Cannabis Tourism Sparks Economic Growth in St. Louis
St. Louis has long been a city of rich culture and resilience, but like many urban hubs across the U.S., its small businesses have faced uphill battles to thrive. Enter cannabis tourism, a surprisingly effective catalyst for economic vitality. With legalized cannabis gaining traction across the country, cities like St. Louis are finding creative ways to leverage this burgeoning industry. One standout example is the Green Light District Celebration, an annual event blending cannabis culture, community, and commerce to uplift local businesses.
The Green Light District Celebration and Its Bold Vision
Set to take place on Cherokee Street from April 18–20, 2025, the Green Light District Celebration is no ordinary festival. Now in its third year, this 3-day event brings together cannabis aficionados, local business owners, and curious visitors. Its mission? To showcase how cannabis tourism can drive meaningful traffic to local storefronts while reinforcing a sense of community.
The event is the brainchild of Brennan England, founder of Green Light District STL and owner of The Cola Lounge, Missouri’s first cannabis-friendly private venue. “This is about celebrating the plant while uplifting the people,” England shares. “We’re testing a tourism model that works for communities—not just corporations.”
The Puff Puff Passport
At the heart of this year’s celebration is the Puff Puff Passport. Designed as a free digital and physical pass, it’s transforming Cherokee Street into an interactive scavenger hunt. Festivalgoers can explore participating businesses, collect “toke’ns,” and unlock discounts or earn prizes.
But the Puff Puff Passport is more than an event gimmick. It’s a pilot program with aspirations to become a year-round initiative, keeping the energy of the 4/20 weekend alive throughout the year. By encouraging locals and tourists to engage with small businesses, it offers a sustainable strategy for economic growth.
What Makes Cannabis Tourism an Economic Game-Changer?
Cannabis tourism is more than just a niche trend. States like Colorado and California are shining examples of how the industry can generate millions of dollars in revenue and create thriving ancillary sectors. Think hotel stays, dining experiences, and yes, unique attractions like cannabis-friendly venues.
For St. Louis, this represents an opportunity to redefine how small businesses participate in the cannabis economy. Many of the event’s collaborations highlight the innovative potential of local entrepreneurs. For instance:
Infused Paint and Sushi Classes allow attendees to blend art, cuisine, and cannabis culture.
Community meals like Sunday Supper showcase the talent of local chefs, including partnerships with brands like Rooted Buds.
Traditional retail gets a facelift with exclusive discounts and offers for those using the Puff Puff Passport.
With Missouri’s small business survival rate sitting just over 55%, initiatives like these provide much-needed visibility and foot traffic to family-run stores, cafes, and boutique shops.
A Community-Driven Future
Unlike traditional tourism models focused on large-scale corporate ventures, cannabis tourism in St. Louis aims to remain community-driven. “We want to show how cannabis culture and local economies can co-exist in a way that’s mutually beneficial,” adds England. “This isn’t just about big business or consumption. It’s about creating a vibrant community that supports itself.”
A Weekend to Remember
2025 Schedule Highlights include:
Friday, April 18: Comedy & Dinner Night at Empire Hall
Saturday, April 19: Elevated Paint & Sushi Classes, Live Concerts featuring St. Louis artists
Sunday, April 20: Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg Hunt & Karaoke
Whether you’re attending for the vibrant street atmosphere or are simply curious about the potential of cannabis tourism, this event promises to be as entertaining as it is impactful.
Join the Movement
Cannabis tourism isn’t just revitalizing St. Louis’ small business community; it’s sparking a larger conversation about how emerging industries can drive local economic growth.
Want to be a part of the change? Sign up for the free Puff Puff Passport at www.gldstl.com/passport or visit Brennan England and his passionate team along Cherokee Street to see how cannabis, creativity, and community are shaping a greener future for St. Louis.
For media inquiries or partnerships, contact:
Brennan England
Founder, Green Light District STL
Email: events@cannabisclubstl.com
Phone: (314) 884-1699
#CannabisTourism #StLouisEconomy #SmallBusinessGrowth
