Your guide to 4/20 in Phoenix: Promos, trivia & more

Here’s your guide to celebrating 4/20 in Phoenix, from weed-related trivia to special deals.

It’s time for every cannabis lover’s favorite holiday: 4/20. The term “420” has long been code for marijuana—and even though those who partake in cannabis don’t need to speak in code anymore, 4/20 remains an annual celebration in every stoner’s heart. 

Stock up for your own party with these killer promotions at your favorite Valley-wide dispensaries—we’re talking BOGOs galore and up to 50% off!

But first, here’s the lowdown on Arizona’s history with weed, plus some fun facts about 420.

A brief history of Arizona’s cannabis journey

Arizona’s path to legalizing weed dates back to 1996, when 65% of Arizona voters approved Proposition 200 (the “Drug Medicalization, Prevention and Control Act”), a drug policy reform initiative that contained a provision allowing physicians to prescribe cannabis and requiring probation rather than jail for nonviolent personal drug users.

In 2002, Proposition 203, a medical cannabis initiative that also sought to decriminalize recreational use failed with 42.7% of the vote. In 2010, voters approved Proposition 203—the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act—with 50.1% of the ballots in favor. The initiative allowed a patient with a doctor’s recommendation to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis for treatment of certain qualifying conditions. 

Then, the Arizona Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Proposition 205, appeared on the Nov. 8, 2016, ballot in Arizona as an initiated state statute to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. It failed with 48.7% of the vote. 

And finally, in 2020, Proposition 207 (the Smart and Safe Arizona Act) passed with 60% of the vote, legalizing the adult recreational use of marijuana. Specifically, Prop 207 allowed an adult in Arizona to possess up to 1 ounce (28 g) of marijuana (with no more than 5 grams of marijuana concentrate) to have up to six marijuana plants at their home (with up to 12 marijuana plants in households with two or more adult members). 

It was a long road to legalization, but Arizona has now enjoyed this status for almost five years—just another thing to celebrate on April 20.

420 fun facts and timeline

Some of these early details are a bit hazy (pun intended!), but here are some 420 facts to ponder as you light up a doobie:

1971: The Waldos coin “420”

A group of five friends at San Rafael High School in California—Steve, Dave, Mark, Jeff, and Larry—start using “420” as code for meeting up after school to smoke weed at 4:20 p.m. Their chosen meeting spot? A statue of Louis Pasteur on campus.

Early 1970s: The Grateful Dead connection

Thanks to Waldos’ connection to the Grateful Dead, the term “420” spreads throughout the band’s fan base, helping turn it into a countercultural catchphrase.

1990: High Times amplifies the term

The cannabis magazine High Times catches wind of the term and begins using it in print, bringing 420 to a national (and eventually global) audience.

1995: 420-themed protests begin

Cannabis activists start organizing April 20 events to celebrate and demand reform. Thus, 420 becomes a political and cultural symbol.

2003: California gets its first legal 420 celebration

Following the medical legalization of cannabis in California, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park becomes a popular gathering spot for 4/20. The event begins drawing thousands.

2020s: Mainstream and monetized

With legalization spreading across the U.S., 4/20 becomes a major retail event for dispensaries, brands, and influencers. Music festivals, weed-centric yoga, and pop-up markets join the celebration.

Did You Know?

• The police code theory (that 420 was a cop code for marijuana use) is a myth—it has no basis in real law enforcement.
• A “420 mile marker” sign on I-70 in Colorado was replaced with a “419.99” marker because people kept stealing it.
• There’s a clock engraved above a doorway in the House of Representatives that’s permanently set to 4:20—it’s just a coincidence, but cannabis lovers have definitely claimed it as a cosmic nod.

Can’t-miss 4/20 deals in the Valley

1. Mint Cannabis

The 420 Super Sale runs from April 18-20, and includes free weed for everyone (products vary based on supply; minimum $10 purchase required). Plus, there are special deals running over those three days, with some up to 50% off on your favorite brands. Expect vendors onsite at each of the six Valley locations with free (uninfused) tacos and swag giveaways.

2. Story Cannabis

From April 18 through April 20, customers can anticipate 50% off storewide (exclusions apply) at all 10 locations around the Valley. Watch for the in-house Story products, which include brands like Just Flower and Fade Co. 

3. Greenpharms Dispensary

From April 16 to April 20, Greenpharms (with locations in Mesa and Flagstaff) is hosting a 420 blowout sale. Customers can expect to see 50% off ½ oz. Greenpharms flower, and BOGO 1/8ths. Additionally, Cigaweeds products are buy one, get one, and Mad Terp Lab products are buy one, get one on concentrates and disposable carts. 

4. Sol Flower Dispensary

Love an “Alice in Wonderland” theme? From April 8 to 17, Sol Flower Dispensary is offering pre-420 bundles with a “Down the Rabbit Hole” promotion at its Phoenix and Tucson locations. Look for such packages as Rabbit Rush, Toker’s Tea, Queen’s Greens, and Hatter’s Haze featuring flower, vape, edible, resin, and pre-roll options.

5. Giving Tree Dispensary

420 Acts of Kindness is Giving Tree Dispensary’s way of making 420 a movement, not just a moment. This small, locally owned business has committed to completing 420 acts of kindness between March 11 and April 20, 2025—from small gestures to larger company-wide efforts. On top of that, be on the lookout for 42% off Giving Tree products, 30% off Sneakers prerolls, and plenty of other discounts from April 17 to 20. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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