Here’s what to know about Green and Blackout Wednesday, the biggest pre-holiday celebration and how to enjoy responsibly. Thanksgiving is upon us with cooking, shopping, family and expectations.  It is a werired work which includes prep, work and so much more.  But what to know about Green and Blackout Wednesday.  This week comes with two unofficial holidays which have rapidly grown in cultural and economic importance: Green Wednesday and Blackout Wednesday. Both fall on the day before Thanksgiving and both spotlight the unique way America kicks off the long holiday weekend—with shopping, cannabis, alcohol, and celebrations. For many consumers, this night is a chance to reconnect with friends and jump-start the season. But understanding their histories and how to participate responsibly can make all the difference. Green Wednesday is a relatively new cultural phenomenon. Coined around 2012 by the cannabis delivery company Eaze, it became the cannabis industry’s answer to Black Friday. It has since grown into one of the biggest sales days of the year, driven by deals, promotion, and the fact many Americans want a calmer, less stressful Thanksgiving. Green Wednesday is now one of the top three cannabis retail days in the U.S., alongside 4/20 and Black Friday. In many states, dispensaries report spikes in sales of edibles, vapes, low-dose products, and wellness-oriented items.

Blackout Wednesday, by contrast, has a longer and more complicated history. It began in the early 2000s when police departments and bar associations noticed the night before Thanksgiving had become one of the biggest drinking events of the year. Because so many people return to their hometowns, it became a massive reunion night. It also became associated with binge-drinking, DUIs, and overcrowded bars—which helped give it the nickname “Blackout Wednesday.”

Part of the draw is timing. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is uniquely suited for celebration: Most people have Thursday off.College students return home.Families reunite.Retailers and bars roll out major deals. But the cultural shift away from heavy alcohol consumption and toward cannabis is also noticeable. Green Wednesday is often framed as a calmer, more wellness-oriented alternative—one focused on relaxation instead of excess. Whether someone chooses cannabis or cocktails, the real key is pacing and awareness. Here are a few safety-centered tips: Plan transportation early—ride shares, designated drivers, or walking.Hydrate and eat—especially for alcohol consumption.Choose lower-dose cannabis products if you’re inexperienced.Avoid mixing alcohol and cannabis, as it intensifies impairment.Have a limit before you start.Keep gatherings about connection, not consumption. Green Wednesday and Blackout Wednesday reflect the way holiday traditions evolve. They can be fun, celebratory, and even reconnect us with old friendships and familiar places. But the goal should always be enjoying the moment—not waking up the next day wishing you dialed it back. With a thoughtful approach, both days can be safe, festive, and memorable traditions starting the holiday weekend on the right path.

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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