While it isn’t even Thanksgiving, stores, restaurants, and some homes are already prepping for Christmas. The big retailers are already premiering a holiday section, travel is being booked, and Starbucks is playing the Grinch by ignoring their classic Eggnog Latte. The seasonal drink, which contained espresso, steamed eggnog, and ground nutmeg, pretty much tasted like Christmas in coffee cup. Starbucks first introduced the holiday drink in 1984 along with the Christmas Blend coffee. It was their first foray into marketing festive beverages and was a success. In 2023, in North America alone, fans drank over 1 BILLION eggnogs (none from Starbucks). It seems the largest retail coffee company has a “War on Eggnog” and is working to ruin the festive spirit.

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Starbucks temporarily removed the Eggnog Latte from its menu in 2014 to streamline the menu, but brought it back after being flooded with customer complaints. Then during the late part of the pandemic in November of 2021, Starbucks added to the misery by dropping the menu favorite.

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The election and holiday season is upon us. So it’s time to settle the toughest questions. Which is better? Smoking weed before a meal, or after? Let’s put this to rest once and for all.

The eternal question

When it comes to pairing weed with food, timing can be everything. So, what’s your move? Are you a “pre-meal puff” kind of person, or do you prefer to save your smoke session for after you’ve cleaned your plate? Let’s break down the pros of each approach, and maybe by the end, you’ll have a new favorite go-to.

Smoking weed before a meal

Let’s start with the pre-meal enthusiasts. The main argument here? Munchies. Smoking before eating often cranks up your appetite, making whatever meal you’re about to dig into taste like the best thing ever. Think of it as a secret spice that takes your meal to a new level. Even if it’s just a microwave burrito, it’s likely going to taste like a five-star experience when you’re already a little elevated.

The other big pro to pre-meal smoking is that it helps you slow down and appreciate the food. Instead of rushing through the meal, you’re more likely to savor each bite. If you’re the kind of person who’s always eating on the go, smoking beforehand might help turn a quick meal into something special. Plus, if you’re out with friends or family, it can make you feel more in the moment, turning an ordinary dinner into a true vibe.

Smoking weed after a meal

On the flip side, we have the after-meal crowd. The main reason to save your smoke session for later? Post-meal relaxation. After a big meal, there’s nothing quite like lighting up and just kicking back. The high hits differently when you’re already full and satisfied. Think of it as dessert without any calories.

A meal kind of ruins a good buzz, so smoking before you eat can be a waste. By contrast, puffing after you eat has no such comedown.

For people who don’t want to overeat, smoking afterward can also help you avoid the munchies altogether. You’re less likely to snack mindlessly when you’re already full. Plus, if your post-meal plans include anything active—like a walk around the neighborhood or just chilling with a movie—smoking after you’ve eaten can give you the perfect buzz for whatever comes next.

The decision

So, which one is better? Like most things with cannabis, there’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what works for you. Some people swear by the pre-meal high for making food taste even better, while others are all about that relaxed, post-meal vibe.

But we want to hear from you. Are you team “smoke before” or team “smoke after”? Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and settle the debate once and for all. And hey, if you’re really stuck, there’s no harm in trying both. Just make sure you have snacks on hand—either way, you’re going to need them.

Great news, America. The price of cannabis should fall for most of your adult life. Legalization has ushered in economies of scale—bringing a $60 bag down to $6. There’s penny joints, buy one get one free, buy two get one free, and on and on.

The question remains—how do I get at this fabulous affordable herb? Here’s a Leafly Cannabis 101 article on Why you should shop early for cannabis deals.

Wait, there are deals on weed in stores now?

If you just woke up from a coma, there are 24 legalization states, and over 40 medical ones. Thousands of dispensaries blanket the land—from remote Alaskan islands to balmy Miami.

Cannabis offers a popular alternative to stronger holiday stuff including alcohol. Plus, weed fans relish the chance to pick up something special for the holidays; and share it with friends.

Leafly connects you to cannabis via thousands of dispensary menus. You can look up thousands of strains by name and effect; it’s better than wine or beer marketplaces.

Why you should shop early for cannabis deals: Save money

Employment is booming, but inflation has ate all our pay gains. You need to be deal-maxxing. And timing is half of deal-maxxing.

In a free market, you win at buying stuff when you have the time to shop around for a deal. When you’re out of time, you’re paying full price.

For example, Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 28th. The day before, buying peaks on what’s now called Green Wednesday. 

Everyone loads up at the last minute on some pre-rolls or gummies or what have you. The line gets long, supplies run low, and in terms of the price—you can take it or leave it.

But today, November 4, three weeks out—you have your pick of the menus, and time to shop around deals near you. Weed prices are volatile. The good stuff holds firm at $60 per eighth ounce, then goes for half that when it runs the risk of going stale. Pounce on that.

You gotta take advantage of timing and shopping around, or you’re doing capitalism bad and you should feel bad.

Why you should shop early for weed deals: Better selection

Here’s a fact—the best stuff often sells out the fastest. Grab a Cannabis Cup or Emerald Cup winner the second it drops. Shoot, order it for pick-up. Don’t get left with the snickle-fritz on Green Wednesday.

Maybe—instead of grabbing an overpriced, stale pre-roll on Christmas Eve, go in early December and get a premium hashhole with a gram of bubble hash for a penny.

What is early for cannabis deals this season?

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 28th, 2024. You can plan your Turkey Day sesh out exquisitely starting today. Take a voice note of your dream scenario: ‘Some Permanent Marker flower, some Z live rosin. …’ Then search it up on Leafly, and order it.

There’s no shame in visualizing now what sesh success looks like on Nov. 28. Look around you. The Christmas catalogs from Amazon have dropped. Mariah Carey is taking pre-orders for the 30th anniversary edition of Merry Christmas. 

Why you should shop early for cannabis deals: Stress less

Stress is toxic.

Don’t be one of those stressed-out fools honking in traffic on Green Wednesday. Be at home, stocked up in your snuggery, making crafts and stuff. Go marinate something for Thanksgiving the next day. Spend your weed savings on gifts for yourself—I mean, other people.

It’s 2024—you’re not sitting in traffic, you are traffic. There are so many new stress-free ways to re-up. In Canada, you can get a joint with your burrito on Uber Eats. Missouri has legal weed drive-throughs. More places offer pickup and curbside pickup. Arizona just added home delivery for all adults age 21+.

Waiting in lines is lame. Do something great for your future self, and lock in a sweet holiday stash today.

Holidays are the most fun when you plan well, get what you need, and allow yourself to be present and enjoy the vibes. Good luck out there.