The Story Behind 4/20 and How to Prepare in Fort Greene, Brooklyn

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In Fort Greene and across Brooklyn, April 20 has become a community moment. A reason to gather, learn a little history, and plan a day worth remembering. If you want to make the most of it, we’ve got you.

SHOP 4/20 DEALS

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What Is 4/20? A Look Back at the 4/20 History Behind the Holiday

The origin of 4/20 begins in 1971, when a group of students at San Rafael High School in California, known as The Waldos, made a habit of meeting at 4:20 p.m. to search for a rumored abandoned cannabis crop. The time became shorthand, the shorthand became a code, and the code spread through Grateful Dead fan communities, High Times magazine, and the wider cannabis community throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Over time, April 20th grew into something larger: an international day for cannabis advocacy, education, and community gathering. As legal markets have taken hold across the country, the day has taken on new meaning. It is now as much about honest conversation and celebration as it is about counterculture roots.

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Your 420 Deals Fort Greene Home Base: Soulmate Dispensary

Fort Greene is getting ready for a full week of 4/20 celebrations at Soulmate Cannabis, featuring a rolling lineup of brand activations, in-store specials, and limited-time offers leading up to the holiday. Starting 4/16, guests can kick things off with featured deals from select brands, followed by daily spotlights including Reform Botanicals on 4/17 and Grön on 4/19, each bringing unique in-store experiences and product highlights.

From 4/18 through 4/20, Bloom will offer 20% off storewide on featured items, giving customers a multi-day window to stock up ahead of the weekend rush. On 4/20 itself, Eaton Botanicals will offer a special discount with qualifying in-store participation, along with additional activations from Ithaca Organics to close out the celebration.

Across the week, customers can expect rotating product features, exclusive drops, and curated brand moments designed to elevate the 4/20 experience. Whether you’re planning ahead or stopping in on the day of, Soulmate will be the go-to destination in Fort Greene for premium cannabis products and holiday-week excitement.

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Planning Ahead: Tips for a Great 420 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn

A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what we’d suggest:

  • Sign up for the loyalty program: Join Soul Circle Rewards and earn points on every purchase you make. Points add up fast, especially around a busy day like 4/20.
  • Bring your ID: Legal cannabis purchases require a valid, government-issued photo ID. No exceptions, no workarounds. 
  • Know the rules: NYC prohibits smoking cannabis in public spaces, including parks, sidewalks, and plazas. Keep consumption to designated areas and be considerate of the people around you. A good day out starts with being a good neighbor. Plan your session for a private space and head out after.
  • Come prepared with a loose plan: 4/20 is one of our busiest days, and having a sense of what you’re looking for before you walk in makes the whole visit easier. Think about what you’re in the mood for. Something to wind down with later, something to share with friends, or a product you’ve been curious about but haven’t tried yet?
  • Make a day of it in Fort Greene: The neighborhood does a lot of the work for you. Fort Greene Park is steps away and a great spot to stretch out. For food, Dekalb Market Hall is nearby and loaded with options for every craving. Brooklyn Academy of Music regularly hosts performances, film screenings, and cultural events worth building an evening around. 

Come In, Plan Your Day, Make It Count

This year, make April 20th something worth looking back on. Stop by Soulmate at 237 Dekalb Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY 11205. And if you have questions about products, dosage, or where to start, please call us at (917) 970-1039.

SHOP 4/20 DEALS