Thanksgiving has long been about food, family, and the holiday rush, but a new tradition is quietly growing: a spike in cannabis sales the day before the holiday, now dubbed “Green Wednesday.” Instead of chasing Black Friday deals, thousands of Americans head to dispensaries to stock up on edibles, pre-rolls, and vapes before the long weekend.
Why Cannabis Spikes Before Thanksgiving
The holiday can be stressful. Between cooking, travel, and family gatherings, many turn to cannabis to relax, sleep better, or ease social tension. Some choose it as a calmer alternative to alcohol, helping them stay present without feeling hungover. It’s not just casual users; medical consumers also see the holiday as a chance to manage pain, anxiety, or inflammation.
What People Are Buying
Edibles and vaping products dominate Green Wednesday sales because they are discreet, portable, and easy to control. Families visiting from different states sometimes share cannabis socially, turning it into a bonding ritual rather than a solitary experience. This trend shows how mainstream cannabis has become — no longer hidden, but integrated into holiday habits alongside wine or dessert.
Retailers notice massive spikes. Dutchie reported that 2024 Green Wednesday sales were 91% higher than a typical Wednesday, with average carts reaching $70.80. Massachusetts dispensaries achieved $7.9 million in sales in one day, almost half a million more than the previous year. Weedmaps reported a 42% increase in online orders, while Jane Technologies noted a 90.5% jump compared to prior Wednesdays.
The Shift from Alcohol
For decades, alcohol has been synonymous with holiday relaxation. Cannabis offers a different approach: lighter effects, less hangover risk, and a calmer, more mindful experience. Many users enjoy its appetite-stimulating and mood-enhancing properties, making it a complement to Thanksgiving meals. Some even prefer it for stress relief or social comfort during gatherings.
Why Green Wednesday Isn’t Without Risks
Despite its popularity, the trend raises concerns. Normalizing cannabis as a coping tool for holiday stress can encourage overuse or dependence. Edibles carry risks, as effects take time to appear, leading some to consume too much. Combining cannabis with alcohol intensifies impairment, nausea, or anxiety. Young people witnessing adults’ casual use may develop early curiosity at a critical stage of brain development.
Holidays are meant for connection, not escape. Using substances to manage stress may prevent healthier coping mechanisms like setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, or communicating effectively. What begins as a festive habit can subtly shift into reliance.
Mindful Celebration Over Consumption
Green Wednesday highlights how cannabis is entering mainstream American culture, but it shouldn’t define holiday behavior. Responsible use is key: adults who choose cannabis should approach it carefully, without making it the centerpiece of relaxation. The most memorable Thanksgiving moments aren’t about what’s consumed, but who we share them with. Presence, connection, and gratitude remain far more meaningful than any substance.
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