You’ve probably heard about “420” especially around April 20th. But what does it mean? And why teens should be cautious about their decisions.
The term “420” started in the 1970s when a group of high schoolers in California known as the “Waldos” used it as a code name to go meet up and smoke marijuana. Over time, the term spread, and April 20th (4/20) became a day that many people now associate with marijuana. During a December show in 1990, some Deadheads in Oakland distributed flyers inviting people to smoke “420” at 4:20 p.m. on April 20. One of the recipients of the flyer was Steven Bloom, a reporter at The High Times.
Even though some people treat 420 as a holiday, it’s necessary to understand the risks. For teens, using marijuana can affect brain development, memory, sleep, and focus. It can also lead to poor choices, anxiety, and possibly addiction. Marijuana contains more than 100 substances, called cannabinoids. Statistics show marijuana strength has increased significantly since the 1960s.
Nowadays, in some states, cannabis is legalized. This leads to teenagers getting confused thinking it’s okay for them to use it. When in reality, it’s not. Smoking before the legalized age (21) can have a strong impact on the way a teenager’s brain develops. Many people use cannabis to feel intoxicated or “high”. Cannabis can make people feel more relaxed and dull pain, but cannabis can cause altered time perception, and impaired thinking, memory, and body movement, and lead to people making bad decisions.
To be safe on this “holiday”, don’t feel pressured into saying yes, It’s okay to say no. Avoid certain groups of people if you’re aware of the activities they do. Stay hydrated as always and treat this day as any other normal day.
