A Deep Dive into 420 References in Popular Culture: From Movies to Music to Memes
420 – the number that has become synonymous with cannabis culture. For those who are unfamiliar, 420 is a term that was popularized by a group of high school students in California in the 1970s. Today, it is used as a code word for cannabis consumption and has become a cultural phenomenon. From movies to music to memes, 420 references can be found everywhere. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of 420 references in popular culture, exploring their origins, meanings, and impact.
Origins of 420 References
As mentioned earlier, 420 has its roots in California in the 1970s. A group of high school students, known as the “Waldos”, would meet at 4:20 PM to smoke cannabis. They used “420” as a code word for cannabis consumption and it quickly caught on. The term was popularized in the 1990s by the band The Grateful Dead and has since become a symbol of cannabis culture.
420 References in Movies
420 references can be found in many popular movies. One of the most well-known examples is the 1998 stoner comedy, “Half Baked”. The movie revolves around four friends who are trying to raise bail money for their friend, who has been arrested for accidentally killing a diabetic police horse. Throughout the movie, the characters use the term 420 as a code word for cannabis consumption.
Another example is the 2004 comedy “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”. The movie follows two friends on a quest to satisfy their craving for White Castle burgers. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including a run-in with extreme sports enthusiast, Neil Patrick Harris. The movie is full of 420 references and has become a cult classic among cannabis enthusiasts.
420 References in Music
420 references are also prevalent in music. Cannabis has been a popular subject in music for decades, with artists such as Bob Marley and Snoop Dogg becoming synonymous with the drug. In recent years, more and more artists have referenced 420 in their lyrics. One of the most well-known examples is the song “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre, which contains the lyrics “I’m representing for the gangsters all across the world, still hitting them corners in them low-lows girl, I’ll break your neck, damn near put your face in your lap, niggas tryna be the king but the ace is back (so if you ain’t up on thangs) Dr. Dre be the name, still runnin the game, still got it wrapped like a mummy, still ain’t tripping, love to see young blacks get money, spend time out the hood, take they moms out the hood, hit my boys off with jobs, no more living hard, barbeques every day, driving fancy cars, still gonna get mine regardless.”
420 References in Memes
In recent years, 420 references have become a popular subject for memes. Memes are humorous images, videos, or text that are shared on social media. They have become a cultural phenomenon, with some memes going viral overnight. 420 memes are often humorous and are a way for people to express their love for cannabis culture. One of the most well-known 420 memes is the “It’s 4:20 Somewhere” meme, which features a clock that is perpetually set to 4:20.
Impact of 420 References
The impact of 420 references on popular culture cannot be understated. For many, 420 has become a symbol of counterculture and rebellion. It has also become a way to express support for the legalization of cannabis. However, some argue that the constant use of 420 references perpetuates negative stereotypes about cannabis use and reinforces stigmatization. Regardless of one’s stance on the matter, there is no denying that 420 has become a cultural phenomenon and will continue to be a prevalent topic in popular culture for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 420 references can be found in all aspects of popular culture, from movies to music to memes. The origins of 420 can be traced back to California in the 1970s, where a group of high school students used the term as a code word for cannabis consumption. Today, it has become a symbol of cannabis culture and a way for people to express their support for the legalization of cannabis. While some argue that the overuse of 420 references perpetuates negative stereotypes, there is no denying that it has become a cultural phenomenon that will continue to be a prevalent topic in popular culture.
