For dispensary staff and delivery managers, April 20—better known as 4/20—is the cannabis industry’s Super Bowl. What began as a counterculture celebration has evolved into a full-blown retail phenomenon marked by extended hours, massive crowds, and an avalanche of cannabis deals. From behind the counter and in the back offices, it’s a day of controlled chaos, customer connection, and strategic sales execution.
Prepping for the Green Rush
The energy starts weeks before the big day. As a budtender and manager, planning begins in early April. Product inventory gets a deep dive—what’s moving, what needs restocking, and which new items will anchor the 4/20 promotions. Delivery logistics are fine-tuned: we double-check driver schedules, plan backup vehicles, and make sure the software powering our e-commerce and point-of-sale systems can handle a surge in online orders.
We work with vendors and marketing teams to line up promotions like buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals, $4.20 items, and bundles featuring flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, and vapes. Our goal is to create deals that excite customers but also move inventory wisely.
Game Day: Go Time for Dispensary Staff
When 4/20 arrives, the dispensary opens early and doesn’t slow down until closing. For budtenders, it’s an adrenaline-fueled marathon. Customers start lining up before doors open, some looking for specific brands, others simply curious about the best deal.
Our team is split into zones—front counter, express pickup, product consultation, and online order prep. We rotate to stay fresh, but no one really sits down. Communication is constant: which items are low on stock, when new deliveries arrive, how long online queues are.
As a manager, I’m monitoring both the front of house and the delivery wing. Cannabis delivery sees a major uptick—up to 2-3x the normal daily volume. We rely on route optimization software and real-time tracking to make sure orders arrive within promised timeframes. Drivers are briefed and well-equipped, navigating traffic, weather, and an uptick in last-minute address changes.
The Deals That Dominate
On 4/20, people are hunting for value and novelty. Popular deals include:
- $4.20 pre-rolls: Great for first-time buyers or casual users.
- High-THC bundles: Featuring flower + concentrate + vape cartridge for one low price.
- BOGO on edibles: Especially effective for newer users or those avoiding inhalables.
- Loyalty point multipliers: Many dispensaries offer 2x or 3x points to drive retention beyond the holiday.
Our most popular items tend to be local craft brands, limited-edition drops, and anything labeled “infused.” Customers love being part of something exclusive, and 4/20 deals are an opportunity to discover new favorites without paying full price.
The Human Side of 4/20
Despite the crowds and non-stop action, 4/20 is one of the most rewarding days to work. Customers are excited, often more chatty than usual, and open to learning. For many, it’s their first dispensary experience—and as a budtender, you become their guide. Some come in honoring the holiday tradition; others are curious patients exploring alternatives to pharmaceuticals.
We see all walks of life—retirees, young professionals, medical patients, tourists, and regulars. The vibe is more festival than retail, with food trucks, DJs, and cannabis educators often part of the scene outside.
After the Smoke Clears
When the last customer leaves and the last delivery is signed for, we’re exhausted but satisfied. 4/20 may be the busiest day, but it’s also a celebration of how far the cannabis industry has come—and a reminder of why we show up every day: to educate, to connect, and to help people feel better.