For a sociological discussion of marijuana users' perceptions of the concept of 420, see Karen Bettez Halnon, "The Power of 420" in James A. Inciardi and Karen McElrath (eds.) The American Drug Scene, Fourth Edition (Los Angeles: Roxbury).

 

From the introduction: "Although it has various meanings for users, Halnon suggests that the phrase offers a collective identity for users ... although she concludes that its origins are unclear, she notes that 420 has important symbolic meaning for users, many of whom incorporate 'cherished rituals' in drug use lifestyles."

 

The article was reprinted from High Times magazine (vol. 333, May 3, 2003), the monthly Bible for pot smokers. Ask your students about it.