The term “420” has become pervasive in modern marijuana culture. Whether you’re searching for “420-friendly” in the Craigslist apartment listings or just trying to figure out why your friend keeps calling 4:20 “weed o-clock,” you can’t escape it. Here are some fun facts to help you navigate the cannabis world on every pot-lovers favorite holiday- April 20th.

1. The term was coined by a group of high school stoners

A group of high schoolers in the North Bay came up with the code word “420” in 1971. The students had a plan to seek out a rumored plot of marijuana plants. They met each day after school at 4:20 PM. They never found the plot, but along the way, they smoked lots of weed and kept using “420” as a codeword. The group was active in the Grateful Dead community and used the term at Dead parties and rehearsals. 420 spread through the Deadhead crowd and beyond, eventually becoming the ubiquitous term it is today. Click here for a way more thorough story.

2. It has nothing to do with Hitler.

Yes, Adolf Hitler was born on April 20th. This has nothing to do the celebration of cannabis on 4/20. Why would it? Even if Hitler smoked pot, he was a genocidal maniac. He would go down in history as the least chill stoner ever. There’s no reason to celebrate him.

3. It has forced mile markers to change

Idaho’s new mile marker

Washington, Colorado and Idaho have had to replace their “420” road sign with ones that reads “419.9” because the former kept getting stolen.

4. Weedster is a thing

In 2014, Easter happened to fall on April 20th. This event was (obviously) dubbed “Weedster.” It will happen again in 2025. You can start planning your bud-filled Easter egg hunt.

5. You don’t need to live in Denver to celebrate in public

Denver’s 420 Rally

While Denver gets a lot of the pot-party focus (and there is lots going on), it’s not the only place to share your love and support of cannabis.

If you’re in Los Angeles, there are quite a few events.

San Francisco will be holding a massive smoke out.

Seattle’s Hempfest is joining in the fun.

Cities all over the world will have gatherings to celebrate and advocate for legal marijuana. Check out what’s happening in your area with a quick Google search- you might be surprised.