National Stoner Day

Young adult sharing a laugh with friends, wearing tie-dye shirt and hippie accessories, surrounded by colorful internet memes and iconic stoner symbols.. — National stoner day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National Stoner Day! Get ready to toke in the laughter and blaze through the internet's history of this unique day.

When is Stoner Day?

It's national stoner day on the 20th April.

The Origins of National Stoner Day

Let's travel back to 1971, a time when bell-bottoms were groovy and flower power was in full bloom. A group of high school students from San Rafael, California, called themselves the Waldos because they used to hang out by a wall to smoke weed at 4:20pm. Now, kids, don't try this at home — or school for that matter!

Little did the Waldos know that their code word, 420, would become the symbol of cannabis culture worldwide. The internet caught wind of this secret language, and National Stoner Day — also known as 420 Day or Weed Day — was born.

Celebrating in Cyberspace

On April 20th every year, the internet lights up with a haze of stoner-themed content. From hilarious memes and weed-themed recipes to articles about the latest cannabis innovations, the online world is buzzing. It's a day when the digital realm embraces the chill vibes and lets the good times roll.

Needless to say, social media platforms play a massive role in spreading the celebration. Users share their favorite bud-related products, experiences, and of course, their favorite munchies. It's like a virtual potluck!

Embracing Unity and Good Vibes

While National Stoner Day is all in good fun, it's essential to remember that it's about more than just lighting up. It's a reminder of the unity and camaraderie that can be found within the cannabis community.

On this special day, enthusiasts come together to celebrate the legalization and positive impact of cannabis. It's a day to promote awareness, understanding, and destigmatization of a plant that has been used by humans for centuries.

History behind the term 'Stoner'

1930

Origins of the Term

The term 'stoner' originated in the 1930s and was initially used to describe the heavy consumption of alcohol. It referred to individuals who were often drunk or 'stoned' with liquor. During this time, the term was not specifically associated with marijuana or cannabis.

1936

Birth of the Reefer Madness era

The term 'stoner' originated in the mid-1930s during the height of the 'Reefer Madness' era. This was a time when cannabis was portrayed as an extremely dangerous and addictive drug, leading to moral and social decay. 'Stoner' was a slang term used to describe someone who was habitually in a state of intoxication or under the influence of marijuana.

1971

A rose by any other name

The term 'stoner' originates from the American counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. However, the actual word 'stoner' was not commonly used until around 1971. It is derived from the term 'stone,' which was slang for being under the influence of drugs, particularly marijuana. Over time, 'stoner' evolved to specifically refer to someone who regularly smokes or consumes cannabis.

1935

The Origin of 'Stoner'

The term 'stoner' is believed to have originated in 1935 and initially referred to someone who regularly smoked marijuana or consumed cannabis products. The word 'stoner' was derived from the effect that smoking marijuana has on individuals, often making them feel relaxed or 'stoned'. It soon became a slang term used within counterculture communities to describe individuals who embraced the use of cannabis for recreational purposes.

1970

Transition to Cannabis

In the 1970s, the term 'stoner' started to transition from its association with alcohol to the consumption of cannabis. As marijuana became more prevalent in counterculture movements, including the hippie movement, the term 'stoner' began to be used to describe individuals who regularly used and enjoyed marijuana.

1970s

Rise of the 'Stoner' Subculture

During the 1970s, the term 'stoner' gained significant popularity, particularly due to the rise of the 'stoner' subculture. This subculture centered around the use of marijuana and was characterized by its laid-back lifestyle and rejection of certain social norms. Stoners were often associated with peace, love, and a particular sense of humor. The rise of this subculture further solidified the term 'stoner' and its association with marijuana use.

1970

Emergence of the counterculture movement

The term 'stoner' gained popularity in the 1970s with the emergence of the counterculture movement. This movement, fueled by the hippie subculture and fueled by alternative music and art, embraced the recreational use of marijuana as a form of rebellion against mainstream society. 'Stoner' became a term of identity for those who embraced the smoking of marijuana as part of their lifestyle.

1978

Spreading through pop culture

In 1978, the term 'stoner' gained further popularity through a stoner comedy film called 'Up in Smoke.' The movie, written and directed by Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin, depicted two marijuana enthusiasts on a misadventure. It popularized the stoner culture and solidified the term 'stoner' in the mainstream consciousness.

1982

The Movie 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'

The release of the 1982 teen comedy film 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' played a significant role in popularizing the term 'stoner'. The film featured a character named Jeff Spicoli, played by Sean Penn, who was a carefree and perpetually stoned student. Spicoli's character became an iconic representation of the stereotypical 'stoner', further increasing the use and recognition of the term within popular culture.

1998

Cultural impact of stoner comedies

In the late 1990s, stoner comedies like 'Half Baked' and 'The Big Lebowski' gained significant popularity and helped further cement the term 'stoner' in popular culture. These movies depicted characters who were often portrayed as lovable, bumbling, and perpetually under the influence of marijuana. The term 'stoner' became associated with a sense of humor and laid-back attitude.

1998

Stoner culture goes online

With the rise of the Internet in the late 1990s, stoner culture found a new home online. Online forums and message boards allowed like-minded individuals to connect and share their love for cannabis. The term 'stoner' became a common self-identifier within these online communities, contributing to its wider usage and acceptance.

1980

Popularization in Pop Culture

The 1980s saw the popularization of the term 'stoner' in mainstream pop culture. Movies like 'Cheech and Chong' and 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' depicted characters who were often referred to as 'stoners.' This further solidified the term's association with cannabis use and portrayed 'stoners' as laid-back, perpetually high individuals.

1990

Emergence of Stoner Comedy

In the 1990s, the genre of stoner comedy emerged, featuring films like 'Dazed and Confused' and 'Half Baked.' These movies celebrated the stoner culture and humorously portrayed the experiences and adventures of marijuana enthusiasts. Stoner comedies gained a cult following and contributed to the mainstream acceptance and recognition of the term 'stoner.'

2005

Rise of the marijuana legalization movement

In the early 2000s, the movement for the legalization of marijuana gained momentum in certain parts of the world. As the debate on marijuana policy intensified, the term 'stoner' took on new meanings and nuances. It began to be used to describe not only recreational users but also individuals who advocated for the decriminalization or legalization of marijuana.

1998

Cannabis Decriminalization and Popularity Surge

In 1998, the state of California became the first U.S. state to decriminalize the medical use of marijuana. This landmark decision led to a renewed interest in cannabis and its acceptance among various subcultures, including the 'stoner' community. With the increasing availability and legalization of medical marijuana in several states, the term 'stoner' experienced a surge in popularity, evolving to encompass a broader range of individuals who embraced cannabis use for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

2008

A stoner anthem

In 2008, the American rapper and singer-songwriter Wiz Khalifa released his hit song 'Still Blazin,' which further embedded the term 'stoner' in popular culture. The track became an anthem for cannabis enthusiasts and contributed to the mainstream recognition of the stoner subculture.

Present Day

Evolution and Mainstream Recognition

Today, the term 'stoner' has evolved beyond its original meaning. It now refers not only to individuals who use and appreciate marijuana but also to those who propagate its legalization and advocate for responsible consumption. The cannabis industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with 'stoner' culture infiltrating mainstream media, music, and art. Despite its initial stigmatization, the term 'stoner' now represents a diverse community of individuals who celebrate and incorporate cannabis into their lives.

2017

Normalization and beyond

As attitudes toward cannabis have shifted in recent years, the term 'stoner' has undergone a process of cultural normalization. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in several states and countries, the stereotypical image associated with the word 'stoner' is being challenged. It is now seen as more of a lifestyle choice rather than a derogatory label. The term continues to evolve and encompass a diverse range of individuals who use marijuana for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

Present

Acceptance and changing perceptions

In recent years, the term 'stoner' has seen a shift in perception. With the increasing acceptance and legalization of marijuana in various countries and states, the negative connotations associated with the term have lessened. Many people now embrace the term 'stoner' as a symbol of their appreciation for cannabis culture, advocating for responsible use and celebrating the positive aspects of the plant.

Present

Evolution and Subculture

In the present day, the term 'stoner' has evolved beyond its original meaning. It now encompasses a subculture built around cannabis consumption, with events like 4/20 (April 20th) celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts worldwide. 'Stoner' is often used as a label for those who embrace and enjoy the recreational use of marijuana, breaking away from the negative connotations it once carried.

Did you know?

Did you know that the term '420' originated from a group of high school students called the Waldos? They would meet at 4:20pm to smoke weed near a wall. Talk about creative smoke signals!