What is 4/20?

Are you wondering what is 420 Friendly? We’ll dive deep into Marijuana and the significance of 420 and what it means to be 420 friendly. 420 is a code word for pot, and it’s everywhere. From the movies to television shows to pop culture, people are talking about the unofficial pot holiday known as “4/20”. But what is the significance of the date? Are we really that obsessed with it? And is it really a holiday at all?

The History of 420

The origins of 420 can be traced back to a 1970s Bay Area group of cannabis consumers who called themselves the “420 Tribe.” These individuals would meet at a cafe in Oakland, California called the “Squishy Bear” to celebrate April 20th, the day they all agreed on as the most appropriate day to smoke weed. The name itself is a reference to the date’s significance in the cannabis community.

The “420 Tribe” didn’t just meet on April 20th, though. They met at the same location throughout the rest of the year, which lead to the name “420” becoming synonymous with the date. It was also the date when police would be the least present in the city of Oakland, allowing the members of the “Tribe” to congregate in peace.

420 is About Political Protest

One of the reasons 420 has become so popular is because it’s a day of protest. People will light up at 4:20 pm on April 20th to show support for cannabis culture, or to protest something else. The day has become a symbol for the legalization of marijuana, and people will smoke up to protest the laws that are in place that prohibit its use. The day is also a day for peace across the globe. People will light up at 4:20 pm to show support for those who are fighting for the right to consume marijuana without reprisal.

420 is About Weed Culture

There are a lot of theories out there about what 420 means. Some say it’s the number of chemicals in cannabis that make it feel “high”. Others say it’s the number of nerve fibers in the human body that make people feel “high” too. But what it is most commonly associated with is the culture behind it. That’s because the date has become synonymous with the subculture of people who smoke.

Why 420?

One of the biggest theories about the origins of 420 is that it’s the code used to arrange a meeting in the “420 Tribe”, the group that arranged the dates for the meetings.

There’s also a theory that the date 420 is based on George Mallory’s climbing record, which is set at 49 days, 20 hours, and 20 minutes. The “420” is the time spent climbing alone before Mallory’s partner was ready to climb with him.

So what is 420 Friendly?

What is 420 friendly you ask, the term “420 friendly” is a widely recognized phrase in cannabis culture that signifies openness or acceptance of marijuana use. Originating from the counterculture movement, “420” itself traces back to the 1970s when a group of high school friends in California, known as the Waldos, used the number as a code to meet after school at 4:20 PM to search for a rumored cannabis crop. Over time, “420” evolved into a symbol of cannabis culture, and “420 friendly” emerged as a term often used in housing ads, social settings, and businesses to indicate that marijuana use is tolerated or even encouraged. It’s a discreet way to communicate acceptance without explicitly mentioning cannabis.

Why “420 Friendly” Matters in Different Contexts

In social and housing contexts, “420 friendly” serves as an important indicator for compatibility or lifestyle alignment. For example, roommates or landlords might include “420 friendly” in rental listings to attract tenants who either use cannabis or are not bothered by its presence. Similarly, in the hospitality industry, “420 friendly” accommodations have grown in popularity, particularly in cannabis-legal states. These properties often allow marijuana consumption on-site, whether through designated smoking areas or cannabis-themed events. Beyond housing and travel, businesses also use the term to appeal to a cannabis-accepting clientele, including cafes, lounges, and even yoga studios that integrate cannabis into their offerings.

What Most People Don’t Know About Being “420 Friendly”

While many associate “420 friendly” with recreational use, the term increasingly reflects a broader acceptance of cannabis in medical and wellness contexts. For instance, “420 friendly” environments may accommodate patients using cannabis as part of their treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, or other conditions. Additionally, the rise of cannabis tourism has expanded the meaning of “420 friendly” to include experiences like guided cannabis tastings, educational tours of cultivation facilities, and cannabis-infused dining experiences. These activities not only highlight the versatility of cannabis but also promote a deeper understanding of its cultural and therapeutic value. Ultimately, being “420 friendly” is not just about tolerance—it’s about embracing the evolving role of cannabis in society.

The Downsides of Celebrating 4/20

There is a downside to all of this. The day has become such a big deal that people are unintentionally promoting smoking among young people. Young people are more likely to try cannabis, and they are also more likely to become addicted to it. And the more they smoke, the more likely they are to have an adverse reaction to marijuana. In other words, the day celebrates acceptance, not marijuana and its uses.

Celebrating 4/20 not only promotes and condones the negative aspects of smoking, but it also promotes driving while high. It is a federal offense to drive while under the influence of marijuana.

Trust Oasis Recovery

April 20th is famously known as “420”, but what exactly is it, and why is it so special? Though the significance of “420” may be lost on many, it’s certainly worth exploring. 

If you feel that you or a loved one may be struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone. Substance abuse and addiction can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with addiction, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services.

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