Every culture has its own vocabulary or secret language, and the drug using subculture is no exception. Those of us on the ‘outside’ of the drug subculture need to know about an important date coming up next week: April 20.
In the drug culture, the number 4:20 has a special meaning. It means “let’s go get high” and similar sentiments. It began way back in the 1970’s because kids got out of school at 4:20 and they would gather and smoke pot after school. Over time, it became more generic and now represents a general support for drug using, as well as a way to communicate one’s interest or availability for getting high.
Parents would be wise to monitor their child’s communications where this symbol might appear: text messages, written on backpacks or books or shoes, written or tattooed onto the body, listed on their webpage or facebook page, written on posters or pictures in their room, etc. Know where your student is spending their before and after-school time on April 20th. That day has become a BIG party day for those who choose to use marijuana, and your child might be invited to one of these events.
One last note: even the most fervent supporters of marijuana legalization agree that marijuana use by children is unhealthy and unwise for the developing teenage brain. If you would like additional information on the impact of drug and alcohol use on children’s brains, please contact us or go to our website www.casagrandealliance.org.
