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Hand holding cannabis leaf against smoke background in dark.
On April 20, there will be something in the air — the unmistakable aroma of marijuana.
Known as the unofficial stoner holiday, 4/20 isn’t just about lighting up; it’s also a day to advocate for cannabis legalization, whether for medical or recreational use.
The day is said to have been started in the 1970s by a group of California high school teens who dubbed themselves the “Waldos” and who met after school at 4:20 to smoke pot. However, other theories abound, including its mention in song lyrics and the claim that 420 was once the police code for a marijuana-related bust.
Regardless of how it began, since the 1970s, 24 states have approved the recreational use of marijuana, while another 12 have legalized it solely for medical purposes, Florida being among them.
Although efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida failed in 2024, advocates aren’t giving up. A group called Smart & Safe Florida has filed a new proposal that would legalize marijuana for those 21 and older, establishing regulations for its production and sale. Under the initiative, adults could legally possess up to two ounces of cannabis and five grams of marijuana concentrates.
The proposal also seeks to address concerns raised in previous attempts at reform, including restrictions on where marijuana can be smoked and how it is marketed and packaged.