Every culture has its holidays, and cannabis is no exception. Just as foodies have Thanksgiving and sports fans have Super Bowl Sunday, cannabis lovers have a trio of special days that celebrate the plant, the people, and the culture surrounding it: 420, Green Wednesday, and 710. These holidays are more than excuses to light up or stock up—they’ve become cultural milestones and retail powerhouses that fuel one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States.
420: The Original Cannabis Holiday
If cannabis had an official birthday party, it would be April 20th—420. The origins of this iconic date are as hazy as a hotbox, but the most widely accepted story traces back to a group of California high school students in the early 1970s. Known as “The Waldos,” they would meet at 4:20 p.m. after school to search for a legendary hidden cannabis crop. Their shorthand—“420”—became a code word for getting high.
From those humble beginnings, the number grew into a global symbol of cannabis culture. By the 1990s, Grateful Dead fans helped spread it through concert culture, and High Times magazine gave it mainstream visibility. Today, April 20th is celebrated worldwide with festivals, smoke-outs, and, increasingly, industry events that shine a light on legalization, advocacy, and the plant’s expanding role in society.
For retailers and dispensaries, 420 is like cannabis’ version of Black Friday. Brands roll out limited-edition products, deep discounts, and themed merchandise. Delivery services experience record demand, and cannabis tourism spikes in legal states. What started as a secret code among friends now drives billions in annual sales and represents the unifying holiday for cannabis lovers everywhere.
Green Wednesday: The Cannabis Black Friday
While 420 is rooted in counterculture history, Green Wednesday is a creation of modern cannabis retail. Coined in the mid-2010s, it falls on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and has quickly become one of the biggest sales days of the year for dispensaries.
Think about it: millions of Americans hit the road to visit family, stock up on holiday supplies, and brace for extended time with relatives. For many, cannabis is as essential to Thanksgiving prep as turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Whether it’s edibles for managing family stress, infused beverages to replace a glass of wine, or pre-rolls for an after-dinner walk, consumers make sure they’re stocked up before the big feast.
Retailers caught on fast. Green Wednesday sales often rival or even surpass 420, with discounts ranging from 20% to 50% off across flower, concentrates, and edibles. It’s also a crucial time for introducing new products before the holiday season, especially wellness-oriented items like CBD topicals that make perfect gifts. In a sense, Green Wednesday has become cannabis’ answer to holiday shopping sprees, combining culture and commerce in a way that benefits both consumers and the industry.
710: The Rise of Dabbing Day
If 420 is about flower and Green Wednesday is about stocking up, 710—celebrated on July 10th—belongs to concentrate lovers. Flip the numbers “710” upside down, and it spells “OIL,” the shorthand for cannabis concentrates. From wax to shatter to live resin, these potent extracts have carved out a major niche in modern cannabis culture.
The holiday gained traction in the early 2010s as concentrate technology and dab rigs became more accessible. Today, it’s recognized across the cannabis community as the day to celebrate all things oil—vape cartridges, hash rosin, distillates, and beyond. Dispensaries host concentrate-focused events, release limited-edition dabs, and offer steep discounts to entice consumers.
710 also symbolizes how far the cannabis industry has come in terms of innovation. Concentrates represent a technological leap, offering higher potency, cleaner flavor profiles, and precise dosing. For younger generations and experienced consumers, 710 is just as significant as 420—proof that cannabis culture is constantly evolving and expanding.
Why These Holidays Matter
At first glance, cannabis holidays might look like excuses for consumers to save money or for businesses to boost sales. But they run much deeper than that.
- Cultural Significance: These days reinforce cannabis’ role as a cultural unifier. They celebrate creativity, resilience, and the community spirit that carried cannabis from prohibition to mainstream acceptance.
- Advocacy and Awareness: 420 in particular has become a platform for activism, with rallies, panels, and campaigns pushing for legalization, social equity, and criminal justice reform.
- Economic Impact: Green Wednesday and 420 are among the top three sales days of the year for dispensaries. According to industry reports, cannabis sales on 420 alone can be double or triple a typical day’s revenue. Green Wednesday sales rival Black Friday in consumer goods. 710, while smaller, continues to grow alongside concentrate popularity.
- Innovation and Consumer Education: These holidays give brands a stage to launch new products, educate consumers, and highlight trends—from infused seltzers and solventless rosin to eco-friendly packaging and social equity initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As legalization spreads and cannabis becomes more normalized, expect these holidays to grow even bigger. Imagine 420 festivals resembling music mega-events like Coachella, Green Wednesday deals bundled with mainstream holiday shopping promotions, and 710 product launches drawing hype like a sneaker drop.
Cannabis holidays also offer a unique opportunity to bridge generations of consumers. Longtime enthusiasts honor the cultural roots of 420, newer consumers embrace the convenience of Green Wednesday, and concentrate fans celebrate 710’s cutting-edge vibe. Together, they showcase the diversity of cannabis culture in 2025 and beyond.
In the end, these holidays prove that cannabis isn’t just about consumption—it’s about connection. Whether you’re sparking a joint at a 420 rally, snagging an edible deal on Green Wednesday, or dabbing rosin on 710, you’re participating in a global community that continues to grow stronger every year.