St. Patrick’s Day has long been associated with Irish culture, vibrant parades, and, for many, celebratory drinking. However, as cannabis gains legal acceptance, questions arise about whether this newer social substance impacts the revenue or traditions tied to St. Patrick’s Day. In Greater Ft. Lauderdale, a city that celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with grand events and a lively nightlife scene, both alcohol and cannabis play roles in the local economy, albeit in different ways.
Alcohol Revenue on St. Patrick’s Day in Ft. Lauderdale
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most lucrative days of the year for bars and restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, with alcohol sales surging as locals and tourists alike enjoy the festivities. According to a report from WalletHub, Americans spent over $5.87 billion on St. Patrick’s Day in recent years, much of which is attributed to alcohol sales at bars, pubs, and restaurants. Although specific figures for Ft. Lauderdale are not publicly detailed, this city is known for its robust tourism and nightlife, suggesting that alcohol sales during the holiday likely contribute millions to the local economy.
Local establishments often take advantage of the holiday’s popularity by hosting special events and promotions, such as:
- Discounted green beer and Irish whiskey shots
- Irish-themed parties and live music events
- Bar crawls in popular Ft. Lauderdale neighborhoods like Las Olas Boulevard
These festivities not only boost sales for alcohol vendors but also support surrounding businesses like restaurants, taxis, and hotels, which benefit from the increased foot traffic.
Cannabis Revenue on St. Patrick’s Day in Ft. Lauderdale
Although cannabis is now legal for medical use in Florida, it has not yet become as integrated into holiday celebrations as alcohol. For St. Patrick’s Day, cannabis has a subtle presence compared to the festive drinking culture. Dispensaries in Ft. Lauderdale have not yet embraced St. Patrick’s Day to the same extent as traditional drinking establishments, and there is limited data indicating significant cannabis-related revenue from the holiday.
However, dispensaries do see an uptick in sales around holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day, often due to promotions and discounts on products. Dispensaries may offer “holiday green” deals on flower, edibles, and CBD products, appealing to those who prefer a cannabis experience over alcohol. Though exact figures aren’t available for Ft. Lauderdale, national data hints that cannabis sales often increase around major holidays, including Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve, suggesting that St. Patrick’s Day could also generate similar interest.
Does Cannabis Impact St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations?
While the influence of cannabis on St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is still emerging, evidence shows it plays a complementary rather than competitive role to alcohol. According to BDSA, a cannabis market research firm, the cannabis industry has not led to a noticeable decline in alcohol sales during holidays in regions where both are legal. Instead, it appears that cannabis provides an alternative for those who may prefer a non-alcoholic form of relaxation and celebration.
In Ft. Lauderdale, dispensaries report a steady clientele on St. Patrick’s Day, primarily from medical patients looking to avoid alcohol or enhance their celebration experience in a less intoxicating way. Some individuals even choose cannabis as a hangover prevention or recovery tool after the day’s festivities, thanks to cannabis’ reported anti-nausea and pain-relieving properties.
The Future of Cannabis on St. Patrick’s Day
As the legal status of cannabis evolves in Florida, cannabis may become a more integrated part of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. For now, however, alcohol remains the primary substance for celebration. However, dispensaries continue to explore holiday-specific promotions and new ways to engage customers, especially as the stigma around cannabis diminishes and social acceptance grows.
Cannabis On Deck
St. Patrick’s Day remains a day for celebrating with traditional Irish drinks, but cannabis is beginning to establish its presence as an alternative option. While cannabis has not yet overtaken alcohol in popularity during this holiday, it provides a non-alcoholic choice for people looking to join in the festivities without the effects of alcohol. As Ft. Lauderdale’s cannabis market continues to grow, so too may the role of cannabis in future St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, potentially adding a new dimension to this beloved holiday.