Pothead Vocabulary

Vocabulary Lesson for New Pot Smokers

Society would likely be a lot better if there were more marijuana users running around (or lounging as the case may be). It should be a prerequisite for politicos. Imagine a world where everyone simply calmed down. (Yes…I have been to Jamaica)

Pot is a natural calm enhancer. No one has ever robbed a convenience store while zoned out on pot. Even the store right next door is simply “tooooo farrrrrr mannnnn”. Other than driving exceedingly slow, the worst damage a pot smoker ever does to the world around them takes place in their own homes when raiding the cabinet for Nabisco products (Potheads know that Nabisco makes the world’s best munchies). Nabisco would do well to sponsor lobbyists to push for the unconditional legalization of marijuana. I digress; this article is for the purpose of discussing pothead vocabulary.

The Term 420

Marijuana is known by many names. While for some, the term “marijuana” would do, cops, lawyers, newbies,

scientists, the language of the near-religion of pot worship is far more fun.

Older names like Dope and Mary Jane have given way to more colorful names, for example, “Party Favors” or more recently “4:20”. Pinpointing the exact origin of the term 4:20 is difficult, but the term has come to signify all things pot. Craig’s list has a roommate section teeming with ads for “4:20 friendly households”, signifying that cannabis consumption on the premises is accepted, and even encouraged.

One of the commonly held theories regarding the origins of the term “4:20” is that in the early 1970s, a group of teenagers at San Raphael High School in California met every day after school at 4:20 p.m. for the express purpose of smoking pot at a statue of Louis Pasteur. Supporting the idea that “4:20” originated with a time of day, is the fact that the number is always said "four twenty". This is the most often cited theory, and among pot afficianados, the most widely believed.

Of course, the term “pot” will work until the end of time. Everyone in the English speaking world understands. Today’s true cannabis connoisseurs know that “4:20” says it all. As an homage, every day at 4:20 p.m. (and for true diehards, a.m.) cannabis worshippers skin up, light up and worship at their hazy altar.

Skinning up

For those unfamiliar with the term “skinning up”, it is the verb used by pot smokers to explain the action of rolling a joint.

The ‘skin” is typically a tiny paper used to roll the joint.You'll be able to get a large variety of papers in every well assorted Growshop. Zig Zag is the most famous brand of rolling papers. The company, which also now produces flavored versions of it’s famous wrappers, has made a fortune from people who burn their product and come looking for more. Some of the most popular ways of “skinning up” are as follows:

Knee Trembler:Are ya hurried? This is a timeless, easy roll which enables you to slow your world down fast.

Nose Cone: This roll is for the more advanced roller. As to the smoking part, this big “fattie” is guaranteed to slow you down and seriously enhance your mellow.

Saturday Night Special: If you, like me, have huge ape-like hands or clumsy fingers, then the Saturday Night Special is your roll.

Of course, those aren't just three types of rolls. Truthfully, the creativity among joint (or “blunt”) rollers is endless. For a larger list, I recommend you let Google be your guide. There are thousands of online tutorials anxious to teach you how to roll.

As you think through the terms found in this article, remember: It’s 4:20 in at least two time zones once each hour, and one extra time per day in Newfoundland Canada. Newfies have their own time zone. If you have the urge to light up, pay no attention to the big hand on your clock. Watch that little hand and of course, grab some premium bud and skin up! It’s nearly 4:20 somewhere!