Welcome to this comprehensive version of a cannabis holiday guide. As the industry continues to evolve, so does a variety of celebrations dedicated to the plant. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, in this guide, each cannabis-centric holiday has a unique story and is significant for the ever-expanding world of cannabis. Roll up your favorite strain and explore the highs and history of these cannabis holidays.
1. National Hemp Day (February 4th)
National Hemp Day is the second cannabis industry holiday created in 2019 by cbdMD. This company produces and operates a CBD company to create awareness and value about hemp plants, the farmers who grow it, the innovators who use it, and anyone who finds hemp useful in its many forms. Due to its increasing popularity, it’s observed annually on February 4th to celebrate the properties and versatility of hemp through its various uses, from textiles, paper, food, and wellness products. It aims to raise awareness about the benefits of hemp and its potential economic and environmental impact.
2. National Cannabis Culture Day (April 20th)
National Cannabis Culture Day, or simply 420, is a significant cannabis holiday and stands as a global celebration of cannabis culture. Its history traces back to a group of friends seeking discreet enjoyment of cannabis at exactly 4:20 PM. Now, every year on April 20th, individuals worldwide unite not only to enjoy the plant but also to advocate for marijuana legalization, exchange experiences, foster a sense of community, and celebrate the progress achieved in the cannabis industry. 420 serves as a platform to raise awareness about the myriad benefits of the plant, catering to both medicinal and recreational users alike.
3. Hemperor Day (June 18th)
Jack Herer Day, celebrated annually on June 18th, commemorates the legacy of Jack Herer, a legendary cannabis activist and author known as the “Emperor of Hemp” or “The Hemperor.” He dedicated his life to advocating for the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis through his tireless activism and influential writings. His most impactful work is often regarded as the most popular book in the industry. The Emperor Wears No Clothes chronicles the history of cannabis prohibition in America with government cover-ups and practical benefits of hemp for industrial purposes, which include paper, fiber, fuel, food, health, wellness, and other uses.
In 2010, Herer died at age 70, just two years before voters passed weed legalization in Colorado and Washington. The Original Jack Herer™ celebrates the official cannabis strain created by Sensi Seeds, a cannabis seeds bank, in honor of “The Hemperor.”
4. National Oil Day/National Dab Day (July 10th):
A mystery of heavy smoke clouds this popular industry holiday. According to various sources, the origins can be traced to the early 2010s from Hip-Hop rapper TaskRok, who, with a few other industry friends, were talking about different ways weed affects people and suggested they come up with a new time to take dabs on as 420 was becoming too old school. Therefore, TaskRok suggested “710″ because it spelled upside down for “OIL.”
Now National Oil Day, or National Dab Day, celebrated on July 10th (“OIL” 710 upsides down), is a day dedicated to the art and love of dabbing with cannabis concentrates like oil, wax, and shatter. Connoisseurs come together to celebrate and educate others about dabbing by placing a small amount of concentrate in the dab rig to consume the vapor, creating a quicker and more powerful effect.
5. National CBD Day (August 8th)
Before passing the 2018 Farm Bill in December of that same year, August 8th was designated National CBD Day in anticipation of the new federal bill’s approval. Since then, industrial hemp has become a federally legal crop, and new rules on low-THC cannabis have allowed hemp-derived products like hemp extracts, textiles, building materials, etc., to become legally available across America.
This was the first cannabis industry holiday created by created by cbdMD to celebrate, spread awareness, and highlight the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD). Observed annually on August 8th, it focuses on the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD, which include pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory properties. The day aims to promote awareness of CBD’s medicinal uses and its role in health and wellness.
6. Commemoration of the Victims of Cannabis Prohibition Day (October 5th)
On October 5th, 1937, Samuel R. Caldwell and Moses Baca became the first documented arrests under the newly enacted Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, effectively criminalizing cannabis at the federal level in the United States. This date is now recognized as Commemoration of the Victims of Cannabis Prohibition Day, reflecting on the profound and ongoing human cost of such policies. Observed annually on October 5th, it draws attention to the countless individuals and communities disproportionately harmed by the criminalization of cannabis and other substances.
It highlights the human rights violations, social injustices, and societal burdens arising from prohibition, advocating for a shift towards evidence-based, compassionate drug policies. This includes exploring alternatives prioritizing public health, harm reduction, and restorative justice over criminalization and incarceration.
7. International Budtenders Day (October 20th)
Originally started by Leafly, a leading cannabis discovery marketplaces and resources tech company, the annual International Budtenders Day is dedicated to celebrate and recognize budtenders and dispensary workers around the world who play such an essential role in the industry. These workers educate customers about different cannabis products, offer personalized recommendations, provide coonsumption and safety guidelines in the industry.
8. National Legalization Day (November 6th)
Washington and Colorado became the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana on November 6, 2012, marking a major turning leaf in cannabis policy nationwide. This day became known as National Legalization Day and is a significant milestone that varies by region, marking the day when cannabis becomes legally accessible for recreational or medicinal use. Celebrations often include events, gatherings, and discussions about the positive impacts of legalization on individuals. In addition, other impacts of legalization include tax revenue generation, job creation, and potential social changes.
9. Green Wednesday (November 22nd)
The origins of Green Wednesday are believed to have been created by Eaze, a California cannabis delivery service in 2016. This cannabis-specific day is celebrated on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving every year, akin to the annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales promotions in the retail industry. It has gained popularity as a cannabis holiday that is known for dispensary sales and promotions, This holiday is especially great for cannabis brands that run promotional campaigns for their customers. More importantly, due to the complex and constantly evolving nature of cannabis regulations, several states don’t permit discounting on THC cannabis products. Therefore, information typically can be found in each state’s cannabis regulatory agency.
However, CBD shares some similarities to THC in being derived from cannabis, they do fall under different legal and regulatory frameworks. Generally, states are more lenient with discounting CBD products compared to THC products because CBD, derived from hemp, is federally legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC but regulations still vary across states. So it’s important to check your local and county laws for specific restrictions on CBD discounts before issuing them on Green Wednesday.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this comprehensive cannabis holiday guide, each holiday explored has been rooted in the cannabis culture. There will be future cannabis holidays on the way, but these celebrations serve as a reminder of the progress made and the vibrant community that stands united in appreciation of the incredible plant we all love. Whether you partake for medicinal or recreational purposes, these holidays encapsulate the spirit of a community that cherishes cannabis in all its forms. May we celebrate these cannabis celebrations and contiue to blaze trails of awareness, unity, and shared enjoyment in the years to come. Happy celebrating and good vibes.
