10 Blazin’ Hot Tips for Throwing the Best 420-Themed Party

We’re already four months into the year 2022 and every cannabis connoisseur knows what this means—the 420 fun is almost here! What better way to celebrate than by hosting your very own consumption-friendly celebration? The 420 holiday strictly celebrates the green herb, and its origins date back to the early 1970s. Over the years  it has ignited into an unofficial cannabis holiday. If you have a space where you can host a 420-themed party and some time to kill, consider marking the occasion with your bud-loving buddies this year. 

Why is 4/20 Associated with Cannabis?

Before you begin planning a 420-themed party to remember, first take a moment to light up a joint and enlighten yourself on all things related to the annual affair. After all, as the host of a 420-focused party, you really ought to know your stuff before commemorating the occasion with friends and family. Although some people might wrongly believe that the term 420 relates to a specific police code, the truth is that it actually represents the arranged time when a group of teenagers would meet to indulge in their favorite herb.

During the early 1970s, a group of teenagers at San Rafael High School would whisper “420” in one another’s ears with the intention of congregating for an after-school smoke session. Famously known as “the Waldos,” the group would meet at 4:20 p.m. near the school’s statue of Louis Pasteur. “Back then, we spent every day of our lives worrying about getting busted. Going to buy was a really secret thing,” said Waldo member Steve Capper during an interview with The San Francisco Chronicle.

Although the term “420” might have stuck, secretive meetings of the Waldos’ kind are beginning to fizzle out. With 38 states and Washington, DC having legalized medical cannabis and 18 states and DC having legalized recreational cannabis, the plant is no longer just enjoyed by small and secretive groups. As legalization spreads worldwide, the number of consumers is on the rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that approximately 147 million people (or 2.5% of the global population) are cannabis consumers. 

Tips for Throwing a Memorable 420-Themed Party

Now that you know more about the origins of what many people might refer to as “Christmas Day for cannabis,” you can put on a good show. Here’s some pointers to get you started:

• Promote the Event Properly – Getting the word out is essential to ensuring that the right people hear about your 420 party. Mixing up digital and print methods of promotion is a surefire way to generate a buzz. For example, slot a brightly-colored leaflet⁠—graphicriver.net is a good website for downloading printable flyer templates⁠—under your friend’s doors and invite them to a WhatsApp group discussing the occasion.
• Choose the Setting Wisely – Cannabis might be gradually losing its negative reputation, but this isn’t to say that everyone is a fan of the green stuff. With that being said, you might want to avoid hosting your 420 party next to grumpy neighbors.
• Decorate the Event Location Accordingly – Cheap “stoner” party supplies like weed table covers, cutouts, door stickers, and balloons can be found on the internet. Alternatively, put your own 420 twist on basic deco by cutting a piece of sponge in the shape of a cannabis leaf, dipping it in gold or green paint, and printing it on your deco.
• BYOB Policy – The money and time spent throwing a 420 party means that you may be feeling a little too drained to provide the bud, too. Not to worry, because many hosts (and their guests) prefer the “bring your own bud” rule, which could save you money and prevent your guests from indulging in a strain that doesn’t suit them.
• Cater to Different Desires – Whether you’ll be dishing out the weed or expecting people to bring their own, it’s crucial that you accommodate each guest’s needs by offering a broad spectrum of 420-focused merchandise to use on your property. Examples include bongs, dabbing rigs, joint-rolling tools. and edibles platters.
• Create a 420-Themed Goodie Bag – Give your guests an added reason to remember (and talk about) your 420 party by leaving them a parting gift in the form of a goodie bag! Splurging is not necessary. For less than a dollar you could slip in a discount grinder or dispensary discount code, a green party blower and, of course, a paper hat! Baking some shareable edibles is also a good idea.
• Educate Your Audience – From preparing a slideshow presentation about the history of cannabis culture to incorporating hands-on learning and games, there are plenty of ways to teach your guests something fascinating this 420.
• Select a Chilled Music Playlist – No 420 party would be right without a weed-themed playlist. Some classics to play at your upcoming event include “Hits from the Bong” by Cypress Hill, “Mary Jane” by Rick James, “Because I Got High” by Afroman, and “How High” by Redman.
• Prepare Some Games – A stoner scavenger hunt, a joint-rolling competition, and stoned musical chairs are just a few examples of some popular games that will keep your guests entertained this 420.
• Snap the Moment – Last but not least, don’t forget to share images via a photo feed, such as Instagram. You may even want to set up a cannabis-themed photo booth area adorned with marijuana leaves and green bunting.