4/20: More Than Just a High Holiday

What is it 4/20 and where to celebrate it in Massachusetts

Every year on April 20th, cannabis lovers unite for the most celebrated day in weed culture. Do you know the real story behind 4/20 and why it matters? Let’s break it down.

A High School Group Created the Global 4/20 Movement

It started in the 1970s when a group of high school students in San Rafael, California, who called themselves “The Waldos” (short for “Was a Wall Outside the School), they went out daily at 4:20 on a mission was to track down an abandoned cannabis crop. They never found the legendary stash but “4:20” became their code for getting high. Thanks to The Grateful Dead and High Times Magazine, this movement spread worldwide.

From Underground Missions to Global Gatherings

What started as a secret code is now a full-fledged international event. On 4/20, cannabis enthusiasts all over the world get together to celebrate at rallies, concerts, and festivals. For example:

🌿 Hippie Hill, San Francisco – Thousands light up in Golden Gate Park.
🌿 Denver’s Mile High 420 Festival – A massive public event in one of the first states to legalize cannabis.
🌿 London’s Hyde Park Smoke-Out – A peaceful protest for cannabis reform in the UK.

Even in states where cannabis isn’t fully legal, 4/20 is a day for activism, pushing for policy change and the end of prohibition.

More Than Just a Party: Political, Cultural and Economic Impact

Beyond lighting up, 4/20 is a reminder of how far cannabis has come—and how far it has to go. 4/20 has helped normalize cannabis use, push for legalization and highlight social justice issues related to the War on Drugs.

And let’s not forget the economic impact. In legal states, dispensaries record record-breaking sales on April 20th. Dispensaries roll out special product drops, discounts, and community events - 4/20 is a Black Friday-level holiday for our industry.

How to Celebrate 4/20 in Massachusetts

There’s lots of great ways to celebrate cannabis culture in Massachusetts on 4/20. Here are some of the biggest events across the state:

🔥 Zahara's Smoked Out 420 Fest (Attleboro) – Live music, pop-up vendors, food, drinks, and activities.

🔥 Happy Valley Dispensaries (Gloucester & East Boston) – Product spotlights, giveaways, live DJs, glass engraving and food trucks.

🔥 4/20 Fest at Castle Island (Norwood) – A special beer release, live music, and tie-dye stations.

🔥 Canna Provisions & Holyoke Cannabis 4/20 Extravaganja Block Party (Holyoke) – A massive block party with music, food, and vendors.

🔥 The Beatnuts: Golden Era 420 Show (Greenfield) – A hip-hop celebration featuring the iconic Beatnuts.

💨 Keep an eye out for your local MA dispensaries 4-20 deals, giveaways and parties!

Celebrate Our Cannabis Community!

Whether you’re hanging out with friends, joining a rally, or just indulging in a little alone time, 4/20 is about appreciation for the plant, the culture and the progress.

So this 4/20, light up responsibly, advocate for change and enjoy the biggest holiday that brings our global cannabis community together.