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April 20th, or 420 as it is commonly referred to, is a notorious day reserved for cannabis enthusiasts to celebrate the plant in all its forms and functions. It’s also a time for cannabis advocates to rally together and push for further change.

If you are new to cannabis, you might not be familiar with the term 420. And even if you are, you might not know the story behind it, or are simply looking for inspiration on how to honour this special day.

This article shares the origins of the event as well as some ways to celebrate 420 in style. So whether you’re looking to relax at home, spend the day with friends or looking to explore your local cannabis scene, there’s something out there for everyone!

What Are The Origins of 420?

There are many stories behind how the day that celebrates cannabis culture started. The most credible one traces back to Marin County, California.

It all began in 1971 when a group of five students from San Rafael High School would meet at the statue of Louis Pasteur to smoke cannabis at 4:20 p.m. They used 420-Louis as a code word for smoking cannabis. Eventually, they dropped the Louis and began referring to it as 420.

Code 420 continued to spread. The term became even more popular thanks to the Grateful Dead band. In the 1990s, fans of the band started handing out flyers inviting people to smoke cannabis on April 20th at 4:20 p.m. One of these flyers ended up in the hands of a reporter for High Times Magazine.

The magazine printed out the flyer in one of its issues. In no time, 420 became the worldwide code for cannabis. And 420, now April 20th, became the day people celebrate cannabis culture.

Why Do People Celebrate 420?

420 means different things to different people. For some, it is just a day to get high and have fun, while to others, it’s an opportunity to protest unfair cannabis policies or the stigma against the plant.

With Canada legalizing the use of cannabis, many 420 events have shifted from protest to celebration. Now that there are new laws in place, weed enthusiasts see 420 as the perfect day to exercise their freedom to enjoy cannabis.

7 Fun Ways To Celebrate 420

There are many ways to honour 420, from movie marathons with new cannabis-infused recipes, to indulging in a bit of cannabis-self care at home or, just checking out what’s happening in the neighbourhood! If you’re still unsure about what to do this 420, the next 7 suggestions are a great place to spark imagination:

1. Watch a Cannabis Documentary or 420 Classics

Whether you want to expand your knowledge of the cannabis industry or simply have a good laugh with friends on 420, you have options if you want to Netflix-and-chill.

If you are in the mood for something serious, look to documentaries like Culture High, Grass Is Greener, and Weed the People. Or, if you want a good old cannabis classic, you can watch How High, Pineapple Express or Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.

Get cozy, get high, and grab some munchies to enjoy while you watch.

2. Try Some 420 Cannabis Recipes

There is no shortage of cannabis recipes you can test out on 420. Whether you are a novice or an expert when it comes to cooking with cannabis, there’s something for everyone.

For example, if you’re craving something sweet you can always make a classic such as cannabis-infused fudgy chocolate brownies. Want a healthier option? This cannabis cabbage salad with sesame-lime dressing is nutritious with a cannabis twist.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to cannabis-infused recipes. Don’t be afraid to play around in the kitchen with some favourites or find a new cannabis recipe you’d like to try this 420.

3. Indulge in Some Cannabis-Infused Self-Care

We could all use a day to sit down, relax, and spoil ourselves with a bit of self-care. After the workday, you can soak away your stress with a relaxing bath complimented by the rich aroma of CBD bath bombs. Duet Bath Bombs in wild rose and vanilla provide a luxurious way to enjoy the benefits of CBD with your favourite scent.

For those who enjoy a good cup of tea, why not add the calming effects of CBD to your cup. This CBD mint tea by Everie provides the relaxing properties of CBD with the refreshing flavours of spearmint and peppermint. It’s caffeine-free which pairs well with a nighttime routine.

Another great way to take care of yourself this 420 is with cannabis topicals. Why not pamper your skin with a moisture rich CBD daily relief cream or soothe your lips with an all natural lip balm. Indulgent self-care with a CBD boost doesn’t get any easier than this.

4. Meditate

Take a breather this 420 and meditate. If you practice mindfulness and meditation, how about elevating your practice this 420 by adding some cannabis to your routine?

Cannabis has been linked with reducing anxiety and stress, and so has meditation. So together, they might make a perfect pair. However, be aware there aren’t enough studies linking the possible benefits of using cannabis and meditation together. So if you are going to try using cannabis before you meditate on this 420, start low and go slow to play it safe and find the perfect balance.

5. Practice Cannayoga

Many people seeking a healthier lifestyle have incorporated yoga practice into their daily routine. So it seems like a natural fit to integrate cannabis into the benefits of yoga.

Adding cannabis to your yoga practice may allow you to go deeper into your breathwork, movement and mindfulness.

Studies show that combining cannabis with exercise may help enhance recovery time, increase enjoyment and motivation, and potentially improve performance.

6. Attend a 420 Festival

420 is a time for gathering together, meaning that cannabis users worldwide often attend cannabis events and festivals.

If you are looking for something to do in the company of other cannabis enthusiasts, Canada boasts a wide range of 420 events you can attend.

The famous 4/20 Vancouver Smoke Out is a weed-themed festival that celebrates pot culture and takes place on April 20th each year. The event began many years ago as a protest to legalize cannabis in Canada, but since legalization, it’s become a free event, welcoming weed lovers from around the globe.

If you are looking for good music, good company, and good food, the Niagara Falls 420 Expo is another great option. Featuring exhibitors, guest speakers, and plenty of fun, this cannabis-themed event is one of the biggest in North America.

7. Roll Up a Joint

The most traditional way of enjoying 420 is as simple as smoking a hand-rolled joint. If you want to stick to the basics this 420, choose the best flower products and rolling paper from a location near you. Or, if rolling seems like too much work, you can always opt for a preroll.

Lighting up a joint at exactly 4:20 p.m. could add more meaning to your 420 celebrations. After all, joints at 4:20 p.m. started it all.

FIKA Products That Will Make Your 420 Memorable

At FIKA, we pride ourselves on providing the best cannabis products. Here is a list of our favourites to help you celebrate 420 in style:

Banana OG

There is no better way to enjoy your 420 than with Banana OG, a hybrid flower with a unique cross of Kush and Haze that delivers a sweet melon and dank hash flavour.

This potent strain is perfect for 420 fun. It’ll leave you feeling euphoric and relaxed.

Afghani Drifter Pre-Roll

If you want to enjoy your 420 with a cannabis strain that packs a punch, then the Afghani Drifter is a perfect choice. This hybrid strain is loaded with THC.

Not only are these joints super strong, but they also taste amazing, with a hashy, earthy aroma and notes of funk, musk, and pepper.

Strawberry Ice Sativa Cartridge

This flavourful cartridge is perfect for any strawberry lover. The dominant terpene myrcene gives this cartridge a fruity flavour profile, making it a delicious and refreshing choice.

This cartridge contains only two ingredients: cannabis distillate and botanical terpenes. So whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up during the day or a relaxing evening experience, KOLAB’s Strawberry Ice Sativa Cartridge will make your 420.

Sour Megamelon Gummies

Sour Megamelon Gummies are the perfect way to start your 420 celebrations. These delicious watermelon gummies come with a sweet and sour twist to hit your taste buds.

They’re also packed with 5mg of THC each, so you can perfectly dose your high.

CBD Goji Grapefruit Kombucha

Celebrate 420 with a refreshing beverage in hand, our favourite to get your hands on is the CBD Goji Grapefruit Kombucha.

This unique, small-batch brew is naturally fermented with goji berry and grapefruit flavours. Amplified by CBD and THC, this kombucha will hit the spot.

Get Celebrating!

Although the origins of 420 are up for debate, one thing is for sure – it’s a day to celebrate cannabis culture in style. After two years of lockdowns it’s time to let loose and enjoy the best 420 yet.

Our stores have you covered with a range of products from flowers to edibles and everything in between. The only thing left to do is decide how you will celebrate. Happy 420!