What does "420" mean?

[indycutecpl 15]

My partner and I have been in the lifestyle for a couple of years now and have attended only one off-premise group party before. We have been invited to a group party this weekend and the inviting couple has made a point of saying the party was "420". Now, being that we've been in the lifestyle, I guess we should already know what that means, but we really don't and are hoping someone will clue us in.

 

Feeling kind of out of it ...

[lauriern 16]

Pot, weed, maui wowee, etc. Obviously these parties are not for you.

[indycutecpl 15]

Just because we didn't know what it meant for sure, doesn't mean that the party is not for us. I appreciate you clearing it up for us ... all it meant is that we just weren't aware of the current lingo.

 

Thank you again.

[mixedcouple3426 15]

420 comes from 4:20 which is the "international time" to partake of marijuana... or so I've heard - wink

[lauriern 16]

In for a penny, in for a pound. The term 420 has been around for a while though.

[indycutecpl 15]

Even though it has been around for awhile, sometimes there are sayings that people may never hear. It doesn't mean they have no knowledge of what the saying may actually be about ... believe me.

 

Again, thank you for answering our question and thank you to anyone else who has replied.

[Tom & Bonnie 99]

420 comes from 4:20 which is the "international time" to partake of marijuana... or so i've heard -wink

 

According to my teenage son, 420 refers to April 20th which is National Pot Day.

 

Now excuse me while I go have a chat with him!

[sensuality 2]

I had to laugh when I read this question...I'll tell you why: When we first got into this lifestyle, we kept seeing ads that would say "420 Friendly". So, I kept thinking, alright what the HELL does that mean??? Not wanting to look like a total ditz...I just put 420 into my browser window one day and you would not believe (well, maybe you would ) how much information came up. Needless to say, I am now fully educated on exactly what 420 means. My point? Never be afraid to ask what you think may be a silly question.

[tina78 15]

Pot, weed, maui wowee, etc. Obviously these parties are not for you.

 

 

Wow, that's pretty rude.

 

We've been in this lifestyle for a while now, and while we're just starting to full-swap, we had no idea what the term "Greek" meant. We were at the orientation for our first club party and when the host said, "Make sure you tell people if you're not into something, like bondage or Greek..." we both, at the same time, exclaimed, "Greek?!? What the hell's GREEK???" Now, obviously we are both aware of what anal sex is, but had never heard the term....but I don't think that means that type of play isn't for us simply b/c we'd never heard it described using a certain term...you could've been more tactful in your response to their honestly "ignorant on the phrase" post (and I say ignorant in the nicest way possible, OP!!)....

[lauriern 16]

Sometimes tough love is necessary. We've meet some very strong anti-drug types who are also swingers. Just trying to save both parties some possible embarrassment if not worse.

[WesternSwing 504]

From a web search on the term:

 

"According to the editor of High Times, the term 420 originated at San Rafael High School, in 1971, among a group of about a dozen pot-smoking friends that called themselves the Waldos. The term was shorthand for the time of day the group would meet, at the campus statue of Louis Pasteur, to smoke pot. Intent on developing their own discreet language, they made 420 code for a time to get high, and its use spread among members of an entire generation."

 

Several other sites including 420.com support this version... Very interesting.

[eroticsensation 17]

I never knew the term "420". Interesting. Ok how many of you guys and gals have a "420" while swinging? in my opinion and I mean in my opinion it is the only way to go. Sex is great while you have a smoke. We are not drinkers. How many of you guys have a smoke before swinging?

[couplentulsa 15]

We like to have a little smoke before swinging...it is just not the easiest thing to really discuss with someone to see if they approve or not...But if they approve we are definitely down for it... but it isn't a requirement either!

[ALilOEverything 901]

I'm definitely the clueless one here. I've heard of 420... my mom was upset with my little brother wanted to name his band that and I had no idea. I thought it was some reference to Hitler or something. And I thought going Greek was people running around in towels Wow, do I have a lot to learn!

[sensuality 2]

Don't feel bad, there's no such thing as a dumb question...We didn't know all the lingo at first either. Then, I researched, of course...so, now we're pretty educated.

[piggy 15]

I'm definitely the clueless one here. I've heard of 420... my mom was upset with my little brother wanted to name his band that and I had no idea. I thought it was some reference to Hitler or something.

 

One of the myths behind the term 420 is that it is in reference to Hitler's Birthday.

[stoutgatte 25]

Hmmm, learn something every day...

[ALilOEverything 901]

One of the myths behind the term 420 is that it is in reference to Hitler's Birthday.

 

That's what it was, his birthday. It completely freaked my mom out. I think if she knew it was probably more related to a little weed she would be much relieved. In a twisted sort of way.

[DBL D 120]

MAN!!! I feel so Cooool now that I know that! We've partaken for decades and never knew it. :Surrender:

 

It's not nice to keep secrets.

 

It is a very nice additive to the evening in my opinion, even better after sex.

[DBL D 120]

BTW, ALiOEverything, Just to hear that someone under 30 didn't know about it is very pleasing also.

[desert_dwellers 18]

4:20 is definitely one of our favorite times of the day! S and I love to "spark up a jibbah" before playtime. We've found that it heightens our senses and lowers our inhibitions. Plus, you don't get the same side effects as you do with drinking (i.e. limp shrimp, slurred speech, paying tribute to the porcelain God). It's important to point out that this is NOT a requirement for us. It's just something that we like to add into the mix.

 

However, just like swinging, it's not for everybody. It surprises me how many swingers (notorious for tolerance to others lifestyles) won't even talk to you after you mention smoking pot. It's almost like you have the plague or something. I know it is illegal but so isn't speeding, writing bad checks and adultery (generally unpunished crimes). The hypocrisy is astounding at times.

[WesternSwing 504]

I never knew the term "420". Interesting. Ok how many of you guys and gals have a "420" while swinging? in my opinion and I mean in my opinion it is the only way to go. Sex is great while you have a smoke. We are not drinkers. How many of you guys have a smoke before swinging?

 

We don't usually. Mrs. WS has once or twice, but both of us kind of gave it up years ago. I'm too much of a control freak to feel that out-of-control. I don't do well in the performance category with the cannabis working. Tequila on the other hand is liquid Viagra for me! We have friends that smoke it and we don't mind at all. The experience is just as much for them as it is for us, so if it enhances it for them... all the better.

[scalcpl714 15]

Hypocrisy? Because we don't want to be around any illegal drugs makes us hypocrites? Since we are swingers we should tolerate everything? If you wish to partake then go ahead, we are not trying to stop you but we have no wish to party with those that do...how is that making those that wish to use, not use? Hypocrites, give me a break.

[mixedcouple3426 15]

Wow, if I knew I wasn't the only on the board that smokes some medicine (I call it that because I use recreationally and medicinally )I wouldn't have been so subtle in my reply. I was beginning to think that us smokers weren't welcome by the general swinging public. My gf doesn't smoke very often but says it makes her horny so I wish she would smoke more often with me lol. I think it relaxes her and makes her less inhibited.

 

hypocrisy?

 

I'm not trying to speak for anyone but I think desert might be referring to hypocrisy of the general acceptance of alcohol and or tobacco vs marijuana which although are legal to consume, they kill people by the 10's of millions per year worldwide. You would be hard pressed to find any data of marijuana killing anyone for other than allergic reaction (which is rare). To party with those who consume alcohol and or tobacco yet exclude those who smoke marijuana would be in my opinion hypocritical. To each his/her own though. Peace.

[eroticsensation 17]

hypocrisy Desert? Because we don't want to be around any illegal drugs makes us hypocrites? Since we are swingers we should tolerate everything? If you wish to partake then go ahead, we are not trying to stop you but we have no wish to party with those that do...how is that making those that wish to use, not use? Hypocrites, give me a break.

 

In many countries what we are doing "swinging" is illegal. So what is your point? Ok, I am dead against any other drugs but I believe cannabis to be great just before sex. Alcohol on the other hand would be terrible. But that is my opinion. Nothing wrong with smoking weed now and then. As long as you can control it. Say keep it for Saturday night after the kids go to bed (if you have kids). I'm not talking all the time.

 

When someone mentioned hypocrite they are right. I can bet you if people were asked "which would be you more surprised at if your family member did the following a) smoke pot now and then, or b) swinging" I can guarantee you it would be swinging.

 

Again, I do not tolerate youths smoking weed or people who are dependent on it but if you can smoke it once in a blue moon I do not see the problem.

 

I'm 31 years old. Don't know, perhaps it might be the age group...

[mixedcouple3426 15]

I agree with most of what eroticsensation said except the dependency part. I'm not going to flame you but physical dependency is another misconception of marijuana use. There is no scientific or medical proof that marijuana is physically addictive. People can and do become mentally dependent on it however, but a person could be mentally addicted to m&m's too or anything for that matter. I know several people who smoke weed everyday that lead productive lives. I also know people who do nothing but smoke all day long every day which I would agree can't be good. I agree too that children should not use or be exposed to it. For some, they would rather have a few puffs before bed every night instead of having a glass of wine or a beer. I don't see a problem with either scenario.

 

I respect one's stance to not want to party with or be around people who smoke whether or not I agree with it, that's what makes this country great, having freedom of choice. I do wish people would get all the facts first before excluding anyone because they smoke which will only continue to support yet another form of unneeded prejudice. There are in my mind so many greater and worse things to worry about than us who smoke weed.

 

It's this type of thinking that spawned the witch hunts in the 1600's, and before anyone might accuse me of being extreme in my analogy, talk to those doing life in prison for being caught with a dime bag of weed or a couple joints. There are many fathers, mothers, sons and daughters who will never be with their families or breathe free air because of such "crimes".

[scalcpl714 15]

In many countries what we are doing "swinging" is illegal. So what is your point? Ok, I am dead against any other drugs but I believe cannabis to be great just before sex. Alcohol on the other hand would be terrible. But that is my opinion. Nothing wrong with smoking weed now and then. As long as you can control it. Say keep it for Saturday night after the kids go to bed (if you have kids). I'm not talking all the time.

 

When someone mentioned hypocrite they are right. I can bet you if people were asked "which would be you more surprised at if your family member did the following a) smoke pot now and then, or b) swinging" I can guarantee you it would be swinging.

 

Again, I do not tolerate youths smoking weed or people who are dependent on it but if you can smoke it once in a blue moon I do not see the problem.

 

I'm 31 years old. Don't know, perhaps it might be the age group...

 

I don't care what other countries consider illegal, my "point" was in reference to a post calling us who wish to not party with those doing illegal drugs hypocrisy...and like I said in my earlier post, give me a break. Does the person who posted that even know what the definition of hypocrisy is? It's the act of pretending to have beliefs, virtues and feelings that one does not truly possess. Ummmm, how are we, who do not party with pot smokers, hypocrites then?

 

We are 35 and 36, and I don't really believe it has anything to do with age, most hippies that grew up in the 60's are over 50, and I bet many of them still smoke out.

 

As far as addiction is concerned...150,000 people enter drug rehab for the sole purpose of marijuana addiction each year. If there is no marijuana addiction then explain that please.

 

We really could care less if you smoke weed, or do any other illegal drug...just don't want to party with you, as I'm sure you would not like to be around someone who will not tolerate your drug use...

[mixedcouple3426 15]

As far as addiction is concerned...150,000 people enter drug rehab for the sole purpose of marijuana addiction each year. If there is no marijuana addiction then explain that please.

 

I explained that in my reply. Show me proof that marijuana is physically addictive and I will not only eat my words but apologize for stating false info. Mental addiction has nothing to do with marijuana itself, any drug or anything one might become mentally addicted to. If people become addicted to sex, where's the problem? Is sex the problem or is it the individual themself that is or has the problem?

 

Drugs or anything that one could be physically addicted to all have one common thread, withdrawals or some other state that alters a person's ability to cope with what their bodies have grown accustomed to so as to function "normally". It would be normal for a heroin addict to go about their routine to cop their next fix but if you take that ability from them, withdrawals will quickly set in. That does not happen with marijuana and even if it did, it would all be in that person's mind because they have mentally convinced themself that they cannot function normally without it.

 

Those 150,000 people who enter rehab for marijuana use are mentally weak not physically weak. There is a huge difference. I have never heard of anyone ripping their hair out, convulsing uncontrollably or killing anyone because they can't get their marijuana fix. I say again, I'm not flaming anyone it just astounds me that in 2004, people are still so ignorant about so many issues, marijuana included.T he facts are out there if people are willing to shed their ignorance and educate themselves.

 

I just have one question. Would you exclude someone that uses marijuana medicinally too? If so, you may as well exclude everyone that takes ibuprophen, pepcid, paxil, etc, etc.

 

I can understand that you wouldn't want any part of illegal drug use but if it's something you feel so strongly about, why not get in the fight to decriminalize and legalize marijuana use like a few countries have (there are more in the process and many other countries that are strongly considering it) so that we may all one day get together and party without unneeded ignorance, intolerance, and prejudice. There are many in this fight who don't or never have used marijuana because they know it's morally right.

 

It doesn't bother you that millions of our tax dollars are used to house in our prison system non-violent people who got caught with a bag of marijuana for personal (and medicinal use) yet murderers, rapists, and other scum do as little as a few months only to be released so they can kill, rape, maim and steal from innocent people again and again?

 

There are so many wonderful medicinal qualities associated with marijuana. There are also many people around the world that are dying slow painful deaths of which marijuana could delay the inevitable if not at least ease their suffering greatly but no, it's illegal. There is just as much ignorance if not more in regard to marijuana's close cousin, hemp (which is also illegal). Here's some food for thought. Did you know that if you filled all the empty space due to deforestation with hemp, it would reverse the greenhouse effect within 10 years? Did you know that our former president George Bush wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for hemp? The parachute he used to bail out of the warplane during his time of service was made of hemp.

[desert_dwellers 18]

Ok...one more post and then I'll leave it alone...

 

Swinging, smoking, drinking, going to church, etc...are all choices that you make in you life (aka your lifestyle). From what I have learned through this board and other resources, Swingers are generally more tolerant, respectful and courteous to those engaging in alternative lifestyles (presumably because we desire the same in return). Cordial exchanges are the expectation even when parties disagree or don't click.

 

It is important to point out that tolerance does not mean acceptance. I respect that there will be many who don't want anything to do with smoking cannabis, being around it, or being around folks that do.

 

What bothers me is the complete lack of courtesy and respect you get from SOME folks after they find out that you smoke. It's almost like you turned into the Devil incarnate or something. Since we don't broadcast to everyone that we smoke it is usually with folks with which we have already built great rapport. These are the same people that moments before were chatting about how intolerant society is towards the lifestyle. Therein lies the hypocrisy.

[clearlykt 15]

My wife and I are newbies and are constantly learning linguistic code of swinging. I am finding that just like in most jobs or hobbies you have to “learn the language”. I am willing to bet you won’t hear the term “mach tuck” outside of aviation, much like you would not hear “hard swing” in the “vanilla” world. We are full of questions and hope that we can ask the wise on this board with out being talked down to.