Each year on the 20th of April, cannabis enthusiasts worldwide unite to commemorate 420 Day. While the day’s origins are well-documented, there remain some lesser-known aspects that are yet to be explored.
We’ll delve into the obscure beginnings of 420 Day, discuss munchie recommendations from industry insiders, and uncover Elon Musk’s intriguing connection to this iconic day.
The Unsung Heroes
While the Waldos’ story is widely credited as the origin of the term “420,” there are lesser-known figures who played a significant role in popularising the term. For example, Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, who was a close mate of the Waldos, helped spread the term by using it in the band’s music and concerts. Additionally, High Times magazine editor Steve Hager played a crucial role in promoting the term in the 1990s.
Beyond the Treasure Map
The Waldos’ tale is centred around a treasure map that led to a hidden cannabis crop, but there’s more to the story. The group’s use of “420” as a code for marijuana eventually gained traction among other cannabis enthusiasts, thanks in part to its connection to the Grateful Dead and the growing counterculture movement. Over time, the term evolved into a symbol of the broader cannabis community and its shared values.
From Local to Global
420 Day began as an informal celebration among mates in San Rafael, California. However, it has since transformed into a global phenomenon, with millions of people participating in events and gatherings around the world. Today, 420 Day is not only a celebration of cannabis but also an opportunity to promote awareness about the need for marijuana legalisation and the benefits of its use.
The Rise of 420-Themed Art and Music
As 420 Day has grown in popularity, it has also inspired a wealth of creative expressions. Many artists, musicians, and filmmakers have embraced the cannabis theme, producing 420-inspired art, songs, and movies. This creative outpouring has helped to further cement 420 Day’s status as a unique cultural event that transcends geographical boundaries.
Fast Food Outlets and Cannabis Crossovers
Some fast food chains in the US have embraced 420 Day by offering special deals and products for the cannabis crowd. For example, Jack in the Box is selling a “Pineapple Express” shake, named after a cannabis strain and Seth Rogen’s pot comedy. Meanwhile, Fatburger has partnered with Kiva Confections to create a cannabis-infused tomato sauce containing 10 mg of cannabis, sold at The Artist Tree in California.
Snacking Innovations from Cannabis Companies
Tsumo Snacks has teamed up with chef Roy Choi to introduce cannabis-enhanced puffs flavoured like ramen and spaghetti and meatballs. CEO Caroline Yeh suggests that the best munchies combine different textures, like a well-crafted Caesar salad or enjoying the real dish after eating their spaghetti and meatball puffs.
Personal Munchie Recommendations from Industry Insiders
- Jay Rush of Moose Labs loves a homemade “Stoner PB&JACH”: Peanut butter, jelly, apple, cereal, and honey spread over bread.
- Ryan Bondhus from Nevada dispensary chain The Source recommends the “Hand taco,” a taco constructed on your hand for immediate munching.
- Calvin Johnson Jr. and Rob Sims, former Detroit Lions
- teammates and founders of Primitiv Group, admit to indulging in Gushers and Oreos respectively when the munchies hit.
- Kristi Palmer of Kiva Confections, despite creating THC-infused products, prefers to snack on fruits like grapes, oranges, and berries when she gets the munchies.
Starship Launch on 420 Day
This year, Elon Musk has provided cannabis enthusiasts with an additional reason to celebrate 420 Day. His company, SpaceX, plans to conduct the first orbital flight of Starship, the world’s most powerful rocket, on this significant date. Musk has even hinted that the timing of the launch could be attributed to “fate”. With this pivotal flight scheduled for the sacred day of cannabis aficionados, Musk’s connection to 420 Day is further solidified.
Twitter’s Blue Badge Removal Deadline
Alongside the Starship launch, Musk has set April 20th as the deadline for removing legacy Blue checks on Twitter. After acquiring the platform, Musk integrated the verification checkmark into the Twitter Blue subscription service. As a result, many users who initially received the badge for free will now have to pay for it. By scheduling these notable events for two of his companies on April 20th, Musk extends his support to the cannabis community.
420 Day has its roots in the counterculture movement and the camaraderie of cannabis enthusiasts. By uncovering its obscure origins, acknowledging its unique evolution, indulging in industry-approved munchie recommendations, and recognising Elon Musk’s connection to the day, we can truly appreciate the spirit of 420 Day and ensure its legacy endures. So, as we join together in celebration, let’s remember the unsung heroes who contributed to this iconic day, enjoy delectable munchies, and keep our eyes on the skies for the historic Starship launch.
Sources: The Street and The Huffington Post