Marijuana's unofficial holiday, 4/20, arrives this weekend on Easter Sunday, prompting retailers across Michigan to shift many promotions to Saturday, April 19. Legal for recreational use since 2018, the state's cannabis industry reached $3 billion in combined recreational and medical sales last year. Consumers can expect discounts on pre-rolls, flower, and edibles, plus sweepstakes for cars and cash at various outlets.
Origins of the 4/20 Tradition
The term "420" emerged in the early 1970s from a group of San Rafael High School students in California known as the Waldos. They met at 4:20 p.m. by a wall after school to smoke marijuana, turning the time into code for the activity. The phrase spread through Grateful Dead circles, a 1990 flyer from Oakland Deadheads, and coverage in High Times magazine by 1991, embedding it in cannabis culture.
Events and Discounts Statewide
Kalamazoo's Secret Garden Festival on April 19 at Thunderbird features Inspectah Deck of Wu-Tang Clan headlining with local hip-hop acts from 5 to 10 p.m.; vendors offer samples but no sales. Symphony Farms in Battle Creek discounts Acapulco Gold and Strange Candy half-ounce pre-packs to $25 each, open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on 4/20. House of Dank marks its 10th anniversary with giveaways and events at 12 locations including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, extending hours to 9 or 10 p.m.
LIV Cannabis in Lansing gives free gift bags and food to the first 50 guests on April 19, with deals on pre-rolls, edibles, and flower; hours run 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. that day and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 4/20. High Profile offers 25% off purchases of $250 or more at multiple sites. Quality Roots extends specials through April at its Michigan locations.
Major Giveaways Draw Crowds
King of Budz Cannabis Company in southeast Michigan runs a sweepstakes for a $60,000 car via its app starting April 20. Gage provides a $5,000 giveaway; entrants make a $75 purchase at participating stores like Gage, Lemonnade, or Pinnacle Emporium (excluding Cookies Grand Rapids), then submit online after opting into marketing.
Food Chains Join the Celebrations
Buffalo Wild Wings rewards members get a free sandwich on $15 orders or 10 boneless wings on $20 purchases. Insomnia Cookies discounts Deluxe six-packs by $4.20 with code GOODSTUFF through April 20. Popeyes app features a Munchies Menu with $4.20 sandwiches until the same date. These promotions blend cannabis culture with everyday dining.
