Maximizing Profits During the Green Wednesday Sales Rush

New Data Shows Strong Growth in Cannabis Sales During Key Holiday Shopping Days

Recent data highlights significant growth in cannabis sales during popular shopping days, especially Green Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and throughout the holiday week. On Green Wednesday 2023, cannabis sales surged by 90.5% compared to the previous three Wednesdays, according to Jane Technologies. This year’s numbers also reflected an 18.1% increase from Green Wednesday 2022. Adjusting for industry growth, sales were still up by 11.4% year-over-year, indicating a steady rise in consumer demand for cannabis products around this holiday.

Shoppers frequently stock up on cannabis products before traveling for the extended Thanksgiving weekend, and Green Wednesday has become an essential part of pre-holiday purchasing habits. Popular product categories included flower, vape pens, edibles, and pre-rolls, catering to a range of consumer preferences.

Thanksgiving Week Sparks Sales Boom for Cannabis Retail

Green Wednesday may be a major driver, but Thanksgiving week overall has evolved into a critical period for cannabis retail across the U.S. Data from Seattle-based cannabis analytics firm Headset, which tracks sales across 13 states, reveals that Thanksgiving week 2023 generated a total of $355.8 million in marijuana sales. This period also marked a record for pre-roll sales, underscoring increased demand for convenient cannabis options during the holiday season.

Breaking down the sales for Thanksgiving week 2023:

Flower: 2 million units sold (27.4% of total) amounting to $144.5 million (40.6% of revenue)

Vape pens: 6 million units sold (19% of total) amounting to $85.5 million (24% of revenue)

Pre-rolls: 9 million units sold (25.9% of total) amounting to $50.4 million (14.2% of revenue)

Importance of Early Planning for Retailers

To maximize the benefits of this seasonal spike, planning is essential for cannabis businesses. Leaf Trade, a wholesale platform in the cannabis industry, recorded a 17.17% rise in wholesale orders on November 5, three weeks before Thanksgiving. The increase indicates that retailers anticipate high demand and stock up in advance to meet holiday season requirements.

Cannabis Sales Continue Through the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving week sets the tone for the cannabis industry’s holiday sales, but the season continues until the new year. December 23, for instance, is one of the most significant days for cannabis purchases, as many consumers prepare for Christmas and other winter celebrations. Headset’s data shows an 18% increase in pre-roll sales on December 23, pointing to the popularity of pre-packaged, easy-to-use products.

With record-breaking sales on Green Wednesday, a profitable Thanksgiving week, and expected spikes leading up to the winter holidays, the season has become an important growth period for marijuana retailers. Retailers are encouraged to stock up well in advance of these peak shopping days to capture the maximum share of holiday demand.