April 20, or 4/20, has become an unofficial holiday celebrated by cannabis and weed enthusiasts around the world. While the day is now synonymous with smoking weed, its origins are actually quite humble.
The Waldos’ usage of the term “420” spread to other students at their school, and eventually, to other schools in the area. By the 1980s, the term had begun to be used more widely among cannabis users in Northern California.
In 1990, a member of the Waldos who was attending college at the University of California, Santa Cruz, shared the story of 4/20 with a journalist from the cannabis magazine High Times. The journalist, Steven Hager, included the story in an article, and 4/20 quickly gained popularity among readers of the magazine.
In 1991, High Times began promoting April 20 as a day to celebrate cannabis culture. They organized smoke-ins on the date, and the holiday quickly spread to other parts of the United States.
Today, 4/20 is celebrated by cannabis users all over the world. People mark the day by smoking weed, attending cannabis-themed events, and advocating for the legalization of marijuana.
While the origins of 4/20 may be humble, the holiday has become a major event in cannabis culture. It is a day for people to come together to celebrate their love of weed and to advocate for their right to use it.
Other interesting facts about 4/20
- The number 420 has been used as a code word for weed by many different cultures and languages.
- In some cities, 4/20 is a time for police to crack down on public marijuana use.
- Some businesses offer special discounts or promotions on 4/20.
- In 2017, the city of Denver, Colorado, opened a 420-themed pot shop called “The Dispensary.”
- Whether you celebrate 4/20 or not, there is no doubt that it is a unique and interesting holiday. It is a reminder of the long history of cannabis use and the growing movement for legalization.
The Booming Cannabis Industry: A Market in Constant Growth
The weed or cannabis industry is at an unprecedented moment of expansion worldwide. Driven by the growing acceptance of the medicinal and recreational use of the plant, legal cannabis sales reached $35 billion in 2022, 20% more than the previous year, according to estimates from MR Peasy.
Projections for the future are even more optimistic. The global cannabis market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2024, according to Muisca Capital Group. This represents an annual growth of between 45% and 67%, a considerable figure that reflects the great potential of this sector.
Mexico: An Emerging Player on the Global Landscape
In this scenario of global growth, Mexico is positioned as an emerging player with great potential.
According to the consultancy EY, the cannabis industry in Mexico could reach a value of $24 billion in the next three years.
Job Creation and Tax Revenue
Beyond its economic potential, the cannabis industry also presents important social benefits. It is estimated that this sector could generate 130,000 new jobs in Mexico in the next five years, according to a study by Vangst.
In addition, the legalization of cannabis could also generate significant tax revenue for the Mexican government. A PwC report estimates that the government could collect up to $2 billion in annual taxes from the sale of cannabis.
Where is weed consumption legal?
The list of states and the authorized use of cannabis:
- Adult and medical use: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Washington D.C.
- Medical marijuana: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia
- Low THC/CBD: Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming
- No legal use: Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota
Keep in mind that legislation regarding cannabis can change, so this information may be subject to updates.
