4/20 is traditionally a day for advocating the full legalisation of cannabis. At Curaleaf Clinic, we see it as an opportunity to celebrate the impact the plant is having on tens of thousands of medical cannabis patients here in the UK, right now.
We work year-round to raise awareness about medical cannabis, to challenge the stigma and to ensure that eligible patients can access the treatment they need. We believe that education and advocacy are crucial for shifting perceptions of cannabis and how it can be used.
420 Meaning: Where Did It Start?
The term 420 refers to the 20th of April (4/20 in the USA calendar). This day, also written as 4:20 or 4/20, is a day now closely associated with cannabis-related events and activism.
While the true origins of 420 remain debated, the most widely accepted story dates back to 1971 in California. A group of high school friends, later known as “The Waldos,” heard a rumour about an abandoned cannabis crop near their school. Determined to find it, they met daily at 4:20 pm by a statue of Louis Pasteur, using “4:20 Louis” as their code phrase. No matter where they searched, they never found the plants. However, the term “420” stuck and eventually became shorthand for cannabis itself.
The phrase gained traction after being adopted by the Grateful Dead’s fan community, spreading through countercultural movements before cementing itself in cannabis lexicon.
420 in 2025
420 is often associated with advocacy for recreational cannabis. For example, the 420 Hyde Park event has been held in London since 1968 to campaign for legal access to cannabis. But at Curaleaf Clinic, we think 420 is also a day to highlight the plant’s medicinal applications and the challenges still faced by patients in the UK nearly seven years on since the change in legislation.
50% of people in the UK are still unaware that medical cannabis is legal
Research by Curaleaf Clinic
Despite legalisation in 2018 for chronic conditions, stigma and misinformation continue to act as barriers for those who could be eligible for treatment.
Stigma remains a major issue for medical cannabis patients. While many feel comfortable discussing their treatment with friends and family, they are far less at ease when speaking to healthcare professionals or government agencies. A recent study found that medical cannabis patients experience a clear sense of perceived stigma, particularly from institutions such as the NHS, law enforcement, and policymakers. Six years on from the change in law, many patients still worry about how their prescription is viewed in legal and medical settings.
This stigma has real consequences. Patients who could benefit from cannabis-based medicines may hesitate to seek treatment due to concerns about judgment or negative perceptions. That’s why on 420 we focus on education; not just for the public, but for healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and policymakers.
What Does 420 Friendly Mean?
The term “420 friendly” is often used in social settings to indicate a welcoming attitude towards cannabis use. You might see this phrase in online profiles, business descriptions, or social media, signalling that a space is non-judgmental and accepting of cannabis consumers.
While recreational cannabis is not legal in the UK, medical is. If you’re a patient prescribed cannabis-based medicine, you have the right to take your medication with you, even in places that may not identify as 420 friendly. Just like any other prescription, you shouldn’t feel discouraged from carrying or using your medicine as directed. That said, we do recommend you carry some key items with you to avoid misunderstanding, such as:
Have a copy of your prescription or clinic letter. This can be viewed in your Curaleaf Clinic online account, even on the go
Carry valid ID that matches the name on your prescription
Keep your medicine in its original container
This ensures you can confidently explain your medical use if needed, and continue your treatment without unnecessary interruption. Please note that if you are prescribed medical cannabis flower for vaporising, you will need to stick to public areas where vaping is permitted.
How to Get Involved With 420
At Curaleaf Clinic, we see 420 as an opportunity to educate, advocate, and raise awareness about medical cannabis in the UK. Ways to get involved include:
Start conversations
Open up conversations with friends and family about medical cannabis and its legal status in the UK. Sharing your knowledge helps challenge misconceptions and increase understanding. If comfortable, you may wish to share this on social media where you may be able to reach a larger audience to help inform and educate them on medical cannabis.
Encourage professional education
We offer educational sessions for healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and other professional groups. If you know someone who could benefit, get in touch at [email protected]
Share educational resources
Direct people to Curaleaf Education, where they can learn more about medical cannabis.
420 is more than a number; it’s a moment to reflect on the progress made in cannabis advocacy and the work still left to do. Whether you’re a patient, advocate, or simply curious, taking the time to learn, discuss, and challenge outdated perceptions is key to changing the landscape of medical cannabis here in the UK.
Want to know if medical cannabis is right for you?
Check your eligibility for a consultation online today. You’ll answer some questions about you and your diagnosed condition and share your medical records, which we can get on your behalf if needed.
Sources
Wilder, Z. (2020). 4/20: History, Origin. [online] Rolling Stone. Available at: https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/4-20-cannabis-weed-history-627949/ [Accessed 11 Mar. 2025].
Troup, L.J., Erridge, S., Ciesluk, B. and Sodergren, M.H. (2022). Perceived Stigma of Patients Undergoing Treatment with Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), p.7499. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127499.
