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420 (four-twenty): The number once only celebrated by stoners and marijuana enthusiasts is now recognized by a broader, international audience. Learn about the hazy origin of 420, the emergence of cannabis culture, and the history of cannabis in Maine.
The Origin of 420
420 (or 4/20) began in 1971 when five San Rafael, California high school students would meet each afternoon at 4:20 to smoke up. The term “420” was coined and became the group’s code for meeting up to puff-puff-pass.
In 1990, a group of Grateful Dead fans circulated flyers in Oakland, California inviting cannabis lovers to partake on April 20 at 4:20. One of these flyers landed in the hands of Steve Bloom, a former reporter for High Times Magazine. The magazine printed the 4/20 flyer in 1991, and “420” soon became the designated date/time for all things weed.
Celebrated annually on April 20th, 420 has evolved into an international counter-culture day dedicated to celebrating and consuming cannabis – and fighting for legalization and decriminalization.
Once familiar with 420, you will see signs throughout pop culture (i.e., clocks set to 4:20, price tags showing $420, football game scores at 4-20 in movies, etc.)
The Celebration of 4/20 Today
Fast forward to today, and you’ll recognize 4/20 as the biggest day in cannabis culture! This unofficial cannabis holiday is celebrated through 4/20 concerts, festivals, and gatherings, dispensary deals, and unique products. Drive by any one of the legal adult use cannabis dispensary in Maine, and you’re in for a good time. Each year, our Sweet Dirt cannabis dispensary runs deals and discounts on cannabis products and merch, in honor of celebrating the 4/20!
The History of Cannabis in Maine
The history of cannabis in Maine is one of gradual acceptance, legal milestones, and significant societal change. Like many states, Maine saw cannabis primarily as an agricultural product in the 19th and early 20th centuries – using hemp for its strong fibers in making ropes, sails, and other products. However, by the mid-20th century, cannabis was largely illegal, and its use was heavily stigmatized.
Fast forward to the late 20th century, the state took its first major step towards legal cannabis use by legalizing medical marijuana. In 1999, Maine one of the earliest states to legalize medical marijuana, reflecting a growing trend towards acceptance of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The Maine Medical Marijuana for Specific Illnesses Act allowed patients with certain conditions to use cannabis under medical supervision.
Facing Challenges for Recreational Cannabis in Maine
In 2016, Maine voters approved the Marijuana Legalization Act, making Maine the ninth state in the U.S. to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. The law allowed adults aged 21 and over to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and to cultivate a limited number of plants for personal use.
However, the rollout of recreational cannabis in Maine was not without challenges. With many regulatory hurdles and delays, it wasn’t until October 2020 that a recreational cannabis dispensary had its first sale.
Sweet Dirt: Representing the Today’s Cannabis in Maine
The legalization of cannabis in Maine has had a profound impact on the state. In the first year of recreational sales alone, Maine saw millions of dollars in tax revenue from cannabis, benefiting state programs and local economies.
The industry has also created new jobs and business opportunities. From cultivation and retail to ancillary services like security and marketing, cannabis has become a booming industry in Maine. Since our dispensary doors opened at Sweet Dirt, we’ve been proud to offer a wide dispensary menu that reflects the most affordable flower and quality products you’ll find in the state.
Visit either of our Maine dispensary locations and come chat with a budtender on the latest products and freshest flower drops from our affordable cannabis menu. Be sure to stop by during the 4/20 season to dig up the hottest deals and celebrate the cannabis holiday with Sweet Dirt!