We’re going back to 1971, to find out the true story of how 420 — the universal code for pot — began. This story starts with a treasure map, a rogue California coast Guardsman and five adventurous stoners who are fortuitous enough to hang out with the Grateful Dead.

Potcast

Before 420: The true story behind pot's biggest day

Jenny Kane, who covers marijuana for the USA TODAY Network, examines America's shift toward legalizing marijuana by telling the stories of the people who are living it: pot farmers, rural sheriffs, a professional mountain biker, a Cordon Bleu cannabis chef. In each episode, Jenny talks to them about how their jobs, lives and dreams have changed as more of America is legalizing the country's most controversial herb. You don't have to be a stoner to listen. We're not. We're just interested in having a front-row seat at this historic moment when America unravels a century of marijuana prohibition. Jenny has covered all-things marijuana for the Reno Gazette Journal, which is part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, since the Silver State legalized recreational ganja in 2017. The show is edited by RGJ Executive Editor Kelly Ann Scott and RGJ data/investigations editor Brian Duggan.

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Potcast