On paper, the Thanksgiving Cousin Walk is a typical Hallmark-approved tradition. Just a few extended family members sharing the joy of nature, bonding over the late fall weather before a lovely home-cooked meal.
But the Thanksgiving Cousin Walk is more than just a pre-feast stroll. It’s a time-honored tradition dating back generations, revolving around America’s favorite not-so-secret pastime: cannabis. Essentially, a few “cousins”—or even parents and grandparents—would slip away and partake in a discreet smoke, using coded phrases to mask the activity. It was, and still is, a sly way to relax and interact with like-minded family members amid the intensity of holiday gatherings.
The practice has skyrocketed in popularity in the era of internet phenomena, memes, and mounting legalization. In this article, learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the new tradition, like how it took off, how to prepare for the stroll, thoughtful considerations for family members, and, of course, how to store your stash properly for fresh cannabis on your post-feast walk.
How Did the Cousin Walk Gain Popularity?
As mentioned, the tradition dates back—we think—decades. It’s tough to place its origins. It appears to be an organic tradition, springing up in multiple places before spreading like wildfire in the pre-internet days. One cousin surreptitiously slips out the back, while the other cousins spot (or smell) high-quality weed and follow suit—thus, a tradition is born.
Once the internet and social media made it easier for people to share traditions, the Thanksgiving Cousin Walk became a certified nationwide phenomenon. It’s a trending topic on places like TikTok and Reddit around the holidays, and it has its very own entries on sites like Know Your Meme and the Urban Dictionary.
However, the internet deserves only partial credit. The recent widespread normalization of cannabis, thanks to an impressively quick slate of legalizations across various states, undoubtedly added some momentum to the tradition. It’s no longer that taboo to step outside, enjoy a legal bowl or blunt, and then hang out with family.
Lastly, the Cousin Walk became popular for a simple reason: it’s a good idea. The holidays can be stressful, especially when there are clashing personalities involved. Decompressing with a little cannabis, fresh air, and good conversation can be the ideal antidote for a frenetic Thanksgiving gathering. Not to mention the immediate satisfaction of digging into a delicious meal right after perking up your appetite.
Planning the Ultimate Thanksgiving Cousin Walk
If this is your first year observing the Cousin Walk, then welcome to the club. It’s a relatively easy tradition to plan. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind before you peel away from the dinner table.
Here are a few points to consider on this year’s Thanksgiving Cousin Walk.
Choose the Right Strain(s)
Ideally, you choose a strain that agrees with everyone’s tolerance levels. No one wants to be too high on the best of days—let alone when they have to mingle with family afterward. Choose a strain that emphasizes either relaxation, creativity, or energy, like sour diesel or granddaddy purple. Make sure everyone’s okay with the relative THC and CBD contents of your chosen strain; if necessary, pack two or more types of weed to satisfy everyone’s tolerance.
If any participant is unsure about the effects of cannabis on their system (this mostly applies to newer smokers), refer them to the Boveda resource linked to the left.
Pick a Relaxing Location
Find a tranquil, quiet spot for a walk that doesn’t intrude on other families’ holiday plans. That might be a nearby park, a sparsely populated neighborhood street, or even a cozy backyard area for privacy. Bonus points if your walk includes some natural beauty along the way.
Set the Vibe
If you want to elevate your Cousin Walk experience, consider bringing a portable speaker for music, which adds a nice background to the whole thing.
Practice Proper Storage for Your Stash
The last thing you want is to open up your stash bag on Thanksgiving Day to find stale-smelling, dry cannabis. It can put a real damper on the Cousin Walk festivities. For proper storage, keep your cannabis in a tightly sealed container or heavy-duty bag with a Boveda 2-way humidity control pack. Boveda packs maintain the ideal relative humidity to ensure that your cannabis stays sticky, fluffy, and tasty.
Prepare for the Weather
Beyond storage solutions, music, and snacks, consider bringing items like blankets or hand warmers if it’s chilly. Beyond that, consider packing a small flashlight or phone light for safe navigation if you’re walking at night.
Consider Your Family Members and Include Everyone Who Wants to Join
The Thanksgiving Cousin Walk should operate in a spirit of inclusivity and respect. That said, be mindful of relatives who might not appreciate the cannabis aroma, and keep things low-key and discreet to avoid spoiling their holiday fun.
Let everyone (of legal age) join in the festivities if they want to. Plenty of the older generation have just as much affinity for cannabis as the younger generations, and would probably greatly appreciate the invite!
Time it Right
Timing is everything on a Thanksgiving Cousin Walk. You don’t want to raise eyebrows. Instead, you want to capitalize on a natural lull in the family festivities to give each other a knowing look, inconspicuously slip out the door, and avoid raising red flags. Discuss an appropriate time beforehand with participating relatives so that everyone has a general sense of when the walk is happening. If you were curious about this “Cousin Walk” tradition you’ve been hearing about, hopefully, this article answers your questions. Consider making it a tradition in your family and follow the straightforward tips above, like storing your weed with Boveda for maximum enjoyment. Happy Thanksgiving!
