Happy 4/20: How to Celebrate the High Holiday This Year in O-High-O

Every April 20th, marijuana enthusiasts around the world light up in celebration of “420 Day,” a holiday that started as a local tradition and has since grown into a global symbol of cannabis culture, advocacy, and healing. Here in Ohio, it’s more than just a celebration—it’s a moment to reflect on progress, appreciate access, and connect with a thriving medical cannabis community.

The Origins of 4/20

So, where did 4/20 originate?

It all began in the early 1970s with a group of teenagers at San Rafael High School in California who called themselves “The Waldos.” They coined the term “420” as a code for their after-school cannabis ritual. At exactly 4:20 p.m., the Waldos would meet at the school’s statue of chemist Louis Pasteur and light up.

One of the Waldos, Dave Reddix, later became a roadie for The Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. The band helped amplify the term, eventually spreading it through the marijuana community. In the early ‘90s, a Deadhead handed a flier to journalist Steve Bloom at a Grateful Dead concert, inviting people to “meet at 4:20pm on 4/20” in Marin County. Bloom, then a writer for High Times, published it and from there, 4/20 went mainstream.

What started as an inside joke is now a nationwide day of celebration and advocacy. Today, 39 states, including Ohio, have legalized medical or recreational marijuana, and 4/20 is part of America’s cultural fabric.

Ohio’s Marijuana Scene Is Thriving

Ohio has come a long way since its medical marijuana program launched. In 2025, patients have more access and options than ever:

• Over 300,000 patients are currently registered statewide.

• The state now recognizes more than 20 qualifying conditions, including PTSD, chronic pain, and anxiety-related disorders.

• With 100+ dispensaries throughout the state, patients can explore top-tier cannabis products like live resin, edibles, and vape cartridges.

How to Celebrate 4/20 in Ohio

If you're in Ohio this 4/20, you’re in luck—there’s a celebration for everyone! Here's how to make the most of the day:

Dispensary Deals

Expect deep discounts, limited-time drops, and giveaways all weekend. Many dispensaries are offering:

• 25–50% off select products

• Swag bags

• Buy-one-get-one free (BOGO) edibles and tinctures

• Exclusive merch and branded gear

Events, Pop-Ups & Patient Parties

Ohio is buzzing with 4/20 celebrations this year, offering a variety of events for cannabis enthusiasts! Many cities like ​​Cincinnati, Columbus, and Akron are offering fun, interactive events. One to highlight is the 3-day Cannabis Fest taking place in Jacobsburg, Ohio: 

Ohio Valley 4/20 Cannabis Fest – Jacobsburg, OH (April 18–21)

Join the inaugural Ohio Valley 4/20 Cannabis Fest, a free event for adults 21+, hosted by Holistic Cloud owner and Bellaire Village Council member Bill Schmitt Jr. The festival runs from April 18 to April 21 at 63279 Tar Run Road, Jacobsburg, OH. ​

Attendees can enjoy:​

• Live music from The Council and other local performers

• DJ sets

• A blunt rolling contest

• Weed darts

• A game called “Wheel O’ Weed”

• A free dab bar

• Bong pong

• A Weedster Egg Hunt with cannabis hidden in eggs

• Cannabis vendors

• Shreff’s BBQ Food Truck

• Free camping all weekend

This festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate 4/20 with the community in a fun and relaxed setting.

Advocacy in Action

This 4/20, organizations across Ohio are raising their voices to demand federal marijuana reform. With marijuana still listed as a Schedule I drug, even as medical access expands, advocacy groups are using this day to call for:

• Federal legalization

• Safe banking reform

• Expungement of nonviolent cannabis charges

Celebrate the Past, Embrace the Future

From a high school wall in California to a state capitol in Ohio, the spirit of 4/20 has always been about more than just marijuana. It’s about community, compassion, and pushing for a better future.

So this April 20th, however you celebrate, do it with pride, purpose, and a little bit of green.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Having a medical marijuana card in Ohio offers numerous benefits over recreational use. With your medical card, you gain access to higher-quality, lab-tested products, personalized care from knowledgeable physicians, and exclusive dispensary discounts, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and affordable relief. Not to mention, the tax savings are significant when you have your medical card. 

Ohio’s medical marijuana program is tailored to prioritize patients’ needs, with evolving qualifying conditions and a commitment to improving access. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, your medical card empowers you to shop at licensed dispensaries with confidence, knowing you’re receiving products designed specifically for therapeutic use.

Thanks to telemedicine, obtaining your card is simple, quick, and convenient. With an Ohio Marijuana Card, you can complete your evaluation and receive a recommendation on the same day—all from the comfort of home! Schedule your appointment today!

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Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

At Ohio Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (866) 457-5559 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!