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  • What To Know About Green And BlackOut Wednesday

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    Here’s what to know about Green and Blackout Wednesday, the biggest pre-holiday celebration and how to enjoy responsibly.

    Thanksgiving is upon us with cooking, shopping, family and expectations.  It is a werired work which includes prep, work and so much more.  But what to know about Green and Blackout Wednesday.  This week comes with two unofficial holidays which have rapidly grown in cultural and economic importance: Green Wednesday and Blackout Wednesday. Both fall on the day before Thanksgiving and both spotlight the unique way America kicks off the long holiday weekend—with shopping, cannabis, alcohol, and celebrations. For many consumers, this night is a chance to reconnect with friends and jump-start the season. But understanding their histories and how to participate responsibly can make all the difference.

    RELATED: Can Microdosing Marijuana Help You

    Green Wednesday is a relatively new cultural phenomenon. Coined around 2012 by the cannabis delivery company Eaze, it became the cannabis industry’s answer to Black Friday. It has since grown into one of the biggest sales days of the year, driven by deals, promotion, and the fact many Americans want a calmer, less stressful Thanksgiving. Green Wednesday is now one of the top three cannabis retail days in the U.S., alongside 4/20 and Black Friday. In many states, dispensaries report spikes in sales of edibles, vapes, low-dose products, and wellness-oriented items.

    Photo by Roberto Machado Noa via Getty

    Blackout Wednesday, by contrast, has a longer and more complicated history. It began in the early 2000s when police departments and bar associations noticed the night before Thanksgiving had become one of the biggest drinking events of the year. Because so many people return to their hometowns, it became a massive reunion night. It also became associated with binge-drinking, DUIs, and overcrowded bars—which helped give it the nickname “Blackout Wednesday.”

    Part of the draw is timing. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is uniquely suited for celebration:

    • Most people have Thursday off.
    • College students return home.
    • Families reunite.
    • Retailers and bars roll out major deals.

    But the cultural shift away from heavy alcohol consumption and toward cannabis is also noticeable. Green Wednesday is often framed as a calmer, more wellness-oriented alternative—one focused on relaxation instead of excess.

    RELATED: Can Cannabis Or Alcohol Help With Colds

    Whether someone chooses cannabis or cocktails, the real key is pacing and awareness. Here are a few safety-centered tips:

    • Plan transportation early—ride shares, designated drivers, or walking.
    • Hydrate and eat—especially for alcohol consumption.
    • Choose lower-dose cannabis products if you’re inexperienced.
    • Avoid mixing alcohol and cannabis, as it intensifies impairment.
    • Have a limit before you start.
    • Keep gatherings about connection, not consumption.

    Green Wednesday and Blackout Wednesday reflect the way holiday traditions evolve. They can be fun, celebratory, and even reconnect us with old friendships and familiar places. But the goal should always be enjoying the moment—not waking up the next day wishing you dialed it back. With a thoughtful approach, both days can be safe, festive, and memorable traditions starting the holiday weekend on the right path.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • Consumer Spending Validates Marijuana Rescheduling

    Consumer Spending Validates Marijuana Rescheduling

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    It is a historic move for a country which had prohibition, but consumers are using their wallets to show they support it.

    Culture wars have been an American tradition – from the battle over TicTok to the alcohol prohibition in the 1920s. It was said the only thing to come out of the anti-liquor period was it taught good citizens how to break the law.  But in general, if the public wants it, the public will have it, legal or not. The perfect is example is the Pornhub ban in Utah and Texas, which has sent VPN sign ups sky high. And consumer spending validates marijuana rescheduling in a major way.

    RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

    Some politicians and leaders believe in the nanny state option.  Those include a few governors lead by Ron DeSantis, Mitch McConnell, and a few other special interest groups.  But the Biden’s administration’s decision to reschedule cannabis lines up with public opinion. Over 85% believe it should legal in some form, and more importantly, they are putting their money toward what they want.  Leading analyst firm, BDSA, shared the public’s spending habit’s match their thoughts on rescheduling.

    Photo by Anton Petrus/Getty Images

    Following the tradition, cannabis sales moved higher again this year. Sales on 20 April 2024 sales were $167M, a 33% increase over the previous year.  Trends like California sober are going strong and Gen Z continues to move away from alcohol and move toward marijuana vapes and gummies. Lifestyle habits are starting to adjust slightly away from alcohol and more low alcohol drinks, mocktails, and cannabis eat away at the traditional market.  Alcohol is much rougher on the body, so many are opting for a semi-healthier option.

    It is a benefit for fully recreational states as even Missouri makes significant tax income on cannabis. Most governors are on board with rescheduling at it is not only the public’s will, but it helps the state’s coffers and actually helps in other areas. Even New York State, with over 1,500 non tax paying illicit stores making money, made some income.  They have less than 100 licensed dispensaries generating over $175 million.

    RELATED: How To Microdose Marijuana

    On an interesting sidebar, like holidays, there are some holidays where cannabis use is up. Here are the largest for 2023

    1. 420
    2. Green Wednesday
    3. Black Friday
    4. St Patrick’s Day
    5. Veteran’s Day

    In comparison, alcohol’s largest days are:

    1. New Year’s Eve
    2. St. Patrick’s Day
    3. July 4th
    4. Day Before Thanksgiving/ Blackout Wednesday/ Drinksgiving
    5. Black Friday

    Let’s see how the next 12 months works for the industry, the government and the public.

     

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    Terry Hacienda

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  • Holidays Sales Confirm Marijuana Is Mainstream

    Holidays Sales Confirm Marijuana Is Mainstream

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    It was a great holiday season for lots of fan of marijuana – and only a few Grinches in sight!

    The holiday season was great for the cannabis industry. In 2023, Delaware, Ohio, and Minnesota passed recreational marijuana. More than half of U.S. population lives in places where marijuana is legal for recreational use with even more having access to medical marijuana.  The holidays are a time of indulgence and spending. Consumers defied expectations for spending in December. Retail sales rose 0.6% in December from November, which was more than analysts expected. The holiday sales confirm marijuana is mainstream by the way the public spent on products.

    RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

    And in a major culture shift, Gen Z is moving away from alcohol and moving softly toward marijuana. Young adults not in college were even more likely to avoid alcohol. Nearly 30% of this group in 2018 reported that they did not drink beer, wine or spirits. The number was about 24% in 2002.

    Decreases in alcohol consumption by Gen Z coincide with an uptick in cannabis use, according to numerous reports. Is this a one-for-one trade in substances? Some signs point that way

    Photo by Kindel Media via Pexels

    According to BDSA, a leading national data analyst company which covers cannabis, it was an important marijuana sales year.  Already, the day before Thanksgiving is a banner year  Comparing same 7 holiday days of 2022 to 2023 and they saw an average of a 19% increase year over year. The day before Turkey Day is known as Green Wednesday in the cannabis industry.  It is also a large alcohol sales day and is known as Blackout Wednesday or Drinksgiving. But alcohol sales only saw 3.8% rise.

    “Christmas is historically a significant holiday for the legal cannabis industry, with the days leading up to Christmas bringing a sizable boost to legal sales. In 2022, the day before Christmas eve (12/23/22) saw the second highest daily sales total of any day that month, with daily sales totaling +38% higher than the daily sales average for December 2022.” shared BDSA.

    Edibles saw an even greater boost on the week before Christmas 2023. BDSA reports edible sales on the week before Christmas were +23% higher than the average weekly edible sales total for the month.  This is makes sense as gummies are the #1 way people consumer – almost 49% of users say the use have a gummy.

    RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

    States which started their program (except for NY) did especially well. Marijuana retailers in Michigan sold a whopping $3.06 billion in adult-use and medical products in 2023. There are few Grinches, the Governors of Iowa, Florida and New Hampshire are working hard to block sales and Senator Mitch McConnell is still working to block any national marijuana legalization.  And all eyes are on the DEA to see what they are going to do about rescheduling.

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    Terry Hacienda

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  • Marijuana Industry Gobbled Up HUGE Holiday Sales

    Marijuana Industry Gobbled Up HUGE Holiday Sales

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    The marijuana industry is receiving some good news – Thanksgiving marijuana sales were good, record breaking good. This follows the trend of the cannabis mainstreaming and the majority of American being “over” the cannabis stigma and are ok with the use of legal weed. Well, with over 50% of the country having access to legal cannabis and the marijuana industry gobbled up huge holiday sales.

    Almost 90% of the country believes marijuana should be legal in some form. And there is a generational shift in the approach to alcohol and marijuana. Gen Z turning away from drinking and embracing the healthier weed. An example of the culture shift is in recently recreational legal Michigan. In their first year, marijuana sales will likely surpass $3 billion, helped by record-breaking July and a very robust holiday season.  This is above their expectations and cannabis tax revenue overtook alcohol income for the state.

     

    RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

    In a clear example of public sentiment, BDSA, a leading data analyst company who covers cannabis released their Thanksgiving week sales.  Comparing same 7 holiday days of 2022 to 2023 and they saw an average of a 19% increase year over year.  it seems gummies are the new champagne or whiskey of the holiday season

    Photo by Hans via Pixabay

    What is especially interesting is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and “Black Friday” are two of the biggest alcohol and weed days of the year.  In fact, the Wednesday before is called “Green Wednesday in the cannabis industry and “Drinksgiving” in the alcohol industry.  Sales for those days are higher.  In the weed industry it can be up to 50% higher.  The BDSA data shows it up with 19% above last year 66% increase which is a huge two year increase.

    Driving the big increase is an increase in edibles, primarily gummies which saw an increase of 21% year over year. They are the most common way people consume marijuana with nearly 49% of people saying it is their primary way of using cannabis.

    RELATED: How To Be Discreet When Using Weed

    Another perk for consumers is the average cost was 3% cheaper than last year, which was an added bonus. Edibles were on average 8% less expensive.  Customers at dispensaries are similar to customers at liquor/grocery stores and respond to pricing.

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    Terry Hacienda

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  • Walmart Has Marijuana Competition On Black Friday

    Walmart Has Marijuana Competition On Black Friday

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    Walmart, Malls, Best Buy and more are thought of for Black Friday – but marijuana is having an impact also.

    Black Friday used to be one of the biggest shopping days of the year…now it has a rival with Cyber Monday. There was a time when the news was filled with brawls breaking out at Walmart as people scrambled to get the best big ticket deals.  Luckily, weed chills you and Walmart has marijuana competition on Black Friday.

    To be fair, Black Friday is the second biggest marijuana shopping day of the year….behind 4/20.  BDSA, a leading cannabis data analyst company shared this information about consumer trends.

    Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It traditionally marks the start of the Christmas shopping season in the United States. Many stores offer highly promoted sales at discounted prices and often open early. It has been a culturally phenomenon in some countries.

    Photo by A_Melnyk/Getty Images

    Despite all the buzz, Black Friday beats out Cyber Monday and is still the biggest shopping day of the year. It can set the tone of retail for the holiday season and annually retail profitability. But as more than 50% of people have access to legalized cannabis, Black Friday has become a weed hit also. Like alcohol, the 4 day holiday weekend has turned into tuning in to fun or turning out and chilling.

    “Black Friday consistently experience the highest surge in cannabis sales of any holiday, other than 420,” said Brendan Mitchel-Chesebro, analyst at BDSA. “These insights are important for retailers looking to optimize their holiday strategies. By preparing for increased foot traffic with increased staff and an ample supply of popular products instead of leaning into promotions, retailers will win with consumers this holiday season.”

    Some dispensaries, will have specials, especially those who register for newsletter and updates.  Check their social media or website to see if they are offering any holiday weekend.

    And if you are looking at doing some early gift shoppings, gummies are the most popular used form of cannabis, making it an easy gift to the canna-fans in your life.

    RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing

    The other good news is cannabis relaxes us so you don’t have to worry about hand to hand combat to purchase.  But here are some of the craziest Black Friday stories.

    An elderly woman stole an ice cream maker out of a man in a wheelchair’s electric cart.”

    At Walmart, a fight broke out over a bike. Fists were thrown and there was  blood. Eventually, one guy got ahold of the bike and managed to get away from the crowd. He rode the bike out of the store (without paying).”

    At Walmart, a customer punched a security guard in the face because they thought he was a customer skipping to the front of the line. He was just walking in the door to start his shift.

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    Amy Hansen

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  • Marijuana Can Make Your Holidays Better

    Marijuana Can Make Your Holidays Better

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    It is a fun time of year, everyone in good cheer, holiday events, special food, and lots of bonding with people we may or may not know or like.  Joyful, merry, and happy are all the ways we describe the season, but sometimes it might comes with a price.  Stress, hangovers and anxiety are common, but marijuana can make your holiday better.

    RELATED: The Best Ways To Recover From A Hangover

    With some much going on, gifts to buy, cooking, visiting, and travel, perhaps the most common issue is lack of sleep. Consider using some form of marijuana to help to help you fall asleep. Using a few times to be able to break a sleepless pattern can be very help and make you feel like a new person.

    Hangovers are common during the holidays as it has some of the biggest alcohol days of the year including New Year’s Eve and the day before Thanksgiving (Drinksgiving/ Blackout Wednesday), the day after Thanksgiving, and all the weekends with work and friend parties. Gummies and vapes are discrete ways to reduce drinking while still having a relaxed buzz to enjoy the work holiday party or the long family event where wine has traditional helped.

    It can also help avoid the gentle weight gain from lots of cocktails, beer and wine. Mild dose cannabis can provide the buzz without major (and continuous) carlories. Also, with a mild dose, there is a lower chance of munchies, unlike after 3 martinis or Christmas-tinis.

    RELATED: Crazy Trend Of Pumpkin Spice Alcohol and Marijuana

    And lastly cannabis has shown it can help reduce stress and anxiety.  If you are shy and have to attend events, it can benefits.  If you are at contentious family event, it can keep you calm. If you are worried about other things, it can relax you so you can make a plan on how to move forward.

    Science has proven marijuana is better than alcohol for your body, the holiday is a perfect time to like cannabis use it’s super power.

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    Amy Hansen

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  • The Best Ways To Recover From A Hangover

    The Best Ways To Recover From A Hangover

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    The day before and after Thanksgiving are known for being HUGE drinking holidays. In fact the Wednesday before turkey day is known as Drinksgiving or Blackout Wednesday.  After Friday comes the holiday season with parties, brunches, and happy hours, and maybe drinks with dinner, all leading to at least one hangover.

    Alcohol triggers an inflammatory response from the immune system. In turn, the immune system may trigger certain agents that commonly produce physical symptoms including a headache, inability to concentrate, memory problems and nausea. Not a pretty picture, but here are the best ways to recover from a hangover.

    RELATED: Tips To Help With Cuffing Season

    There are two tracks to recover from a hangover – before and after.  Assuming you are going to drink heavily, you have to remember two things.  Drink plenty of fluids like water while imbibing to avoid dehydration. Next take a pain reliever — but not Tylenol. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, other brands), and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

    Photo by Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury/Getty Images

    Also, avoid dark colored alcohol. Data has indicted  clear liquors, such as vodka and gin, tend to cause hangovers less frequently than dark ones like whiskey, red wine, and tequila. The main form of alcohol in alcoholic beverages is ethanol, but the darker liquors contain chemically related compounds (congeners), including methanol. The same enzymes process ethanol and methanol, but methanol metabolites are especially toxic, so they may cause a worse hangover.

    But, if you still wake up with a hangover, there is a hope and here are potential cures.

    People forget to eat when they drink, lowering their blood sugar. Toast and juice is a way to gently nudge levels back to normal. This should be followed by a a big brunch or brunch.

    Consider a gummy. A dose like 10mg will not only get you out of the painful headspace, it will begin to work on your inflammation as you get a body high. Use something non-aggressive like tincture (glycerin), a hard candy, or a beverage. Anything baked or food-like may just be overwhelming taste wise.

    Enjoy soda, coffee or tea. Caffeine may not have any special anti-hangover powers, but as a stimulant, it could help with the grogginess. Try it and go back to bed and sleep for a bit.

    Pop some vitamin B or Zinc. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine evaluated the diets for 24 hours before and after excessive drinking occurred. It was a small study and results were based on the participants saying what they ate. However, they did find that people whose food and beverage consumption contained greater amounts of zinc and B vitamins had less severe hangovers.

    RELATED: Great Fall Whiskeys

    Since the hangover is at it’s most painful as the last of the alcohol is leaving your system, you could consider the age old cure of “hair of the dog” and have a Bloody Mary.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • Crazy Trend Of Pumpkin Spice Alcohol and Marijuana

    Crazy Trend Of Pumpkin Spice Alcohol and Marijuana

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    It is a crazy popular and one of Starbucks best sellers of all time…but  Pumpkin Spice alcohol and marijuana?

    Starbucks unleaded it into the world with the famous latte, now there is soap, candles, room fresheners and even an herb packs. Now there is a crazy trend of pumpkin spice alcohol and marijuana.  Yes both industries are riding the autumn wave of flavor need and producing products.

    The day before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest drinking days of the year. It has been nicknamed “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday”. And Green Wednesday is the third biggest marijuana shopping day of the year….behind 4/20 and Black Friday. We confirmed the trend with BDSA, a leading cannabis data analyst company.

    Here are some of the Pumpkin Spice treats you can find.

    Alcohol

    Bailey’s has jumped into the autumn mix, it wasn’t enough with regular, chocolate, and a wacky Pina Colada, they now have have just the gourd frenzy. Bailey’s thought is for autumn, they have spiced up Baileys with a twist of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, with every mouthful exploding like a tasty firework on a chilly night.

    Not to be outdone, Captain Morgan has “Jack-Blast: – a pumpkin spice rum!  They share it is the perfect shot to celebrate the end of an epic night or to toast the adventures that await this holiday season.

    Vodka had to jump into the pumpkin patch and Pinnacle released their own flavor.  Their weet, well-rounded flavor of creamy pumpkin filling with hints of flaky crust and whipped cream topping. Smooth pumpkin flavor with a touch of spice and whipped cream

    Marijuana

    Not to be outdone, the marijuana industry also taking to carving a slice of the trend.  There is Pumpkin Spice marijuana seeds are a feminized strain. It presents a hybrid genetics that shows its indica and sativa genes both in its structure and in the effect it produces. Its yield is quite high and it is perfect for indoor growing because of its medium size.

    Colorado’s Native Roots is releasing its pumpkin spice marijuana vape pen cartridges and expects a boon of sales on Green Wednesday. The flavors of pumpkin pie – cinnamon, ginger, anise and clove — are actually natural chemical compounds in cannabis, making it more enjoyable.

    RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing

    Of course, the most popular used version of marijuana are gummies – and company are taking advantage of it.  Tillman Tranquils has a Pumpkin Spice gummies at a 15mg does. The sativa treat will help you manage the holiday stress.

    It seems the pumpkin spice crazy is here to stay.

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    Sarah Johns

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  • Ready For Green Wednesday

    Ready For Green Wednesday

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    Cyber Monday and Black Friday aren’t the only big holidays for fans of marijuana – hello Green Wednesday

    Up until around 2010, Black Friday was the mega shopping day of the year.  It was a combination of festive cheer, mega deals and, at times, a MMA brawl.  Stories emerged of fights and chaos as shoppers rushed to get the best prices. Then online shopping soared and Cyber Monday became a rival for gift purchases and deals to be had.  But are you ready for Green Wednesday? Yes, Green Wednesday is when the cannabis industry goes wild.

    To be fair, Green Wednesday is the third biggest marijuana shopping day of the year….behind 4/20 and Black Friday (right?).  BDSA, a leading cannabis data analyst company shared this information about consumer trends.

    “Green Wednesday and Black Friday consistently experience the highest surge in cannabis sales of any holiday, other than 420,” said Brendan Mitchel-Chesebro, analyst at BDSA. “These insights are important for retailers looking to optimize their holiday strategies. By preparing for increased foot traffic with increased staff and an ample supply of popular products instead of leaning into promotions, retailers will win with consumers this holiday season.”

    Marijuana is following a trend. The third biggest alcohol day of the year, meanwhile, was the day before Thanksgiving. It has been nicknamed “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday,” and is becoming an increasingly popular drinking holiday. Poughkeepsie, Boston, Houston, Portland, OR, and Wichita, KS excel in this new holiday.

    Green Wednesday can see an over 66% increase in sales for the day.  If you want to bring something unique to Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving, you can always bring an infused canned turkey gravy. Yes, there are such things.  But the most popular, by far according to BDSA, are gummies.  The perfect hostess gift if you know they enjoy a little chill time.

    RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing

    Not only is there a rush to purchase, some dispensaries offer deals – always a plus during the holiday season. To maximize your chance for value, sign up for your favorite dispensary email, talk to the budtender leading up the Green Wednesday and be open to trying new things.

    As you get ready for Green Wednesday, have a great chill Thanksgiving

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    Sarah Johns

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