As Thanksgiving approaches, many cannabis dispensaries across the country turn one of their busiest retail periods into a time for giving back. What began as small neighborhood gestures has evolved into large-scale, organized efforts that feed families, support charities, and strengthen community bonds during the season of gratitude.
Curaleaf’s national “Feed the Block” campaign is among the most recognized examples. Now in its fifth year, it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through customer round-up donations at the register. Stores across multiple states partner with local hunger-relief organizations such as the Food Bank of South Jersey and Mercer Street Friends, while employees volunteer their time to prepare and distribute meals. It’s an initiative that transforms steady dispensary traffic into direct, measurable impact for those facing food insecurity.
In Michigan, House of Dank continues its tradition with the Annual Turkey Drive, distributing hundreds of free turkeys to families—no purchase required. The dispensary also organizes its “Joint Efforts” canned food campaign, which encourages customers to donate nonperishable goods that are delivered to local food pantries. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that small contributions from many can make a big difference for those in need.
In Boston, Pure Oasis participates in the Worrell Turkey Drive, helping deliver Thanksgiving meals to families throughout the city. The drive unites local businesses, residents, and volunteers under one purpose: ensuring everyone can enjoy a holiday meal together. For the city’s first Black-owned cannabis dispensary, giving back during Thanksgiving is as much about community solidarity as it is about celebration.
Some dispensaries also extend their giving into causes tied to the plant’s social history. The Mission [Green] initiative, launched by The Weldon Project, partners with cannabis retailers and encourages customers to round up purchases to support individuals affected by non-violent cannabis convictions. Participating dispensaries like The Apothecarium use this time of year to highlight the importance of gratitude, fairness, and second chances.
Elsewhere, dispensaries have combined Thanksgiving generosity with broader holiday efforts. Haven Dispensaries in California hosts a hybrid food and toy drive that extends from Thanksgiving through the winter holidays, while independent retailers like Major Bloom in Massachusetts organize similar campaigns that include toy donations and local meal programs.
Behind all of these programs lies a growing network of collaboration between cannabis retailers and established food relief organizations such as Feeding America. By connecting with local branches and food banks, dispensaries ensure that donations reach families who need them most—turning seasonal sales into tangible support.
Ultimately, these Thanksgiving initiatives show that the modern cannabis industry is about more than products and profit—it’s about purpose. By turning Green Wednesday’s retail rush into a platform for compassion, dispensaries across the country are proving that gratitude is best expressed through action, helping to fill not just plates, but hearts and communities alike.
Learn More: Cannabis Companies Pioneering a New Era of Purpose Driven Philanthropy