Today , April 20 , is `` 420 : International Marijuana Day . '' Festivals and marches are planned around the world . The number 420 reflects the date , but it also represents the term 's clandestine origin in the 1970s , brought about by laws that still plague cannabis consumers today . In 1971 , a group of high school friends , the `` Waldos , '' invented 420 as a code word for smoking pot . Referring to 4:20 p.m. after school , the friends from San Rafael , California , would meet to smoke marijuana in their secret spot next to a wall -- the origin of their nickname . In the 40 years since , 420 has spread to become an international symbol for using marijuana , and it 's a part of the cannabis consumer 's vocabulary . Threatened with jail and unemployment , people who use marijuana in most states must hide their activities . In 2011 , more than 750,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession and sales in the United States . In 2010 , 86 % of those charged for possession in New York City were black or Latino . That , even though these groups represent about half the city 's population and use marijuana less than whites . But , slowly , support for cannabis regulation is growing . A recent Pew research poll found that 52 % of Americans support taxing and regulating marijuana , a historic high . It is n't that more people are using marijuana -- those rates have remained stable -- it 's that more people feel they can come out of the closet about their support for marijuana policy reform . Websites like the Marijuana Majority feature statements from celebrities and politicians in favor of marijuana policy reform , across the political spectrum , from Bill Maher to Pat Robertson . No longer a part of a fringe , those who see a better way to regulate marijuana are casting aside the secret codes and openly declaring support . The marijuana flag was waving proudly on Election Day , when Colorado and Washington became the first states where voters approved taxing and regulating marijuana for adult use . Two recently introduced pieces of federal legislation would protect medical marijuana states from federal interference and end federal marijuana prohibition . As can be imagined , the April 20 celebrations across Colorado and Washington , as well as other `` marijuana friendly '' states like California and Oregon , will be joyful , well attended and burgeoning with cannabis products . It might even feel as if marijuana is already legal -- but it is n't , and , in some states , the need for secret codes is still very much alive . In Oklahoma , manufacturing hash carries a mandatory two-year prison term but can also mean life in prison . Under Louisiana law , a second pot possession conviction is classified as a felony offense , punishable by up to five years in prison . Three-time offenders face up to 20 years in prison . And in Florida , possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana , as well as the cultivation of even a single plant , is a felony offense and punishable by up to five years in prison and a $ 5,000 fine . What this means , despite Colorado and Washington , is that April 20 brings a chance to stop and reflect on the draconian marijuana laws still threatening so many Americans . In addition to the lives harmed by arrests and incarceration , the economic costs of prohibition are enormous . The war on drugs has cost at least $ 1 trillion since it was announced in 1971 by President Nixon . The term 420 began as a secret code . But 40 years later , in some states the need for a code has given way to `` cannabis pride '' and open celebration . In other places , people will smoke or otherwise consume pot in private parties . And for those in prison and jails and for their loved ones , it will be just another sad day . Make this April 20 , as the numbers of pro-legalization supporters swell , the day to join the Drug Policy Alliance in promoting the legalization of marijuana for all adults and an end to the war on drugs .
This Saturday , April 20 , is `` 420 : International Marijuana Day , '' with festivals worldwide . Amanda Reiman : In 1971 , high school friends invented 420 as code for smoking pot in secret . It's a day to celebrate the drug and its benefits. It 's disgraceful so many people are serving time on marijuana charges . She says 52 % of Americans want new policies ; 4/20 a good day to join legalization effort .