April 20th at 4:20 PM is the "pot-smokers' holiday," also variously described as the "hippie New Year," "national smoke time," and "national pot-smoking day.” It’s also a good day to keep an eye on your kids, and make sure that they’re not participating in
Marijuana, the most often used illegal drug in this country, is a product of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.
 the festivities.

Throughout the past few decades, and beginning in the 1960s, 420 (pronounced four twenty, not four hundred and twenty) has been code for a time to get high, and its use spread among members of various generations. Although the origin of this “holiday” is widely unknown, it doesn’t stop avid pot smokers from trying to celebrate.

On this day, teens might feel that they know something you don't – and can get away with some “secret activity.” As parents you can let them in on the fact that you’re up to speed on this symbolic date and time. Today is a good day to watch your teens closely for warning signs of drug use, and don’t be afraid to let them know that you’re aware of the activities that they might try to get away with.


Warning Signs

• Marijuana looks like a green, gray or reddish mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. It’s often stored in plastic baggies to keep “fresh.”

• Keep your ears and eyes open for any slang references to marijuana. Words such as these might be mentioned: Blaze, bake, bong, blunt, smoke, burn, weed, bud, ganja, hash, papers, joint, roach, munchies.

• Red and bloodshot eyes are often a sign of marijuana use, as well as uncontrolled giggling and binge snacking.


For more information about marijuana, visit our drug guide.