Cannabis culture is overflowing with phrases and terms that can be confusing to those new to the scene! One of the most well-known and universal terms is “420” and “420-friendly”.
Whether you have never heard the term before or are curious about the nuances of the term, we’ve got you covered! 420-friendly means more than one thing. It refers to a broader way of life and mindset.
We explore its origins, identify which places in the USA are known for being 420-friendly, and discuss what it signifies in various scenarios. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there’s plenty to uncover about the fascinating world of 420.
420-friendly means that a place or a person welcomes weed use in their environment. People who are 420-friendly are typically regular weed users themselves.
But 420 signifies so much more than just an openness to marijuana. It is a symbol of all that cannabis culture includes. It’s about coming together, relaxing, laughing, and sharing a nug or two between friends.
The term extends beyond the magical substance. It has become associated with all the other positive attributes of the cannabis world. Being 420-friendly also means that the place is particularly laid back, open-minded, creative, and accepting of people from all walks of life.
The world of cannabis is constantly evolving, and so is its terminology! Recently, the term 420 is associated with legal affairs.
It has transcended its origins to become a symbol for the fight to legalize cannabis in the states. Places like Denver, Colorado, and Amsterdam hold huge annual 420 celebrations. These events are attended by thousands of cannabis advocates united in their desire to destigmatize cannabis.
Whether you’re chilling with friends, listening to music, enjoying a hike in nature, or simply unwinding after a long day, being 420-friendly makes everything better. It means creating an inviting space with radical acceptance where everyone is free to be themselves.
So where did 420-friendly originate? There are many myths circling this popular term, some more outlandish than others.
Some people claim that it started as a covert code used by the police force to alert the force that someone was dabbling in cannabis. Although it is plausible, there is very little proof that this is the case.
Others believe that the king of cannabis himself, Bob Marley, coined the term and popularized it. He was the ultimate marijuana advocate!
But the most strange theory goes that the numbers come from Adolf Hitler’s birthday on 4/20/1889.
Most sources agree, however, that 420 comes from a group of high schoolers in the 1970s who called themselves “the Waldos”. David Reddix, Steve Capper, Larry Schwartz, Jeff Noel, and Mark Gravich all went to San Raphael High School.
They would meet up between classes and after school to smoke weed against a particular wall.
In 1971, a student approached a group of friends with a map of his brother-in-law’s marijuana garden. The brother-in-law, feeling stressed and paranoid about being discovered, abandoned the garden.
The student informed the group that they were welcome to all the weed in the garden. Excited by the prospect, the five friends made plans to meet at the school’s Louis Pasteur statue after soccer practice that day at 4:20. Unfortunately, they couldn’t locate the garden.
Despite the initial setback, they pledged to continue their search. Whenever they planned a new mission, they would quietly whisper “420 Louis” to each other in the hallways. However, they never found the elusive marijuana patch.
Over time, the term “420” shifted from representing their quest to find the garden to simply indicating a plan to smoke after school at the statue. Eventually, it grew to mean making plans to smoke marijuana anywhere.
For a while, the term stayed between the five boys, but it exploded into popularity when they started hanging out with the Grateful Dead band members.
The crew picked up on the code for shared smoking sessions. Then, the band released flyers explaining the term and its connotations to stoner culture and it exploded into the world.
Today, it’s not uncommon to see “420-friendly” on dating apps, accommodations, and restaurants. Each one of these contexts has a slightly different meaning, but they all share a common thread. All of them share an appreciation for cannabis and a willingness to connect to other like-minded people.
Being 420-friendly is about more than just enjoying cannabis, it’s about embracing a mindset of openness, acceptance, and connection.
The shifting landscape of cannabis legalization in the states can be challenging to keep up with. Each state has a unique set of regulations around our favorite flower. But never fear because we’re here to break it down for you.
The use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis is still a federal crime, but each state has specific laws around it.
Nineteen states are fully embracing the 420-friendly ethos and have made recreational and medical cannabis use legal.
Among the 420-friendly states, weed enthusiasts often hail Colorado as the pioneer in cannabis legalization. The State legalized weed in 2012. Since then, it has become a hotspot for enthusiasts looking to enjoy the vibrant cannabis culture complete with an array of dispensaries.
Another place that is notably 420-friendly is California. It has a long history of cannabis activism. There is an abundance of weed dispensaries and cannabis events for any traveling weed enthusiast to enjoy.
Each state across the United States has established its unique set of regulations regarding cannabis. But, for these laws to be considered comprehensive and effective, they must adhere to specific criteria..
Most importantly, they should protect against legal penalties for using, possessing, or growing.
States must ensure accessibility in various ways. This may include allowing for home cultivation of cannabis plants or establishing regulated dispensaries where individuals can obtain cannabis products safely and legally.
Additionally, there should be a wide range of strains available, including those with THC levels higher than minimal. Lastly, individuals should have the freedom to smoke or vape the cannabis they obtain for medical purposes.
Unlike the states mentioned above, ten states do not allow comprehensive medical cannabis use. They do, however, permit weed strains with a low percentage of THC/high percentage of CBD for medical use.
In these places, weed is more carefully monitored. There are more regulations governing the specific circumstances under which marijuana is allowed.
Three states still do not allow any contact with weed. Or as we would say, they are not 420-friendly at all.
We remain hopeful that these places will soon realize the many benefits of weed and change their laws. But for now, it is not a good idea to visit them if you are planning a 420-friendly holiday.
It’s worth noting that while we have summarized the most important, need-to-know information, each state has its regulations around the specifics of cannabis.
Some places only allow the sale of weed and related products through state-licensed dispensaries. Others permit personal cultivation or social consumption lounges.
The laws around cannabis are always shifting and changing in the USA. So make sure that you have updated information before indulging. But, overall, there has never been a better time to embrace the 420-friendly ethos and celebrate the plant that brings us all together.
There are many places where you might see 420-friendly. And the more it is normalized, the more common it will be to see this.
In general, ‘420-friendly’ shows an openness to cannabis. In different contexts, it means slightly different things. It could become slightly awkward if you interpret it in slightly the wrong way in different contexts.
So let’s go through the most common places you might see ‘420-friendly’ and what it means.
In areas where cannabis is legal, it’s not uncommon to find apartment complexes and rental properties that are 420-friendly. When you see this in an advert, it means that they explicitly welcome cannabis use.
These places’ landlords allow their tenants to consume weed on their premises. So if you enjoy indulging in weed regularly, be on the lookout for this sign.
It can also mean, in some situations, that the area of the apartment or home is accommodating of cannabis smoke. Who knows, maybe your new neighbors are also part of the community!
Living in a place that is 420-friendly means that you can truly unwind without the stress of annoying anyone.
Travel websites often feature listings that cater to cannabis enthusiasts. From 420-friendly accommodations to cannabis-themed experiences, these platforms make it easy for you to find places that align with your preferences.
Much like apartments and rentals, travel accommodation and destinations that are 420-friendly are places that do not mind weed. They may simply not mind weed around them or they may also enjoy the odd puff.
If you find a place that is 420-friendly, express your interest as fast as you can. They are often in high demand with plenty of other travelers waiting to pounce on these places.
Some car rental companies cater to cannabis consumers by offering 420-friendly rental options. These vehicles may still carry the lingering, unmistakable scent of cannabis or they may go a step further.
They might include amenities like a built-in vaporizer or cannabis-friendly accessories like key chains or car charms. These small touches are enough to help anyone who is part of cannabis culture feel more welcome and happy to travel.
Many dating apps and platforms nowadays have the option for their users to indicate whether they are 420-friendly or not. This does not necessarily mean that they smoke themselves, but it certainly means that you can appreciate weed around them.
The sign can help you whether you are looking for someone who shares your love for cannabis or simply to connect with like-minded people. These additions to dating platforms make it even easier to find compatible matches.
The 420-friendly lifestyle is more than just a trend. It is a symbol of a vibrant community built on camaraderie, relaxation, and a shared love for cannabis.
It had its humble origins at San Rafael High School in the 70s but grew to become a hallmark of the cannabis community. It has made its mark on many different industries and parts of our world.
So whether you are looking for cannabis-friendly travel and accommodation, 420-centered events, or finding your perfect match, ‘420-friendly’ is there to help you.
Here at Embarc, we will be happy to provide you with any of the weed you might need. Stock us with us before beginning your journeys out into the big wide world on the hunt for 420-friendly friends.
