Once seen as a fringe holiday for the counterculture, 4/20 has grown into something much bigger: a celebration of progress, wellness, and community. As more people embrace cannabis for its benefits beyond the buzz, the day has come to represent a cultural shift that’s hard to ignore.
At RiZE recreational dispensary located in MIchigan’s Upper Peninsula, we believe the best way to celebrate 4/20 is by breaking the stigma and honoring how far cannabis culture has come. As the holi-daze approaches, we’re reflecting on what this day means now and how it’s redefining the role cannabis plays in people’s lives.
The Shift in Public Perspective
It wasn’t that long ago that cannabis carried a heavy stigma tangled in outdated narratives and misinformation. But today, the conversation looks very different. According to recent national surveys highlighted by Marijuana Moment, the majority of Americans now believe that cannabis is less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes. Even more striking, many say it’s less addictive than technology, something most of us rely on daily.
The shift in public perception is a cultural turning point. People are starting to see cannabis for what it really is: a plant with real potential for wellness and balance, not something to fear or judge.
A New Normal for Cannabis
For longtime cannabis consumers, this growing acceptance can feel like a long-overdue breath of fresh air. For those who are new or curious, it opens the door to explore without shame or hesitation. Cannabis use is becoming more visible in everyday life, from parents managing stress to professionals using edibles for better sleep, and that visibility is key to dismantling the long-standing stigma.
As the stigma fades, more people are discovering how cannabis fits into their lives not as a vice but as a choice.
The Rise of Cannabis for Wellness
As perceptions shift, so do the reasons people are turning to cannabis. More and more, it’s for relief, not for the high.
People are using cannabis for therapeutic uses like:
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- Managing stress
- Supporting better sleep
- Easing chronic pain
- Bringing a sense of balance to their everyday lives
It’s becoming a tool in the broader wellness toolkit, right alongside meditation, exercises, and supplements.
Dispensary shelves share this same story. Low-dose edibles, infused beverages, and soothing topicals are in high demand. These products prioritize comfort over intensity and make cannabis more approachable, especially for those seeking gentle, functional support instead of a recreational experience.
4/20 in a New Light
The 4/20 holiday has come a long way from its rebellious roots. People once viewed 4/20 as a stoner subculture celebration, but it has evolved into something far more inclusive and meaningful. Today, all kinds of people embrace 4/20: professionals, parents, caregivers, and wellness-minded individuals who view cannabis as a valuable part of their lifestyle.
You’ll notice the shift in how the day is celebrated. Instead of only pushing high-potency products or party vibes, many cannabis brands now use 4/20 as a platform for community connection, education, and mindful consumption. It’s become an opportunity to share knowledge, highlight wellness benefits, and promote safe, intentional consumption.
At RiZE, of course we offer 4/20 discounts and deals, but we also want to create a space that’s welcoming, inclusive, and stigma-free. We celebrate the journey you’re on and are here to help you explore it in a way that feels right for you.
Why Breaking the Stigma Matters
Even with the progress we’ve made, the stigma around cannabis hasn’t completely disappeared. Many people still hesitate to talk about their cannabis consumption, worried they’ll be judged or misunderstood. This lingering shame can create barriers that make it harder for patients to ask questions, for consumers to feel confident in their choices, and for meaningful conversations to happen:
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- When we treat cannabis like the wellness tool it can be, we make space for open dialogue, safer experiences, and better education.
- People using cannabis for medical reasons shouldn’t have to defend their decisions.
- Curious consumers shouldn’t feel embarrassed to ask for guidance.
- Everyone deserves access to clear, accurate information that helps them make informed choices.
The narrative is shifting, and it’s powerful. As more people speak openly about how cannabis helps them, their stress, sleep, pain, or peace of mind, they’re helping others feel seen and supported too. The more we talk about it, the more we normalize it, and the more we break down those outdated walls of stigma.
Celebrating Progress Together at RiZE Dispensaries in the Upper Peninsula
Cannabis culture has come a long way, and 4/20 has grown right alongside it. It’s a moment to recognize how far we’ve come in breaking down stigma, opening minds, and creating space for cannabis to be a part of a balanced, intentional lifestyle.
At RiZE, we’re proud to be part of that evolution. Join us in-store at a dispensary location near you or order online and be a part of a 4/20 that’s shaping the future. See for yourself how our Michigan dispensary is redefining what cannabis looks like, feels like, and means to the people who love it. Let’s ride this cultural wave together. Be sure to visit us in our Ironwood, Iron Mountain, Menominee, and South Marquette locations to learn more.
The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.