What is 4/20 and when does it occur in 2026?
April 20, commonly written as 4/20, is an informal observance celebrated by many cannabis enthusiasts. In 2026 the date falls on a Monday, April 20, which gives users a long weekend to participate in events, promotions, or simply enjoy a relaxed session with friends.
The day has become a cultural touchstone for conversations about cannabis legalization, responsible use, and the growing market for marijuana‑related products in states where adult‑use is permitted.
Origins of the 420 code
The exact origin of using “420” as shorthand for marijuana remains uncertain, but several theories have circulated over the years.
The high‑school meeting theory
One of the most popular accounts traces the term back to a group of high‑school students in San Rafael, California, in the early 1970s. According to the story, the teens would meet at 4:20 p.m. after school to smoke cannabis. The term allegedly spread through the Grateful Dead community and later entered mainstream slang.
While the anecdote is widely cited, concrete evidence such as contemporaneous photographs, meeting logs, or official records is lacking. Historians of cannabis culture note that the story persists because it offers a simple, relatable narrative, even if verifiable proof is scarce.
Police code myth
Another common belief claims that 420 is a police or penal code for marijuana use in California. A review of California statutes and law‑enforcement codebooks shows no such designation. A Vox article examining the myth concludes that the police‑code explanation is unfounded.
Because no definitive source has emerged, many experts treat 420 as a piece of folklore that gained traction through word‑of‑mouth, music, and internet culture.
Food and retail promotions for 4/20 2026
Beyond cannabis‑focused deals, many restaurants and snack chains roll out limited‑time offers that play on the 4/20 theme. These promotions often feature items priced at $4.20 or “buy‑one‑get‑one” deals intended to attract customers looking for a festive treat.
- Jimmy John’s: “Dream Rotation” meal (toasted sandwich, chips, and a Cereal n’ Milk rice‑crispy treat) available April 15‑26.
- Wingstop: Return of the Hot Box – spicy nacho‑cheese dry rub with tenders or wings, fries, and ranch drizzle.
- Mellow Mushroom: One‑day pretzel bites and “Mellow Rollz” for $4.20 on April 20.
- Insomnia Cookies: Six‑pack of cookies for $4.20; new Strawberry Toastie and Cloud 9 Cravings Classic flavors released April 14.
- Subway: BOGO Footlongs with promo code “FLBOGO”.
- Chipotle: BOGO on most menu items after 3 p.m. for guests wearing a hockey jersey (up to five per check).
- Taco Bell: Free large Nacho Fries with any $20+ purchase.
- BJ’s Brewhouse: Pizookie priced at $4.20 nationwide.
- Ben & Jerry’s × Gopuff: $1 discount on Half Baked pints (3‑6 p.m. window).
- Del Taco: BOGO Carne Asada Fries and free delivery on orders $20+ through April 20.
- KFC: $4.20 Pot Pie Combo, $20 Chick N’ Nug Meal, and 2 pc. chicken/tenders for $2.95.
Marijuana deals in the Lansing area
Michigan’s adult‑use cannabis market has matured since voters approved recreational use in 2018. Dispensaries in the Greater Lansing region routinely schedule specials around 4/20, offering discounts on flower, edibles, concentrates, and accessories.
- Ascend Cannabis: Discounts on gummies, vapes, flower, and more through April 20.
- Pleasantrees (East Lansing): Up to 50 % off select products; 40 % off storewide on Monday, with 50 % off Death Row line.
- JARS Cannabis: Up to 50 % off various brands; deals on deli flower, vapes, pre‑rolls.
- Bazonzoes: 30 % off everything; free 3.5 g with any $20 purchase; additional extract discounts.
- Lake Life Farms: 50 % off select brands for the 4/20 weekend.
- Herbana: 2‑for‑one True North one‑hitters; 20 % off Society C products; 20 % off Grown Rogue 1‑ounce bags.
- The Botanical Co.: Spend $75, receive a $75‑value Franklin bag.
- Uplyfted Cannabis Co.: 50 % off Glorious, Firestyxx, Mojo, Choice, Crude, Drip; 35 % off Humblebee; 30‑50 % off other brands.
- LIV Lansing: Up to 50 % off various products; triple loyalty points all day Monday.
- The Cake House: 42 % off entire store; 50 % off select brands; 420 goodie bags with $50 purchase.
- Skymint Lansing: 50 % off in‑house brands; 35 % off third‑party brands; 20 % off apparel; swag bags; 40 % off Jeeter products.
- Mango Cannabis: Goodie bags with qualifying purchase; up to 50 % off some brands.
- Homegrown Cannabis Company: Up to 40 % off select brands; 25 % off Guerilla Grown flower.
- First Class Lansing: 50 % off select brands; 30 % off certain edibles; BOGO deals.
These promotions reflect a competitive market where retailers aim to drive foot traffic while complying with state regulations on advertising and sales limits. Consumers are encouraged to verify purchase limits (currently 2.5 ounces of flower or equivalent per transaction) and to consume responsibly.
For the original listing of deals and additional context, see the source: Here.
