Follow your nose, keep a diary, and other tips to enjoy this cannabis holiday season
In addition to our usual 4/20 roundups and coverage of deals and events, this year we are tapping into weed culture and business platforms as well to help educate consumers and industry insiders alike on trends and more.
For this installment, we looked to HashDash, which offers a “comprehensive solution to” parsing the “overwhelming variety of cannabis strains, consumption methods, dosages, cannabinoid profiles, terpenes, flavors, and effects that often perplex consumers.” You can read our interview from last year with the founder of the New Hampshire-based company here. -TJM Editors
The 4/20 Rush Is Real—But Is It Working for You?
Every April, cannabis consumers gear up for what feels like the Super Bowl of weed: 4/20. In 2024 alone, US dispensaries raked in $167 million in a single day—a 133% spike over the daily sales average for April. Dispensaries slash prices, stock up on bestsellers, and roll out flashy promotions in anticipation of the year’s biggest cannabis shopping event. But for all the hype and record-breaking numbers, there’s often a disconnect on the retail floor.
You wait in line, grab the “deal of the day,” and walk away with something that might be strong but not necessarily right for you. It might be popular, but not exactly what your body, brain, or vibe actually desires. It’s transactional. And according to a recent YouGov poll, it often ends in disappointment.
This year, what if your 4/20 was less about chasing hype and more about finding your ideal experience?
What You Think You Want vs. What You Actually Need
Walk into any dispensary on 4/20, and you’ll see the same thing: bold THC numbers plastered on menus, budtenders pitching “strongest strains”, and customers scanning for the highest percentage they can get for the lowest price.
But here’s the problem: THC percentage doesn’t tell the whole story—and on its own, it’s a pretty useless way to choose a product.
It’s like showing up at a liquor store and asking for “whatever is the highest proof.” Technically, you’ll get drunk—but it might taste like jet fuel, ruin your night, and leave you wondering why you drank in the first place.
Cannabis works the same way. Chasing the highest THC percentage might get you high, but will it get you the experience you’re actually looking for? The truth is, there’s a lot more to consider—like how you want to feel, what flavors and aromas you enjoy, and whether you’re using cannabis to relax, sleep better, ease anxiety, or just have a good time. Different strains and products offer different effects, and your ideal match depends on your body, your mindset, and your goals.
This is where intention becomes everything. Cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Today, most menus won’t be able to account for this. But you still can.
Tips to Personalize Your 4/20 Experience
If you want to walk away from 4/20 with products you actually love (and not just tolerate), here are some tips to help you rethink your dispensary strategy:
Know Your Why
Before you even look at a menu, ask yourself: What am I actually hoping to feel? Whether it’s unwinding after work, boosting creativity, easing anxiety, or improving sleep, your intent should guide your purchase. Shopping with a clear purpose helps cut through the noise and prevents you from ending up with a product that misses the mark.
Keep a Strain Diary
If you’ve ever said “That one pre-roll I got a few months ago was amazing, but I don’t remember what it was,” you’re not alone. Tracking what you’ve tried—what worked, what didn’t, how it made you feel—can turn your future purchases from random guesses into data-backed decisions. Even just a few notes in your phone can go a long way.
Your Nose Knows
Terpenes—those aromatic compounds responsible for how cannabis smells and tastes—play a huge role in how it makes you feel. Strains high in limonene may feel uplifting, while those rich in myrcene might be more sedating. If you like how it smells, there’s a good chance your body will like how it feels. Don’t just read the label—follow your senses.
Don’t Let Trends Pick for You
Just because a strain is popular on social media or “flying off the shelf” doesn’t mean it’s right for you. A product’s buzz doesn’t guarantee a good match with your body or your goals. Shop for yourself—not for hype.
Plan Ahead
Don’t walk in blind. Check the dispensary’s menu online beforehand and do a little research. Look for products that align with your desired effects, flavor preferences, or wellness goals. Planning ahead helps you feel less rushed and more intentional, especially on high-traffic days like 4/20.
Let Tech Be Your Sidekick
Or better yet, come in armed with your own data. Rather than relying solely on a budtender’s quick take or whatever’s in the display case, take time to research the dispensary menu and use tools like HashDash to find products that actually fit you.
HashDash is a cannabis personalization platform that uses a proprietary algorithm to match your quiz responses with its extensive strain library. Instead of burning through cash and guessing your way down a dispensary menu, you get smarter, more focused recommendations built around you, not what’s trendy.
Make This 4/20 Personal
4/20 doesn’t have to be about chasing discounts and walking out with whatever’s cheapest or strongest. It can be about discovery. About finding what actually works for you. And about reclaiming your cannabis experience from the chaos of promotional noise.
So this year, make it personal. Don’t just make a purchase—actually shop for cannabis.
