The Waldos: The Origin of 420

The High School Friends Who Sparked a Global Phenomenon

Let's take a trip back to 1971, a time of bell-bottoms, lava lamps, and a group of high school friends known as the Waldos. Steve, Dave, Jeffrey, Larry, and Mark were just your typical teenagers attending San Rafael High School in Marin County, California. Little did they know, they were about to embark on a journey that would change the culture forever.

The story goes like this: the Waldos heard about a Coast Guard service member who had abandoned a secret crop near the Point Reyes Peninsula. Being the adventurous souls they were, they decided to go on a treasure hunt for this mythical stash. To coordinate their after-school escapades, they chose to meet at the school's Louis Pasteur statue at 4:20 p.m. And so, the term "4/20" was born, becoming their secret code for smoking. Despite their best efforts, the Waldos never did find the secret stash.

However, their legacy lived on, as the term the 4/20 phenomenon gained further momentum through their connection to The Grateful Dead. Dave’s brother was friends with Phil Lesh, the bassist for The Grateful Dead and Mark’s dad was the band's main real estate broker, both provided the Waldos with a direct link to the band's inner circle. This connection helped spread the term "420" among Deadheads, the band's dedicated fan base, who then spread it further, ultimately making it a global symbol of cannabis culture.

The Waldos were not just adventurers; they were pioneers, inadvertently creating a phenomenon that has endured for half a century. Their story is one of friendship, adventure, and the pursuit of a good time.To celebrate the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that the Waldos embodied, we've curated special bundles and sales that offer everything you need for a memorable 4/20 celebration. Each sale is inspired by the Waldos' quest and includes a variety of products to enhance your experience, from vaporizers to beakers to accessories. Check them out below!

Steve, the Waldo with the wheels, was known for his role as the driver of the Safari Mobile and was the one who kept the Waldos on the move during their adventures. To celebrate his spirit of adventure and exploration, we're offering a special 40% discount on the AUXO Calent vaporizer. Just like the Safari Mobile, the Calent is designed for exploration, with innovative features that elevate your vaping experience wherever you go. 

Waldo Jeff, whose dad's profession as the highest-ranking narcotics agent in Northern California added an intriguing layer to their adventures. Jeff's unique experiences, including taking samples from his dad's trunk, gave him a perspective unlike any other. In tribute to Jeff's background and his role in the group, we're running a 55% discount on CookiesSF. With smell-proof jars and bags, these items are not only practical but also perfect for discreetly storing your stash, keeping the aroma under wraps.

Waldo Larry, the football player with a knack for adventure! He's the kind of guy who can tackle a smoke session with the same gusto he brings to the field. In honor of his athletic spirit, we've put together a special bundle that includes the Eyce Spark Rig, G PEN Connect, and Spark LED Expansion Pack. This bundle is sturdy, reliable, and ready for action, just like Larry on game day.

Waldo Mark was the man with the music connection. His dad's role as The Grateful Dead's real estate agent not only gave him some cool stories but also helped introduce the Waldos and 4/20 to a wider audience. To celebrate Mark, we're offering a 20% discount on Spoon Pipes sitewide. Just like The Grateful Dead's music, Spoon Pipes are timeless classics that never go out of style.

Waldo Dave, also had ties to The Grateful Dead as his brother was close friends with The Grateful Dead’s bassist. Just like the smooth rhythm of a bassline, Dave’s bundle harkens back to the days of the 70s, when rolling up a J was an art form in itself. The Vibes papers and cones included in the bundle make rolling as easy as can be, reminiscent of the laid-back vibes of the era. Combined with the cone filler for effortless packing, this bundle gives you everything you need for a nostalgic smoking experience.