What is the Thanksgiving Cousin Walk: More Than Just a Pre-Feast Stroll

On paper, the Thanksgiving Cousin Walk is a typical Hallmark-approved tradition. Just a few extended family members sharing the joy of nature, bonding over the late fall weather before a lovely home-cooked meal.

But the Thanksgiving Cousin Walk is more than just a pre-feast stroll. It’s a time-honored tradition dating back generations, revolving around America’s favorite not-so-secret pastime: cannabis.

Essentially, a few “cousins”—or even parents and grandparents—would slip away and partake in a discreet smoke, using coded phrases to mask the activity. It was, and still is, a sly way to relax and interact with like-minded family members amid the intensity of holiday gatherings.

The practice has skyrocketed in popularity in the era of internet phenomena, memes, and mounting legalization. In this article, learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the new tradition, like how it took off, how to prepare for the stroll, thoughtful considerations for family members, and, of course, how to store your stash properly for fresh cannabis on your post-feast walk.

How Did the Cousin Walk Gain Popularity?

As mentioned, the tradition dates back probably decades. Its exact origin is hard to pin down. Like many family traditions, it appears to have sprung up organically in multiple places before spreading through word of mouth in the pre-internet days.

One cousin surreptitiously slips out the back, while the other cousins spot—or smell—high-quality weed and follow suit. Thus, a tradition is born.

Once the internet and social media made it easier for people to share traditions, the Thanksgiving Cousin Walk became a certified nationwide phenomenon. It’s a trending topic on places like TikTok and Reddit around the holidays, and it has its very own entries on sites like Know Your Meme and the Urban Dictionary.

However, the internet deserves only partial credit. The recent widespread normalization of cannabis, thanks to an impressively quick slate of legalizations across various states, undoubtedly added some momentum to the tradition. It’s no longer that taboo to step outside, enjoy a bowl or blunt, and then hang out with family.

Lastly, the Cousin Walk became popular for a simple reason: it’s a good idea. The holidays can be stressful, especially when there are clashing personalities involved. Decompressing with a little cannabis, fresh air, and good conversation can be the ideal antidote for a frenetic Thanksgiving gathering. Not to mention the immediate satisfaction of digging into a delicious meal right after perking up your appetite.

Planning the Ultimate Thanksgiving Cousin Walk

If this is your first year observing the Cousin Walk, then welcome to the club. It’s a relatively easy tradition to plan. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind before you peel away from the dinner table.

Here are a few points to consider on this year’s Thanksgiving Cousin Walk.

Cousin Walk Checklist

• Choose products that match the group’s comfort level and tolerance.
• Confirm that everyone participating is of legal age and that use is legal where you are.
• Pick a private, low-traffic location that does not disrupt neighbors or other families.
• Bring weather-appropriate layers, lights, and water.
• Store cannabis in an airtight container with the appropriate Vivi Fresh humidity pack.
• Be mindful of family members who do not want to participate or be around cannabis aroma.
• Plan a natural time to leave and return without missing the meal—or becoming the topic of it.
  

Choose the Right Strain(s)

Ideally, you want a strain that's of good quality that will agree with everyone’s tolerance levels. No one wants to be too high on the best of days—let alone when they have to mingle with family afterward. Choose a strain that emphasizes either relaxation, creativity, or energy, like sour diesel or granddaddy purple. Make sure everyone’s okay with the relative THC and CBD contents of your chosen strain ahead of time.

If any participant is unsure about the effects of cannabis on their system (this mostly applies to newer smokers), check out Vivi's guide on choosing the best type of bud for you.

Pick a Relaxing Location

Find a tranquil, quiet spot for a walk that doesn’t intrude on other families’ holiday plans. That might be a nearby park, a sparsely populated neighborhood street, or even a cozy backyard area for privacy. Bonus points if your walk includes some natural beauty along the way.

Set the Vibe

If you want to elevate your Cousin Walk experience, consider bringing a portable speaker for music, which adds a nice background to the whole thing.

Practice Proper Storage for Your Stash

The last thing you want is to open up your stash bag on Thanksgiving Day to find stale-smelling, dry cannabis. It can put a real damper on the Cousin Walk before it even begins. Store cannabis in a tightly sealed container or heavy-duty bag with a Vivi Fresh 2-way humidity control pack.  Vivi Fresh maintains the ideal relative humidity to ensure that your cannabis stays sticky, fluffy, and tasty between sessions.

If you're traveling in for the holiday, consider travel gear for your stash, so you get everything you need to your destination safety and securely.  

Prepare for the Weather

Beyond storage solutions, music, and snacks, consider bringing a few practical items:

• A jacket, blanket, or hand warmers for chilly weather.
• Water and a small snack, especially if dinner is still a while away.
• A flashlight or phone light for safe navigation after dark.
• A fully charged phone in case plans change.
• An umbrella or rain layer if the forecast looks questionable.

Consider Your Family Members and Include Everyone Who Wants to Join

The Thanksgiving Cousin Walk should operate in a spirit of inclusivity and respect. That said, be mindful of relatives who might not appreciate the cannabis aroma, and keep things low-key and discreet to avoid spoiling their holiday fun.

Let everyone (of legal age) join in the festivities if they want to. Plenty of the older generation have just as much affinity for cannabis as the younger generations, and would probably greatly appreciate the invite!

Time it Right

Timing is everything on a Thanksgiving Cousin Walk. You don’t want to raise eyebrows. Instead, you want to capitalize on a natural lull in the family festivities to give each other a knowing look, inconspicuously slip out the door, and avoid raising red flags. Discuss an appropriate time beforehand with participating relatives so that everyone has a general sense of when the walk is happening. If you were curious about this “Cousin Walk” tradition you’ve been hearing about, hopefully, this article answers your questions. Consider making it a tradition in your family and follow the straightforward tips above, like storing your weed with Vivi Fresh for maximum enjoyment. Happy Thanksgiving.

FAQs

What is a Thanksgiving Cousin Walk?

A Thanksgiving Cousin Walk is an informal holiday tradition in which adult relatives step away from the gathering for a walk, conversation, and sometimes cannabis. The phrase is often used as a discreet code for taking a cannabis break.

Is the Thanksgiving Cousin Walk a real tradition?

Yes—though it is informal rather than official. Variations of the tradition have existed for years, and social media helped turn “the cousin walk” into a recognizable holiday meme and shared cultural moment.

Can you use cannabis on a Thanksgiving Cousin Walk?

Only if all participants are of legal age and cannabis use is legal in your location. Follow local laws around possession and public consumption, and be considerate of people who do not want to be exposed to cannabis smoke or aroma.

How should I store cannabis before Thanksgiving?

Store flower in an airtight container with a Vivi Fresh 2-way humidity control pack.

What should I bring on a Cousin Walk?

Bring weather-appropriate layers, water, a charged phone, and any cannabis accessories you need. Keep the outing low-key, private, and respectful of local regulations and other family members.

Protect What You Bring to the Potluck.

Fresher than Auntie's green bean casserole.