420 is tomorrow…the Super Bowl, Black Friday, and Christmas all rolled into one for the cannabis industry.

Or, as it’s more commonly known: Stoner Christmas.

So naturally, Mike and I approached it the only way we know how… not casually, but strategically.

We made the run to New Buffalo, Michigan. Why? Because if you understand cannabis pricing, taxes, and regulatory structures, you already know: crossing state lines (legally purchasing where permitted) isn’t just a trip, it’s optimization.

Three stops. One objective: build the haul.

We hit Elevated Exotics (interview) and Bowdega in New Buffalo, both worth the trip on their own. Staff were knowledgeable, efficient, and actually helpful (not just transactional), which matters more than people realize in a high-volume dispensary environment, especially during a 420 surge.

Inventory-wise? This is where Michigan separates itself.

We’re talking full-spectrum cannabis retail:

• Premium indoor flower strains (indica, sativa, hybrid)

• Live resin and distillate vape cartridges

• Cannabis-infused edibles (gummies, chocolates, high-dose options)

• THC beverages and drinkables (fast-acting category growth)

• Deli-style cannabis where you can see and select product

• Topicals, concentrates, and bulk purchase options

This isn’t just “buy weed and go.” It’s a fully built-out consumer retail system designed for volume, variety, and repeat buyers.

We also got a behind-the-scenes look at Weedmart, opening April 21 on Route 12 in New Buffalo. If you follow retail strategy, you’d appreciate this: aggressive launch pricing, first-time customer incentives, and reported 40% off promotions tied directly to 420 weekend traffic.

That’s not just a sale, that’s customer acquisition at scale.

And yes, the demand reflects it.

Trap Stars had a line wrapped around the building. Not exaggerating… out the door, around the corner, full wait. That’s what happens when deep cannabis discounts, limited-time 420 deals, and high consumer awareness collide. Last time we went there they were giving out free Popeyes chicken.

Pro tip: if you’re planning a 420 dispensary run in Michigan, get there early, expect lines, and treat it like an event, not a quick stop.

Now let’s talk branding, because this might’ve been the most interesting part.

Cannabis isn’t just a product anymore,

it’s culture, licensing, and entertainment.

We saw:

A Magic 8 Ball promotional giveaways tied to cannabis drops from White Boy Rick branded cannabis products blending pop culture + legacy storytelling

A Mike Epps cannabis line… complete with a bobblehead (yes, really)

At this point, cannabis branding is operating somewhere between streetwear, celebrity licensing, and collectible merchandising.

But here’s the flip side and a reminder for anyone shopping off packaging hype:

Not everything that looks premium is premium.

Those “One Chip Challenge”-style boxes we saw? Looked wild. Sounded intense. Almost bought them.

Turns out? Just standard flower inside. No special infusion, no elevated potency, just clever packaging. Even a bystander jumped in to confirm the disappointment.

Lesson: branding sells, but product knowledge wins. Don’t forget to enojy the live music, food trucks, and perks for the holiday.

And that’s really the takeaway from the entire trip.

If you’re in Illinois, you already understand the conversation around cannabis taxes, pricing disparities, and market structure. Michigan has positioned itself as a high-volume, consumer-friendly alternative with better pricing, broader selection, and a more competitive retail environment.

So for a lot of people, the “Michigan cannabis trip” isn’t just a tradition, it’s a calculated decision.

More product. Better pricing. Wider selection. Stronger promotions.

Call it what you want… holiday shopping, market arbitrage, or just being prepared but if you’re like Mike…

This is stoner preparedness season.

Stock up accordingly.

Elevated Exotics: 13899 Grand Ave, New Buffalo, MI 49117 elevatedexotics.com

Bowdega: 19701 US-12, New Buffalo, MI 49117 bowdega.com

Weedmart: 13944 Grand Ave, New Buffalo, MI 49117 shopweedmart.com

Trap Stars: 13964 Grand Ave, New Buffalo, MI 49117 trapstars.co