing number of states, 420 has evolved. It's still a celebration of cannabis culture, but it's also a chance to support local businesses, discover new products, and connect with the broader community of people who enjoy cannabis responsibly.

Think of it as cannabis appreciation day. Whether you're a daily consumer or someone who picks up an edible once in a while, 420 is your day.

How Higher Collective Is Celebrating 420 in 2026

We don't do 420 halfway. This year, we're running our biggest deal stack of the year across all five Higher Collective locations in Connecticut — Bridgeport, Hamden, Killingly, New London, and Torrington.

Here's what's happening:

420 Week (April 17–20): Multiple brand partners are going on sale simultaneously, with discounts up to 42% off. We're talking flower, edibles, vapes, concentrates, pre-rolls — across more than a dozen brands. The deals start Thursday, April 17 and run through April 20.

420 Day (April 20): The headliner. One of our biggest brand partners is going 50% off for one day only. If you've been waiting for the deepest discount of the year, Sunday the 20th is it.

Brands on sale during 420 week include: Let's Burn, GTI/AGL, Earl Baker, Brix, Curaleaf (plus Select, Dark Heart, Find., and Jams), Lucky Break, Soundview, Happy Confections, Affinity, and more. The full list is available at our stores and on our menu at highercollective.com.

Pro tip: Order ahead online at highercollective.com to skip the lines. 420 is our busiest day of the year, and ordering ahead means your order is packed and ready when you walk in. Killingly shoppers — our drive-thru will be open, too.

420 FAQ

Is 420 a real holiday?Not officially — there's no federal recognition or day off work. But in cannabis culture, April 20 is as real as it gets. Dispensaries, brands, and consumers all treat it as the biggest day on the calendar.

Is cannabis legal in Connecticut?Yes. Connecticut legalized adult-use cannabis for adults 21 and over. You can purchase up to one ounce of flower (or the equivalent in other product formats) per transaction at any licensed dispensary, including all five Higher Collective locations.

Do I need a medical card to shop on 420?No. Any adult 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID can shop at Higher Collective. No medical card required.

What should I buy if it's my first time?Start with something low-dose and approachable. A 2.5mg or 5mg edible is a great entry point — you can always take more, but you can't take less. Pre-rolls and low-THC flower are also solid options for first-timers. Our budtenders are trained to help you find exactly the right product for your experience level and what you're looking for.

How early should I get there on 420?Earlier is better. Lines can build, especially in the afternoon. If you order ahead at highercollective.com, you'll skip most of the wait. We also recommend shopping our 420 week deals (April 17–19) before Sunday — same great discounts, shorter lines.

Higher Collective: Your Neighborhood Cannabis Shop

Higher Collective operates five dispensary locations across Connecticut, each with the same welcoming vibe, knowledgeable budtenders, and full product selection. Whether you're a seasoned consumer or walking into a cannabis shop for the first time, we're here to help you find exactly what you need.

Visit us at highercollective.com to browse our menu, order ahead for pickup, or find the location nearest you.

Our locations: Bridgeport | Hamden | Killingly | New London | Torrington

Earn points on every purchase with our High Flier Loyalty Program — 1 point for every $20 spent, redeemable for discounts and exclusive merch. It's free, and you can sign up at any location.

Happy 420. Stay Lifted.

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