Growing Number of Americans Pick Cannabis Over Alcohol — Media Spots the ‘Cousin Walk’ Trend

The "cousin walk" has long been a cherished Thanksgiving ritual for cannabis enthusiasts, but this year, even major news outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg are finally catching on. What used to be a stealthy pre-feast tradition is now being recognized as a significant shift in consumer behavior, as more adults—especially younger generations—swap holiday cocktails for joints and THC-infused drinks. With cannabis now legal in some form in most states, the "stoner walk" has gone from a subversive secret to a commercialized holiday staple, complete with themed pre-roll packs at local dispensaries.

This mainstream spotlight is a major win for the community because it helps strip away the old-school stigma and highlights a healthier trend: people opting for a natural buzz that actually helps with the holiday appetite. For regular users, this growing acceptance means less time hiding in the shadows and more opportunities to enjoy plant medicine openly. It’s a clear sign that cannabis culture is becoming a permanent, respected part of the American holiday experience.