The Real Story Behind 4:20

Megan McCormack

It's like the song that never ends. People started saying it, not knowing what it was, and we will continue saying it forever...just because. Stoners near and far, use it as a code word, a reason to celebrate, and a reason to light up mid afternoon. But where did it originate? What does it really mean? Why 420? 

Over the years, many theories have come up. Some people will tell you that it's the police code for 'marijuana smoking in progress', which as logical as it seems, is false. Some people believe that it stands for the number of active chemicals in marijuana. There are actually "over 400" active chemicals in marijuana, but that's still not it. Tea time in Holland? Nah, that happens between 3 and 4 PM, but if we want to start referring to smoke seshs as tea time, I'm all for it. 4/20 is not the birthday or death date of Bob Marley, who was born on February 6th, 1945 and passed on May 11th, 1981 and may his soul Rest In Peace. And although 4/20 is Hitler's birthday, I assure you that is NOT what we are celebrating about. 

The true story is that 420 was a code used among members of the Waldos, a group of five San Rafael high school students during the 70's. They had got word of an unattended crop nearby and decided they would set out after practice, at 4:20, to try to get their hands on some of this kind bud. They continued to search for it week after week, and would use 420 as a secret way to refer to their after school special meet up and over time it became their way of basically saying "let's smoke".

During this time, the Grateful dead and hippie scene had relocated to Marin County. The Waldos had many personal connections to the Dead and basically had open access to all of the parties. The phrase 420 began to spread through this community, and when they started touring the world they took it along with them. At one of the Dead shows in 1991, flyers were passed around that read "meet at Bolinas Ridge on 4/20 at 4:20 for 420-ing" which drew the attention of a lot of people, and helped bring the term to mainstream culture. And the rest is history. 

In case you were wondering, the Waldos never did find the crop, but instead unintentionally created a tradition, a holiday, and a way for people to discretely discuss herb. Marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado has opened the door for many legitimate 420 events, but even the law won't stop most people on this special day. So on 4/20 at 4:20, wherever you may be, grab a bud and light up cause it is time to be 420-ing!

Here is a more in depth article.

Reggae Night to Remember

Collie Buddz, Rebelution, and Zion

      I could not have been more excited when my good friend informed me that Rebelution, Collie Buddz, and Zion I would be playing in Eugene August 16th! We of course instantly agreed to buy tickets and car pool to Eugene (as any green supporting hippies should do). When the 16th FINALLY arrived my bags were packed and ready to go, and after the usual grueling errands before a road trip (food, gass. . .& grass!), we were finally on the road to the show! Four hippies in a Tahoe with Rasta bumper stickers and a head full of dreads heading South.  It probably tipped people off that we were heading to the concert, because on the way there a couple of people rolled down their windows to ask if we were on our way to Eugene for the show =D.
      When we pulled into the georgeous park, smoke clouds billowing out the windows, excuse me DUST clouds billowing behind us.   I was amazed to find myself walking/dancing past trees and park views! I was lead toward the Reaggae music with excitement, like I had the munchies and was following some amazing home kitchen baked smell. Once through the lines I headed straight past the food and drink vendors (though I did get a Rebelution Tshirt later), jogged up the stairs and HOLY NUGGETS! I was awestruck for a minute by the stunning outdoor ampitheater Eugene has tucked away in that park! Not to mention I was a little awestruck at how much sound was vibrating up the hill at me. Thrilled would be a good word to describe me at that point. We decided to work our way through the happiest and chillest crowd I've seen in a while, to the first grass ring of onlookers. There was an adorable couple swing/tango dancing to our right who were putting on their own little show and obviously having a great time.

 

      The opening show was great and even invited the crowd up on stage to dance (which resulted in the singer being mobbed with hugs and dancing people). We sat in the grass and listened to the opening show as the sunset behind us, and the lights coming off the stage got progressively cooler and brighter as they shot through the ampitheater into the night like the sound. The music was great when I got there and only got better as the night went on. I could see an alligator bouncing above the crowd, as it appeared that someone had the great idea to bring along this fabulous blow up friend. When I decided to swim through people towards the front for a closer view as Collie Buddz came on, I was surrounded by chill vibes and everyone was dancing their hearts out :) I tossed a few SmokinJs papers into the air. Who knows maybe a couple of the jays I saw being passed around were wrapped in those papers. Need-less to say everyone in the crowd was obviously feelin great as Rebelution rocked everyones feet, even pulling out a whaling saxophone and an epic set of electric clarinet. The music was great, even when the end of the evening had closed in on us, and the last song had been played, the crowd simply hadn't had enough. The cheers did the trick because a few more songs were played, and everyone danced the last of their energy out, untill finally we all had to admit it had been a GREAT night but the end had come! Now for the drive back to town, and another awesome shift at Smokin Js!