A TOKIN' HOLIDAY COLUMNIST EXPLORES MYTH OF 4/20

Today may be just another Tuesday in the world of academia, but for
the nearly 15 percent of Americans who've broken the law in the last
month by inhaling something a bit stronger than nicotine, it's a
special day.

Happy New Year, everybody.

Trapped by teen boredom and itching to spice up the town of San
Rafael, California, twelve students at San Rafael High began a ritual
in 1971 that was to evolve into one of American history's most
enduring symbols of counter-culture.

These "Waldos," as they called themselves, would meet at 4:20 each
afternoon to smoke pot under a statue of Louis Pasteur which stood
just outside their school.

4:20 was initially nothing more than the time these friends could
assemble after their 3:10 dismissal from school and subsequent
after-school activities.

It quickly morphed, however, into a way they could speak undetected
about marijuana in front of authority figures.

Somewhere along the way, the lingo was adopted by some California
Deadheads, and from there "420" was spread across the country and
adopted as a favorite son of pothead nomenclature and symbolism.

A number of entertaining myths regarding the origins of the term have
been bounced around over the years, but they simply don't stand up to
thorough examination.

The most popular myth is that 420 is a police code for marijuana, but
no department in the country uses 420 for this purpose.

The scientific construction of marijuana has been said to contain a
total of 420 chemical compounds; according to High Times magazine,
it's actually only 315.

Then there are the more entertaining speculations, such as those who
believe the inspiration came from Boston's 1976 stoner anthem,
"Smokin," ("we're cookin tonight / just keep on tokin'"), which is
four minutes and twenty seconds long.

There also has been speculation that Dr. Albert Hoffman's first
intentional LSD trip, which was documented as beginning at 4:20 p.m.,
contributed to the term.

But, of course, that's the wrong drug.

No, the origins of 4:20 are quite banal -- just a bunch of stoner kids
trying to escape the detection of their parents and teachers.

Their story (unlike any others) has been documented and essentially
verified, as they have given journalists access to some of their dated
correspondence which makes numerous references to 420.

There is, in fact, a San Rafael High School, and nearby there stands a
big statue of everyone's favorite father of pasteurization.

Morever, given the current situation of the "Waldos'" leader (he's a
successful businessman), and the fact that they never profited from
their revelation, one finds little reason to call the story into question.

Although this tale has grown in the public consciousness, most who
celebrate the blessings of 420 have no idea where it comes from -- in
fact, the term's mysterious origins contribute to its hallowed place
in the smoker's lexicon. Most simply accept the term without question,
and proceed to celebrate each April 20 as if it were the last.

This day of revelry has contributed to many comical moments (3 a.m.
sandcastles on Gulport Beach and a $30 Waffle House tab come to mind),
but 420 slowly has snuck its way into mainstream America as well.

4:20 is a now the name of a record label in California, the Sweetwater
Brewing Co. markets 420 Pale Ale and New York's 420 tours offers
low-cost travel packages to both Amsterdam and Jamaica.

Tonight, CANoLA/SSDP are sponsoring a 4/20 fest at the Spanish Moon
(but no, the Moon isn't going to "legalize it" for one night only).

It's simply a fundraiser for an LSU student organization, and with
local music talent provided by Maven, Illegal Alias, Black Slag and
Movin' Weight, it'll provide a venue for a celebration in which all --
420 supporters or no -- can make April 20 a little more than just
another Tuesday.

Or, if bars aren't your thing, you can simply celebrate like LSU
student Brenden. He precedes his 420 celebration with an intensive
session of spring cleaning -- because after all, is there a better
salute to marijuana than productivity?