Marijuana retailers across Michigan roll out discounts, events, and major prizes to mark the 4/20 holiday, which coincides with Easter Sunday this year. Legal recreational sales, permitted since 2018, fueled $3 billion in combined recreational and medical revenue last year, powering an industry boom. Many promotions shift to Saturday, April 19, to sidestep the religious observance.
Origins of the 4/20 Tradition
The code "420" emerged from a group of California high school students in the early 1970s, who met at 4:20 p.m. by a wall to smoke marijuana after school. Known as the Waldos, they spread the term through connections to the Grateful Dead, where a 1990 flyer called for a smoke session on April 20 at 4:20 p.m. High Times magazine amplified it in 1991, embedding the date in cannabis culture. Nearly 35 years on, Michiganders embrace the unofficial holiday with fervor.
Events and Discounts Across the State
In Kalamazoo, the Secret Garden Festival on April 19 at Thunderbird features Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck alongside local hip-hop acts from 5 to 10 p.m., with vendors offering samples but no direct sales. Battle Creek's Symphony Farms discounts Acapulco Gold and Strange Candy pre-packs to $25 for a half-ounce on April 20, open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. House of Dank marks its 10th anniversary with giveaways and extended hours—9 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m.—at 12 locations including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids.
LIV Cannabis in Lansing hands free gift bags and food to the first 50 visitors on April 19, plus deals on pre-rolls, edibles, and flower. High Profile offers 25% off purchases over $250 at its statewide sites. Quality Roots extends specials through April at multiple Michigan spots.
High-Stakes Giveaways Draw Crowds
King of Budz Cannabis, with southeast Michigan stores, runs a sweepstakes via its app for a $60,000 car starting April 20. Gage hosts a $5,000 cash giveaway: enter online after a $75 purchase at participating stores like Lemonnade or Pinnacle Emporium, excluding Cookies Grand Rapids, with opt-in for marketing.
Food Promotions Join the Celebration
Chains tap into 4/20 with app-exclusive deals through Sunday. Buffalo Wild Wings rewards members get a free sandwich on $15 orders or 10 boneless wings on $20 spends. Insomnia Cookies knocks $4.20 off deluxe six-packs using code GOODSTUFF. Popeyes launches a Munchies Menu with $4.20 sandwiches.
