• National Weed Day is an informal sub-culture holiday that takes place on April 20th annually, in honor of the marijuana buzz term 420. Also known as 'National Smoke Day', this holiday gained popularity following the publication in the 1970s of a background story surrounding the term '420'. While it is not clear how many countries have individuals that participate in celebrating this date, it is believed to number in the tens of thousands in the United States alone.

• 1. Originator: Steve WaldoHempfest.org: The Power of 420
  2. Term first used in 1971Hempfest.org: The Power of 420
  3. Is not used by police as a code for marijuana in CaliforniaHempfest.org: The Power of 420
  4. Used symbolically to denote a marijuana friendly environmentHempfest.org: The Power of 420
  5. April 20th is known as the "pot smokers' holiday"Hempfest.org: The Power of 420
  6. First promoted as a stoner holiday by Grateful Dead fans (deadheads)CelebStoner: Everything You Wanted to Know About 420... (April 17, 2009)
  7. Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais is a popular 420 destinationCelebStoner: Everything You Wanted to Know About 420... (April 17, 2009)
  8. California Senate Bill 420 (2004) does regulate the use of medical marijuanaSnopes.com: 420
  9. Hitler was born on April 20thSnopes.com: 420
  10. The Columbine school massacre took place on April 20thSnopes.com: 420

• Marijuana Facts

  1. Slang words for marijuana include Mary Jane, reefer, weed, grass and potDrug-rehabs.org: Slang Terms for Marijuana
  2. Hemp plants look similar to marijuana plants but hemp plants contain very little THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuanaNAIHC.org: Hemp Defined
  3. Hemp can be made into fabric, rope and food
  4. Contains at least 60 chemicals called cannabinoidsMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine
  5. Marijuana smoke is often inhaled deeper and held longer than tobacco smoke which increases the lungs' exposure to carcinogens
  6. Marinol is a pharmaceutical product with similar properties and medical benefits as marijuanaU.S Dept. of Justice: Medical Marijuana
  7. Some marijuana users show signs of dependenceU.S. Dept of Health and Human Services: Tips for Teens
  8. Has been illegal in the United States since the early 1900sSalon: Why is Marijuana Illegal? (December 22, 2003)
  9. TGI Friday's in New York City's Wall street district closed down for selling cocaine and marijuanaGothamist: Wall St. Friday's Was Ultimate Hot & Spicy Spot for Cocaine (March 8, 2009)

• Potential Medical Uses

  1. Nausea: Research has indicated that Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), a component of marijuana, may help treat nausea and vomiting associated with a variety of medical conditions and therapiesMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine
  2. Pain: Studies have found analgesic effectsMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine
  3. Multiple sclerosis: Studies have had mixed results on the effectiveness in the treatment of the tremors, muscle spasms and painMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine
  4. Glaucoma: Smoking marijuana decreases pressure in the eye, which is a primary symptom of glaucomaMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine

• Potential Health Risks

  1. May increase the risk of contracting testicular cancerFox News: Study: Smoking Pot May Increase Risk of Testicular Cancer (February 9, 2009)
  2. Impaired thinking, problem-solving skills and memoryMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine
  3. Reduced balance and coordinationMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine
  4. Increased risk of heart attackMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine
  5. Heightened risk of chronic cough and respiratory infectionsMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine
  6. Potential for hallucinations and withdrawal symptomsMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine
  7. Marijuana smoke contains 50%-70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tractMayoClinic: Marijuana as Medicine

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