Across legal markets, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—known as “Green Wednesday”—has turned into one of the biggest shopping days of the year for cannabis. Data from leading retail analytics firms show steady gains, with sales on Green Wednesday growing by over 50% in recent years, cementing it as a marquee holiday for the category. Consumers aren’t just grabbing last-minute flower; pre-rolls and ready-to-share formats surge as hosts and guests look for easy, social ways to relax before the big meal.
The cultural shift powering this new tradition is bigger than one shopping day. First, legalization has widened access and normalized responsible use. More than twenty states and Washington, D.C. have legalized adult-use cannabis, while medical programs operate in forty states and the nation’s capital. Public opinion has largely moved in step, with polling data consistently showing broad majority support for legalization. Bringing a cannabis seltzer or a low-dose edible is increasingly viewed in the same light as bringing a bottle of wine.
Second, product innovation makes Thanksgiving-friendly consumption easier than ever. Low-dose edibles, fast-onset beverages, and precise milligram labeling help guests tailor their experiences to the pace of a long holiday weekend. Health experts note that edibles have a slower onset and longer duration than inhaled products—typically kicking in after 30 to 60 minutes and lasting several hours—which encourages the “start low, go slow” mindset for those looking to balance enjoyment with comfort.
Third, many families are experimenting with culinary uses—herb-infused butter for dinner rolls, a CBD cranberry sauce to dial down stress, or a THC micro-dose dessert served to consenting adults—because the format fits seamlessly into a holiday centered on food. The appeal lies not only in relaxation but in connection: cannabis can prompt conversation, laughter, and a gentler tempo during a weekend that often mixes joy with travel fatigue and cooking chaos. Industry trend trackers have even noted that the cannabis sector’s fourth-quarter momentum now rivals 4/20 season peaks, thanks in part to Thanksgiving week.
None of this replaces the need for safety and courtesy. Clear labeling, consent, and secure storage away from children and pets are essential. Health officials remind consumers that edibles can be unpredictable for newcomers and that mixing THC with alcohol may increase impairment risks. Responsible hosts provide non-infused options, disclose ingredients, and remind guests not to drive under the influence—treating cannabis with the same respect and caution as any other adult indulgence.
Taken together—wider legality, shifting norms, innovative low-dose formats, and a food-focused holiday—these factors explain why cannabis is increasingly being welcomed to the Thanksgiving table. When handled with care, it’s becoming another way families choose to unwind, connect, and carve out a calmer, more mindful holiday weekend.