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.
Jennifer
Syvertsen
Research Associate
Center for Drug and Alcohol
Studies
University of Delaware
2100 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite
1180
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: 305-529-1911
Fax:
305-529-2501