4/20: A Lit History of the Marijuana Holiday

*Originally published on April 20, 2021
Updated for 2024:

Whether you're a marijuana smoker or not, nearly everyone knows of (or has at least heard of) 4/20 as a national holiday within the cannabis communities. But we're here to ask, why April 20? What's the significance of that date? Furthermore, what's the history of this marijuana holiday?

Below we've put together an infographic to answer those very questions.

History of 4/20 Marijuana Holiday Infographic:

420 marijuana holiday

*Information based on data gathered from TIME.

Kristina Shriver

Associate Director of Our Community Now. When not writing or reading, Kristina likes to dance like no one is watching and enjoys speaking in vague movie references/quotes, which only a select few in her circle truly understand. A huge nerd, she loves attending comic book conventions (in costume, of course!) and engaging in geek-fueled conversations with anyone who is willing to listen to her ramble. She also dedicates her spare time to supporting various mental health organizations.