420 is not a police code, nor is it the number of molecules, nor is it a reference to a song. It was the time five California high school students agreed to meet in 1971.
The real story is more mundane than the legends surrounding it—and far more interesting, because it explains how a code word among teenagers became a global date.
Our brand bears this number. We might as well explain what it really stands for, what it doesn’t stand for, and what it means today for a producer operating within the law.
April 20 is a specific date. Traceability, however, knows no season: each blister pack bears its serial number and Swiss laboratory test results, whether in April or November.
In 1971, at a high school in San Rafael, California, a group of friends dubbed themselves the Waldos—because they hung out against a wall.
They heard about an abandoned cannabis plantation near Point Reyes and got hold of a map that was supposed to lead them there. They agreed to meet at 4:20 p.m., after school, in front of a statue on the school grounds. The phrase became their code word for discussing the subject in front of others.
They never found the plantation. But the phrase stuck.
Its spread was due to a geographical coincidence. San Rafael is located in Marin County, at the epicenter of the California music scene at the time, and one of the Waldos had family ties to the Grateful Dead’s inner circle.
The term thus circulated in a community that traveled extensively and had a wide audience. In the early 1990s, a flyer distributed at a concert picked up the expression and set the date as April 20. The music press picked up on it, and the high school slang term became an international reference point —without any organization ever having decided to make it so.
Each one is still widely circulated.
What these three versions have in common: they’re all more flattering than the truth. That’s usually a sign that they’ve been made up.
April 20 now brings together very different audiences, and that’s what makes it difficult to summarize.
Depending on the country, the day features protests calling for legal reform, festive gatherings, trade shows, and commercial events. In countries where cannabis is regulated, the date often serves as a moment of visibility for players in the legal sector.
This coexistence is uncomfortable, and it must be said: a date that originated from illegal use has now become a marketing tool. This is the paradox of the entire legal market, not just April 20.
Our brand is called Goldbar420. The number is there, and it’s no coincidence: it refers to a culture that existed long before the legal market—and to which we owe most of our knowledge.
The know-how of sifting, the techniques of the Rif, assessing resin by eye: none of this was invented by the CBD industry. These techniques come from generations of growers who worked without labs or labels. Our job is to apply these techniques within a framework that is rigorously analyzed and traceable.
This is what our article on the birthplace of hashish explains, and what you can see on our “Terroirs” page.
If the date resonates with you and you use CBD, here are a few simple ideas: open a resin you’ve been saving, compare two batches side by side, or simply take the time to smell it before consuming —something no one ever does.
The different ways to consume CBD, and what each offers, are detailed in our guide comparing consumption methods.
A reminder that’s not just a formality: cannabis laws vary greatly from one country to another, even among immediate neighbors. What’s legal in Switzerland isn’t necessarily legal elsewhere. You can find a comparison in our article on the differences between markets.
Because the American date is written as 4/20, which corresponds to the original meeting time. It’s a numerical reference, not a symbolic choice.
No. No institution created it or manages it —it’s a completely spontaneous phenomenon, which is rare for a date celebrated worldwide.
There’s no reason not to where CBD is legal. Just check the regulations in your country, which may differ from those of your neighbors.
By association. The techniques we use stem from a culture that predates the legal market, and we see no reason to hide that fact.
SweetWater 420 Fest
A major music festival centered around 420, the SweetWater 420 Fest is one of the most iconic events of its kind in the United States. It features a diverse lineup blending rock, hip-hop, and alternative music, as well as areas dedicated to environmentalism, cannabis culture, and social initiatives—all in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
Location: Atlanta, United States
420 Green Steam Fest
The 420 Green Steam Fest is an indoor festival that brings together music, wellness, and cannabis culture in a single immersive and dynamic space. Held in conjunction with National Minority Health Month and Stress Awareness Month, the event also emphasizes well-being, community, and a balance between entertainment and health.
Location: Chicago, United States
Northwest Cannafest
Northwest Cannabis Company presents the fifth annual Northwest Cannafest, Portland’s largest 420 cannabis event.
Location: Tualatin, United States
High NYC
Solve puzzles, explore the city in search of hidden treasures, and win amazing 420 prizes, products, and much more! Now in its fourth year, this interactive scavenger hunt is one of the most fun ways to celebrate 420.
Location: NYC, United States
NM 420 FEST
The New Mexico 420 Fest is a nonprofit movement dedicated to promoting cannabis culture as a force for unity, progress, and empowerment.
Location: New Mexico, United States
420 State Fair
The 420 State Fair Festival is an immersive event held in Las Vegas that transforms a venue into a full-fledged carnival dedicated to cannabis culture, featuring music, carnival games, and interactive experiences. Scheduled for April 18, 2026, from the afternoon through the night, it also features booths, food trucks, and consumption areas, all within a unique, festive, and community-oriented atmosphere.
Location: NuWu Cannabis Marketplace, Las Vegas, United States
4:20 STL Festival
Designed as an immersive experience for both enthusiasts and the curious, the festival emphasizes product discovery, connections among enthusiasts, and entertainment, featuring activities such as bingo, games, and spaces for discussion about 420 culture.
Location: Cherokee Street, St. Louis, United States
Zahara Smoked Out 420 Fest
The 4th annual edition of Zahara’s Smoked Out 420 Fest, featuring local vendors, food, live music, giveaways, and exclusive product launches at the Zahara Cannabis Dispensary
Location: Attleboro, United States
420 Fest
The 4th annual Zahara Smoked Out 420 Fest, featuring local vendors, food, live music, giveaways, and exclusive product launches at the Zahara Cannabis Dispensary
Location: Tucson, United States
420 Festival + Summit
Both a festival and a conference, the 420 Festival + Summit in Niagara Falls offers a hybrid experience blending entertainment and reflection. The event combines music, professional meetings, conferences, and networking, while highlighting the economic, tourism, and cultural issues related to the cannabis industry.
Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
420 Vancouver Smoke
The 420 Vancouver Smoke Out is a festival dedicated to cannabis culture, celebrated annually on April 20. Sometimes controversial, it celebrates “weed” culture through a festive, community-driven gathering.
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Annual 420 Party (Vancouver)
420 is celebrated on Vancouver’s historic “Pot Block” with a full day dedicated to cannabis culture, featuring music, entertainment, and opportunities to connect. For the occasion, Amsterdam Cafe, Cannabis Culture, and High Score Lounge are teaming up to host a festive event rooted in the history of the local cannabis movement.
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Ottawa 420 Gathering
Several gathering spots are planned in Ottawa for enthusiasts.
Major’s Hill Park: Offering views of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, this park is a historic gathering spot for Ottawa’s cannabis community. Peaceful and conveniently located, it also provides easy access to the ByWard Market to continue the day’s festivities.
Parliament Hill: A major hub for 420 gatherings, it once hosted large demonstrations before legalization. Today, it remains a powerful symbol for celebrating April 20, while respecting the site and the public.
Gatineau Park: Ideal for a celebration surrounded by nature, with its many trails and panoramic views offering tranquility, fresh air, and a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Arboretum / Dominion Arboretum: A more secluded spot in the southern part of the city, appreciated for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere—perfect for a moment of relaxation.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Montreal 420 (Mount Royal Park)
A cultural gathering combining music, performances, and a friendly atmosphere, with a strong sense of community and multiculturalism.
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Calgary 420 (Olympic Plaza)
The 420 celebration in Calgary, held at Olympic Plaza, is a rapidly growing public gathering that attracts more participants every year. The event combines music, speeches, booths, and awareness-raising activities in an atmosphere that is both festive and socially conscious, reflecting the changing perception of cannabis in Canada.
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Spannabis
Spannabis is Europe’s largest cannabis trade show and a must-attend event for professionals, businesses, and enthusiasts of cannabis culture. Since its inception, the event has played a major role in normalizing and promoting cannabis in all its forms: industrial, therapeutic, and recreational.
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Hyde Park 420 Gathering
A blend of celebration and advocacy, this annual event brings together thousands of participants in a community-driven atmosphere, with the goal of changing perceptions and policies surrounding cannabis—particularly by highlighting its medical uses and patients’ rights.
Location: London, United Kingdom
Glasgow Green 420
The 420 celebrations are returning to Glasgow Green in 2026, featuring a well-organized event with live music, comedy shows, booths, raffles, and various exhibitors. Attendees will also be able to explore CBD products, accessories, and a dedicated area for medical cannabis.
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Durham 420 Event
In 2026, 420 celebrations return to the Hemp Gardens at Elvet Green, bringing together members of the local and national cannabis community—including patients with prescriptions, advocates, and supporters—for a time of connection, awareness, and sharing.
Location: Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
Channel Islands 420 Celebration
The 420 celebrations are returning to Guernsey in 2026, following two successful events.
This year’s event will feature Leila Simpson of the United Patients Alliance as a speaker. Organized by the community, this gathering focuses on education, information, and raising public awareness about cannabis.
Location: Guernsey, United Kingdom
420% Herbalist Amsterdam
Celebrating cannabis culture on April 20, 420% Herbalist Amsterdam is one of the few events in the Netherlands centered around 420. With a lineup blending reggae, hip-hop, and live performances both indoors and outdoors, it also features a food court and a 420 market.
Location: De VerbroederIJ, Netherlands
