In it’s first state-legal year, on 4/20 Ohio will celebrate this Saturday with events and deals to mark the occasion. First, though, we explain the origins of this unusual holiday:
“420”: How Did April 20th Become the High Holiday?
With furthered legalization and normalization of the plant comes the celebration of its status in states across the nation that fought for the right to toke freely. Although Ohioans have long been paying homage to the plant under the radar, this year marks citizens’ first chance to experience 4/20 in a cannabis-legal state. What a moment!
Cannabis celebrations nationwide commemorate April 20th each year with special dispensary promotions, events, contests, and more. But why this particular day?
The term “420” has been used as code for marijuana for decades. It is believed to have originated at San Rafael High School in Marin County, California in 1971. Five students would meet by the school’s statue of chemist Louis Pasteur to partake in smoking together at 4:20 p.m. They chose the time to avoid suspicion because extracurricular activities had usually ended by this time.
The group became known as the “Waldos” because they met at a wall. One of the Waldos scored a job working with the Grateful Dead as a roadie, so the band is credited with popularizing the term “420″. Decades since the term was coined, cannabis enthusiasts nationwide have embraced it, and the day that the calendar represents the number: April 20th.
Read more here about the Grateful Dead’s influence on cannabis culture.
Need more of a primer on cannabis terminology? Check out more of our Ganja-Glossary here.
Ohio Hosts 4/20 Events
Cincinnati
MedicateOH, Redmoor Live Events High Time with Dead Centric and Scarlet Fire
- Join MedicateOH this 420 at the Redmoor in Cincinnati as we celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead and their influence on cannabis culture. Participants can expect a dozen vendors, two tribute bands, great food, and Split the “Pot” raffle. Tickets here – just $10. Or try to score 2 free by answering our Instagram question. Doors 6 p.m., Music starts at 7 p.m.
- A Peaceful Block Party, 2613 Short Vine, 2-9 p.m. Tickets
Canton
OhioCannabis.com Festival & Farmers Market at KimTam Park at Melanie Springs in Union Town, Ohio. Tickets
Columbus
Mary Jane 420 Meet & Greet Party Tickets
Cleveland
420 Bash! Hi-Ho Brewing More info
Athens
Community Hemp Fair, Cannabis Museum 1-6 p.m. Tickets
Dayton
The 420 Day Matinee at Blind Rage Records more info/tickets
Toledo
Sixx Digit’s 17th Annual 420 Blowout at the Ottawa Tavern Tickets
Ohio 4/20 Deals and Giveaways at the Dispensaries
Ohio dispensaries are only accessible for medical marijuana cardholders. Adult-use sales may start as early as this summer, but not in time for 4/20.
Bloom Dispensaries are giving away this Ultimate 420 Gift Basket including a Puffco Peak and Proxy, G-Pen, Dash, Stack the Joints game, @wondergrovecollection merch and more. Enter here
Also at Bloom Dispensaries, they are offering 30% off storewide 4/19-4/21 with a Doorbuster: FIRST 50 Patients get select SUPERFLUX 2.83g for $15. Also on 4/20: Buy 1 Get 1 Ohio Processing Plant 0.84G Cart for $1, Buy 1 Get 1 Ohio Processing Plant Gummies For $1, and Buy 1 Get 1 King City Gardens 2.83G For $1
Story Cannabis will offer 50% off storewide from Friday 4/19-Sunday 4/21.
Zen Leaf Dispensaries are giving away a @studenglass Gravity Infuser. Enter here.
Nar Reserve Columbus has a sale on 4/19 and 4/20, discounts range from 20-50% off of select vendors. 4-6 p.m. Group Sounds Edibles PED.
Main Street Medical Cannabis Columbus: 40% Off Storewide, BOGO MSMC House Flower (Mix & Match), Cannascend & Garden Society PED.
Check out more 4/20 deals at select dispensaries on the Spendr app.
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