Country cannabis outlaw and icon Willie Nelson entered the Michigan cannabis market, debuting his cannabis brand in the state last week.

Michigan is the eighth state so far to sell flower from the singer-songwriter’s exclusive cannabis brand, Willie’s Reserve, which will be available at all Puff locations and several other dispensaries across the state. 

Nelson has earned his name in the cannabis world after decades of support. Now at 90 years old, Nelson has attributed cannabis—a secret to a long life—as a main driving force in quitting cigarettes and alcohol, his lifetime battles with addiction. He’s ready to share his cannabis brand, now in Michigan, which is something that he can truly stand behind.

Willie’s Reserve is working with Lansing, Michigan-based Aardvark Industrees to supply dispensaries with the flower. The strains are potent, ranging from 24% to 30% THC, with names such as Cousin Strawberry G (Cousin Larry x Strawberry Cough) or Hitman OG (OG Kush x Unknown Hybrid Indica). Details about Willie’s Reserve-specific strains in the area have not yet been released. The brand sends a variety of pre-rolls, eighths, and quarter jars, among other products. You can check the website to find where Aardvark Industrees cannabis can be found.

“This model is twofold in its purpose—first to help meet the expected demand of the product and, secondly, to support small independent growers in the state,” Hilary Dulany, an Aardvark Industrees partner, said in a statement. “By working with smaller growers, we can ensure that the product we bring to market is truly Willie-worthy while being able to pivot with market demand.”

Aardvark Industrees is also handling local operations of Cheech’s Stash, a brand created by comedian and actor Cheech Marin, one-half of the duo Cheech & Chong.

Crain’s calls Michigan the second largest cannabis market in the United States, based on Headset research.

Starting Oct. 25, Willie’s Reserve will be available at 15 dispensaries statewide, including Stone Depot in Jackson, Green Stem in Niles, Verts Neighborhood Dispensary in Traverse City, Mood Center Line in Center Line, Planet 420 in Flint, Endo in Adrian, and all off Puff locations in Bay City, Traverse City, Hamtramck, Kalamazoo, Madison Heights, Monroe, Oscoda, River Rouge, Sturgis, and Utica.

“We’re drawn to brands that are also pioneers and cannabis risk-takers,” Dulany said. “We want the brands we grow for and work with to be aligned with us personally and professionally.”

The Spread of Willie’s Reserve

Nelson launched Willie’s Reserve in 2015, starting out with simple labeling and stock tins. Building on a long career of singing about and advocating for cannabis use, Willie’s Reserve represents “a culmination of [Nelson’s] vision, and his whole life,” according to company spokesman Michael Bowman.

In 2016, Nelson opened shop in three states: Washington, Colorado, and Washington. And it wasn’t long until Willie’s Reserve started appearing on dispensary shelves in Oregon and Las Vegas, Nevada. In October, 2017, Nelson announced his cannabis line was headed for California after the passage of Prop. 64, opening the doors for the largest state cannabis market in the U.S. at the time.

Nelson was interviewed by High Times in 2005, along with his old pal Keith Stroup, founder of NORML, and even Bob Dylan made a quick cameo appearance during the interview.

“Yeah, I knew I was killing myself with cigarettes, and I knew I was really putting myself in danger with drinking so much, so somewhere along the way I decided, ‘Wait a minute! You know, do what you can do’,” Nelson told High Times. “In the early years, I drank all the time. Mainly before pot. Up until then, I was into whiskey and uppers. You know, that’s the deal. Truck drivers had the bennies when they made those LA turnarounds, and all that stuff was going around. All the guitar players had it.”

Nelson also admitted that you can’t have too much of a good thing.

“Moderation is always the key, even for pot,” he said in 2005. “You can overdo pot. And it’s not for the kids…. After they get 18, 21 years old, they’re going to try whatever they’re gonna try…”

Before the launch of Willie’s Reserve, Nelson used to grind up all of his weed, regardless of variety or strain, and store his ground up mixture in a large tin.

Nelson is co-founder of Farm Aid, a nonprofit organization that raises millions of dollars to promote family-owned farms, his own version of Live Aid. Truth be told, Nelson has spent a great deal of this time during his career supporting farmers.

Nelson’s son, in the band Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, released their own song aptly named “High Times” and is heavily involved in the cannabis side of business with his family. Catch their cannabis, now available throughout Michigan.

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For years fast food chains more or less catered to late-night cannabis consumers, without ever making it official—that is up until recently. This year, the High Times’ running list of fast food joints offering deals this April 20 includes, but is not limited to: Wingstop, Cheba Hut, Del Taco, Jimmy John’s, Chronic Tacos, Jack in the Box, and Fatburger.

The munchies are very commonly reported. Via baby steps, mainstream food chains that can satisfy the munchies are starting to warm up to cannabis, as evident in a slew of cannabis-inspired 420 deals. 

The game of 420 fast food deals is hit-or-miss. In 2019, Carl’s Jr. launched the infamous CBD burger, the CBD-infused “Rocky Mountain High: CheeseBurger Delight,” but only the limited edition Santa Fe Sauce contained 5mg of CBD. Others have pushed the boundaries of what can be done in terms of marketing.

Let’s take a look at what chains are openly marketing to cannabis consumers. This year, fast food chains are staying creative with added terpenes, rolling papers, free delivery to avoid stoned driving, and more.

Wingstop

Wingstop is honoring their cannabis-loving patrons with a limited-edition, terpene-infused flavor, Blazed & Glazed, which is only available from April 18 through 22, while supplies last. Anyone nationwide can order at Wingstop.com or through the Wingstop app.

The new flavor balances ingredients such as a terpenes, hemp seeds, strawberry, and cayenne pepper to give fans “the second-best herbal experience they could have on 4/20.” Wink-wink. 

“Flavor is what puts Wingstop in a category of one, and we recognize that many fans turn to our brand to satisfy their munchies craving, Wingstop Chief Growth Officer Marisa Carona told High Times. “In typical Wingstop fashion, we wanted to go one step further and create a limited-time flavor for 420 that has a unique flavor profile, and may even produce a mouth-tingling sensation.” 

“So, we bring you Blazed & Glazed,” she said.

Blazed & Glazed wings don’t contain any THC, but any experienced cannabis consumer knows that terpenes are part of the magic when it comes to flavor. 

Wingstop is even taking part in one of San Francisco’s biggest holiday get-togethers where smokers converge on a massive scale. The Wingstop food truck will be bringing free Blazed & Glazed wings directly to Hippie Hill in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park on April 20. One can only imagine the impact of satisfying the munchies of festival-goers.

Cheba Hut

As you might guess, Cheba Hut is getting in on the action as well. This April 20, Cheba Hut, a cannabis-inspired restaurant, is partnering with Long Play, a national cannabis portfolio company that prioritizes sustainable cultivation practices, to offer “nug-sized sandwiches” that are served on a frisbee with a side of Willie’s Reserve rolling papers for, you guessed it, $4.20.

But Cheba Hut’s approach to its deal sets it apart from the rest. Each rolling paper comes with a QR code that customers can scan to enter for a chance to win a trip to the The Emerald Cup in Hollywood, along with two Willies Reserve gift packs. The QR code offer will run from April 20 until April 30, with the winner being announced on May 2, and entrants must be 21-plus years old to enter.

The deal is available at Cheba Hut locations in 15 states, including: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin.

“Cheba Hut is a Colorado-based company, and Willie’s Reserve is also based in Colorado,” Nicole Kennebeck, marketing director at Willie’s Reserve told High Times. “That’s where Long Play is also based. We saw an opportunity to really elevate both of our voices in a fun way. It wasn’t just focused on cannabis sales, but as the cannabis community as a whole. 

“Cheba Hut makes cannabis strain-named sandwiches so it’s a fun space for us to be in,” Kennebeck added. Cheba Hut Toasted Subs was founded in 1998 by Scott Jennings, before other subs were toasted, with cannabis-inspired names, and offers 420 deals every year.

Del Taco

This year, Del Taco isn’t missing out either. At Del Taco this April 20, for one day only, you can get Five New Chicken Cheddar Rollers for $4.20 in what Del Taco is calling Rollerdaze. 

“Del Taco’s 4/20 Rollerdaze deal is timed to coincide with the unofficial national cannabis holiday to fulfill those mass munchie needs, but whether you wake and bake or don’t partake everyone can enjoy a smokin’ deal in the Del Yeah! Rewards app to try the new Chicken Cheddar Rollers,” the company stated in a news release. 

For this particular 420 deal, you must register with the Del Yeah! Rewards program in order to access the deal. This promotion is available only on orders placed through the Del Yeah! Rewards app, according to the website. 

People who add the $4.20 Chicken Cheddar Rollers bundle to their cart will receive a discounted price. No offer required. Valid Wednesday, 4/20/2022 only. Limit 1 discounted bundle per purchase. Not valid with any other offer, discount, or coupon. No cash value. Price and participation may vary. Not valid with 3rd Party delivery providers.

Del Taco is also taking the responsible route by providing a free delivery option on April 20 only.

The app is also required to access the Free Delivery promotion and available only on delivery orders placed though the Del Yeah! Rewards app. 

Jimmy John’s

Jimmy John’s, purveyors of mouth-watering sandwiches, is providing a 420 with a unique twist: a sliding scale discount based on how high you are. Yes, you read that correctly.

The Thrillist reports that on April 20, Jimmy John’s will have an “elevation checker” site where you can enter your location to get a discount of up to 20% off a sub based on if you are “not so high,” “kinda high,” or “highest.” This is by far one of the most innovative 420 deals High Times has encountered.

The company will be hosting a party for the occasion in Leadville, Colorado, which happens to be home to some great cannabis companies. Visit GetHighWithJimmyJohns.com to learn more about the deal and access discount codes.

Chronic Tacos

Chronic Tacos offers mouth-watering, third-generation recipes. Chronic Tacos will be offering a buy one burrito or a “bowl-rito” at regular price, get the second for $4.20, however the offer excludes Fish, Shrimp, Steak, Surf & Turf burritos, Beyond Beef, and Cali Burritos. The deal is available in all Chronic Tacos locations.

Southern California-based Chronic Tacos now has over 60 locations operating across the United States, Canada, and Japan.

On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of traditional Mexican items including tacos, burritos, and bowl-ritos, along with some non-traditional items such as California burrito and Chronic Fries. 

Patrons can get this offer in store, on the Chronic Tacos app, and through online ordering on the Chronic Tacos website.

Jack in the Box

Everyone on the West Coast and Texas lives near a Jack in the Box, and the chain is growing in other states. Jack in the Box is joining the mix this year with the Pineapple Express Shake. The Pineapple Express Shake is actually available the whole month of April, but it’s only $4.20 on April 20, as well as every flavor of shake on the menu. 

For every Pineapple Express Shake purchased through third-party delivery apps on April 20, Jack in the Box will plant a tree, with certain restrictions. The shake sizes also have been shifted from the classics to applicable ounces on third-party apps, and the deal is for a limited time.

Don’t forget to check out “Jack Loves Trees,” created in partnership with Ryan Reynolds’ creative agency Maximum Effort.

Fatburger

Fatburger provided a 420 deal last year, and according to Food Beast, the OG Fatburger is available this year for just $4.20 with free delivery for the month of April on all orders that are $20 and up. Some restrictions may apply, according to Fatburger, and the deal is not valid on orders placed via third-party delivery apps.

This year, the chain is reportedly taking it a step further.

Food Beast reports that a strain of weed will be named after Fatburger’s hand-scooped Strawberry Milkshake. It will be available for that day only, and will be offered at Wonderbrett dispensaries as Fatburger Strawberry Milkshake Live Resin Cartridges, Flower, or Fruit Chews.

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