• by Teresa Buyikian , Yesterday

As April 20approaches -- the unofficial holiday for those who use marijuana -- many QSRs offer deals to entice those users with the “munchies," the increased appetite that accompanies use. Despite the fact that marijuana remains illegal on the federal level, the number of chains leaning into the hunger-causing effects of cannabis seems to rise every year.

And with an increasing number of states legalizing the leafy green plant at least on the local level, the cannabis industry is now worth an estimated $32 billion, according to Forbes. So it makes sense for these brands to embrace a day of celebration that ultimately leads many stoners to their local drive-thru or to order from Grubhub or UberEats.

“4/20 is a day many of our fans celebrate, rooted in culture and shared moments,” said Wingstop’s Chief Brand Officer Donnie Upshaw, who was commenting on the Wingstop Hot Box combo deal. "Hot box” is a slang term used for smoking cannabis in a small space like a car or bathroom with all the windows closed. The Hot Box meal deal, available from April 17-20, includes a choice between three tenders or eight wings with Fiery Nacho seasoning, and fries topped with house-made ranch and herb seasoning, along with a drink and a side dip of choice.

Wingstop has also leaned into this year’s holiday by designing a limited-edition collectible branded flavor tray, only available in store in select locations on 4/20 with the purchase of the Hot Box. While the chain may refer to this as a flavor tray, most marijuana users will recognize it is the size and shape of a typical rolling tray, which is used to catch stray marijuana buds while rolling a joint. (Or so I’ve heard.)

Insomnia Cookies is also back this year with another 4/20 promo. Members of the chain’s rewards program will be able to buy four Classic cookies and get two Classic cookies free for in-store and pickup orders from April 18-20. Also in honor of 4/20, the chain has added two limited edition flavors: the Cloud 9 Cravings Classic, a sugar cookie with cream cheese chunks, vanilla cake pieces, marshmallows, butter crumble and topped with Hostess Twinkies snack cake; and the Strawberry Toastie Filled Classic, which is a vanilla sugar cookie with strawberry filling topped with a strawberry toaster pastry.

Other chains offering 4/20 deals this year include Del Taco, Dog Haus, Fatburger, Jimmy John’s, Jack in the Box and KFC.