As a head shop owner, this is a high sales season. The biggest question is how you can create buzz and sales without breaking the bank.

Police code? Dylan tune? Cannabinoid count? There are many false origin stories behind the meaning of 420. You’d think with decades of internet and cannabis legalization, most of these myths would have faded. But a combo of cultural and technological factors may have planted the seeds of rumors that took root.

As you prepare for 4/20 and an influx of customers, it’s time to adjust your playlist. A mix of mid-tempo, feel-good tracks is key. Think non-inflammatory, upbeat, and just enough to make your customers tap their feet. Forget the obvious cannabis-themed hits, though. Let’s dive into some hidden gems that’ll give your 4/20 playlist the perfect research-backed vibe.

While Deadheads view the skull as a playful symbol of countercultural freedom, its visual similarities to the Totenkopf are difficult to ignore . . . Are these parallels coincidental, or does the Grateful Dead’s imagery reflect a deeper, subconscious resonance with fascist aesthetics?

This article is the second in a two-part series examining the impact of international policy on domestic cannabis legalization. This installment shifts focus to recent global milestones, such as Canada’s federal legalization and Mexico’s ongoing reforms, and considers how these changes could shape America’s fragmented cannabis policies.

We all deal with Uncle Sam, but smoke shop owners face unique challenges compared to everyone else. Here at HeadQuest, we’ve compiled our favorite tips and tricks to get you through your least favorite time of year.

Fred Scorsch, a seasoned glassblower in Tempe, Arizona, and a 36-year veteran of the head shop industry now finds himself navigating the unpredictable world of American glass artistry, facing challenges that are upending the lives of homegrown artisans in a globalized economy.

The federal government and e-cigarettes can’t seem to get along. Like two cats fighting, it’s mostly terrible noises and ridiculous posturing with extended pauses between any actual bouts of scratches and bites. Yet something about a recent dustup seems to signal the feud has reached a new intensity.

Despite claims that “vice products” are recession-proof, there are real consequences for smoke shop owners who make bad predictions. And while American consumers may reach for the bowl more often during market downturns, the industry has more to fear than macroeconomic conditions.

Before you invest your nest egg into reviving a sinking business, it pays to think through a few things first. After speaking with more than a dozen past and current smoke shop owners across the country, we’ve compiled the pearls of wisdom that stood out most for your edification and entertainment.