Nevada’s cannabis industry has proven itself to be as dynamic as the state’s bustling tourism economy. Seasonal trends and major holidays like 4/20, New Year’s Eve, and festival weekends play a huge role in shaping wholesale activity across the state. These peaks in consumer demand ripple back through dispensaries, brands, and cultivators, influencing everything from product assortment to wholesale pricing.
The Power of 4/20
April 20th, widely celebrated as “the cannabis holiday,” is the single biggest day of the year for cannabis sales. According to data from Headset, cannabis sales in the U.S. increase anywhere from 60% to over 100% compared to an average day, with flower and pre-rolls leading the surge. For Nevada wholesalers, this means retailers place larger-than-usual orders weeks in advance to stock up on both bulk flower and promotional products such as limited-edition strains, branded merchandise, and bundle deals.
Cultivators and processors often launch new drops ahead of 4/20, knowing dispensaries want to capture consumer excitement. This makes April a key month for wholesale negotiations, with suppliers competing for shelf space at major Las Vegas retailers like Planet 13 and Jardin.
Festivals and Event Weekends
Las Vegas is a festival capital, hosting world-renowned gatherings like Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) and Life is Beautiful. These events attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, many of whom include cannabis as part of their nightlife and festival experience. According to research from BDSA, out-of-state tourists account for nearly 65% of Nevada’s retail cannabis sales, and festivals supercharge that number.
In preparation, dispensaries ramp up wholesale orders for portable, discreet products such as vape cartridges, disposable pens, and edibles—items festivalgoers prefer for convenience. Wholesalers with strong relationships and fast turnaround logistics are the ones who benefit most during these spikes.
New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas
No city does New Year’s Eve quite like Las Vegas, and cannabis is increasingly part of the celebration. In 2023, cannabis sales in Nevada jumped more than 30% in the days leading up to December 31, according to state tax data. Wholesale trends during this period mirror alcohol and hospitality patterns: premium products sell best. Concentrates, infused beverages, and high-end flower often see double-digit growth as consumers splurge to ring in the new year.
For wholesalers, December is an opportunity to push luxury SKUs, while also ensuring retailers are stocked with top-selling categories like pre-roll multi-packs and solventless extracts.
Seasonality Beyond Holidays
Outside of marquee holidays, wholesale demand in Nevada follows seasonal tourism trends. Summer pool season brings an influx of visitors, boosting sales of lighter products like THC seltzers and fruit-flavored gummies. In contrast, cooler months tend to favor heavier indoor consumption such as dabs, concentrates, and infused chocolates.
Seasonality also intersects with cultivation cycles. Indoor facilities operate year-round, but outdoor harvests in fall add temporary wholesale supply that can drive prices down before holiday demand brings them back up.
The Takeaway
Seasonal events and holidays aren’t just cultural highlights—they are business drivers that shape Nevada’s cannabis wholesale market. Wholesalers who anticipate consumer trends, align with tourism waves, and collaborate closely with dispensaries can turn these peaks into sustained growth opportunities. Whether it’s the national buzz of 4/20 or the global spotlight on Las Vegas New Year’s Eve, these moments define the rhythm of wholesale cannabis in Nevada.