4/20 - The Origin Story!
- 1971
- “The Waldos” at San Rafael High School in California start meeting at 4:20 PM to search for a secret cannabis crop.
- 1975
- Grateful Dead crew hears about 420 and spreads it within the band’s fanbase.
- 1990
- A flyer promoting “420” as a time to smoke is passed around at a Dead show — and lands in the hands of High Times Magazine.
- 1991
- High Times publishes the term "420" for the first time, helping it reach the cannabis community nationwide.
- 1995
- April 20th becomes a symbolic day for protests and legalization rallies in major U.S. cities.
- 2003
- Colorado activists use 4/20 events to help push for legal reform — planting early seeds of cannabis legislation.
- 2012
- Colorado and Washington become the first states to legalize recreational cannabis. 4/20 becomes a true celebration.
- 2018
- Canada legalizes recreational cannabis nationwide — and 4/20 goes global.
- 2020
- The entire month of April is “4/20” (4/20/2020) — but COVID makes it a digital-only celebration.
- 2022
- 4/20 returns bigger than ever, with massive events, brand drops, and record-breaking sales.
- 2024
- More than 20 states have legalized recreational cannabis. 4/20 is now the unofficial holiday of the industry.
- 2025
- Joint Operations hosts the most epic 4/20 yet — with the best deals, chilliest vibes, and an experience built around you.
Did You Know? — 4/20 Edition!
Fun facts, wild origins, and iconic moments — here’s the 420 history you didn’t learn in school.
It All Started with High School Friends
In 1971, a group of students known as The Waldos met at 4:20 PM to smoke and search for a secret cannabis crop — and 420 was born.
High Times Made 420 Go Viral
In 1991, High Times magazine published a 420 flyer from a Grateful Dead show — helping turn it into a worldwide cannabis symbol.
The Grateful Dead Helped Spread the Word
The band’s fanbase embraced 420 early on, helping take it from a California secret to a national cultural code.
420 Began as a Protest, Not a Party
April 20 started as a day for activism and pushing for legalization. It’s now one of the biggest cannabis celebrations in the world.
2020 Was the Month of 420
The entire month was technically “4/20” (April 2020) — but the pandemic turned it into a virtual-only celebration.
420 Is the Biggest Day in Cannabis Sales
More cannabis is sold on 4/20 than any other day of the year — it’s our version of Black Friday, with better vibes.
Celebrate 4/20 All Month Long at Joint Operations!
>> 4/20 Bundles Dropping Soon <<
> Our 4/20 bundles are happening from 4/15 to 4/20, stay on the lookout for more details!
> The party starts early! From April 1–19, every $50 you spend earns you an entry into our 420 Raffle for a chance to win a premium bong—just ask your budtender to check out the prize! (Winner drawn on 4/20.)
> Then, starting April 15, get in on our 420 Stock-Up Bundles!. A new bundle drops everyday until 4/20!
> Lastly, on April 20, the real fun begins: score our exclusive 420 Bundle and spin the prize wheel for a shot at something awesome - plus extra surprises and festivities at your favorite Joint Operations location.
> This is our biggest celebration of the year… you don’t want to miss it!
