Whether or not you partake in cannabis regularly, you may be aware of the common slang term for the plant: 420. This has led to April 20 being a marijuana-smoking holiday.

But you may wonder: where does 420 come from? Ask 10 people and you’re likely to get 10 different answers. There are a lot of myths out there about how 420 came about. It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Here’s a look at five common myths about 420 as well as the real story behind the plant.

1. Police Code Myth

The Claim: “420” was once California police code for “marijuana smoking in progress.” Some people also say it was a penal code section dealing with weed.
Why It’s False: In California, Penal Code 420 actually refers to blocking access to public land, not marijuana. And there’s no record of “420” ever being used as a law enforcement radio code for cannabis. It’s just an urban legend that spread widely because it sounded official.

2. Chemical Compound Myth

The Claim: There are 420 active chemicals or cannabinoids in cannabis, and that’s where the number comes from.
Why It’s False: Cannabis actually contains over 500 known chemical compounds and more than 100 identified cannabinoids. The number “420” has no scientific link to the plant’s chemical makeup.

3. Rock Star Death-Date Myth

The Claim: Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, or Janis Joplin died on April 20, making the date significant in counterculture.
Why It’s False: None of them actually died on April 20. Morrison died July 3, Hendrix on September 18, and Joplin on October 4. The myth likely stuck because “420” is close to the cultural memory of the “27 Club.”

4. Cannabis Planting Myth

The Claim: April 20 is the best day to plant cannabis outdoors, so growers adopted it as a symbolic day.
Why It’s False: Growing cannabis depends on local climate, latitude, and season. There is no universal planting day. In colder regions, April 20 would be far too early, so the idea of a global “weed planting day” is untrue.

5. Albert Hofmann LSD Myth

The Claim: Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, who discovered LSD, took his famous intentional acid trip at exactly 4:20 p.m. on April 19, 1942. This inspired the number.
Why It’s False: While Hofmann did start that trip around 4:20 p.m., there is no connection between LSD culture and the coining of “420” for cannabis.

The True Origin: The Waldos of San Rafael

In 1971, five high school friends in San Rafael, CA, created “420” as a secret code to meet up and smoke. They picked 4:20 p.m. as the time after sports practice.

They used it jokingly as a code word, and through connections with the Grateful Dead, the slang spread into California’s counterculture and later into High Times magazine, which helped cement 420 as the number for cannabis. The Waldos even have documented proof showing they were using “420” back in the early ’70s.

Contact Us Today

When it comes to the meaning and origin of 420, there are a lot of myths. Know the facts about cannabis so you can feel more comfortable using it.

The team at City Leaves can answer your questions about cannabis and help you choose the best products to fit your needs. Stop by on your next trip to Egg Harbor or the shore. You can also order online or call (609) 288-8574 with questions.