History of Memorial Day in the U.S.

While widely known as the unofficial mark of the summer season, Memorial Day weekend has a much deeper meaning for the United States. Shortly following the Civil War, General John A. Logan ordered a decree stating that May 30, 1868, would be a day of remembrance for the 620,000 fallen soldiers of the war.

This was the first known order for an official memorial day nationwide; however, on a local scale, remembrance ceremonies for those who have passed on while fighting occurred well before 1868.

Originally known as “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971. From then on, the last Monday in May has been dedicated to remembering those who sacrificed their lives in battle for our county.

While the U.S. began this national tradition in the early 1970s, Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations were known to hold festivals for their fallen which is possibly where the inspiration originated in Western society.

Memorial Day Weekend Traditions

Cities and towns all over the country hold annual Memorial Day celebrations, festivals, and parades. Three of the largest and most famous parades are in New York City, Chicago, and Washington DC. These events typically honor and incorporate members of the military and veteran organizations.

Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials, such as the Arlington Cemetery. Some people wearing red poppies to remember those fallen in war is a tradition that began during World War I.

Many people enjoy vacations, gatherings, or hosting a Memorial Day BBQ to celebrate the beginning of warm weather, sunny skies, and the sweetness of summer.

Best Holiday Activities for Weed Smokers

Grave Decoration

Memorial Day celebrations began during the Civil War. After the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, Boalsburg women decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with beautiful flowers. Years later, women from Mississippi did the same for their fallen Union and Confederate soldiers.

You could spend some time learning about Memorial Day as you enjoy premium cannabis products relevant to the day. Take a look at our recommended strains below.

Once you’re in a euphoric headspace, placing flags, flowers, or other patriotic decors on the graves of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom can be a rewarding experience. After the decorations have been placed, have a moment of silence to remember their sacrifices.

Host a Party

A great way to celebrate the rights we have as American citizens is to invite your friends over for a Memorial Day cannabis bash. Whether you’re grilling a delicious dish or offering paid commissions for catering, you can entertain while still remembering the fallen veterans.

Try buying some inexpensive decorations or making your own to add to the festive vibe. You could even raise funds for veteran and fallen soldier organizations at your hosted event.

Go to a Festival

Here, we include some of the top festivals and parades in the country.

• The National Memorial Day Parade- Washington DC
• Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade
• Fleet Week- NYC
• MayFest- Myrtle Beach, SC
• Kings County Memorial Day Parade
• Little Neck–Douglaston Memorial Day Parade

Enjoy Nature

Use the long weekend to go on a camping adventure with your friends or family. Or, if available in your area, utilize rivers and water sources to cool off and become closer to Mother Nature. Tubing, kayaking, and hanging by the pool are all great choices when deciding on Memorial Day cannabis-friendly outdoor activities.

Hold a Moment of Silence

On Memorial Day, the National Moment of Silence is typically 3:00 PM in your time zone. During this moment, Congress asks that citizens pause for one minute in national unity to honor those who have died protecting and fighting for this country.

No matter where you end up on this holiday, take a pause and be silent. Remember the meaning behind this memorable holiday and be grateful for those you love.

Top Memorial Day Cookout Recipe

You’ll want to pop open a beer, grab a joint, and cook these extra flavorful dishes all summer long.

Top Grill Master BBQ Meat

When it comes to grilled meat (and tofu) the marinade is just as important as the direct and indirect heat applied to it while being cooked. Cookout food created in the backyard may not necessarily win a food styling award, but the deliciously seasoned qualities of spicy, sweet, juicy, and tender in the recipes below are sure to make you grab two buns and come back for seconds.

• Spicy Grilled Pork Chops
• BBQ Pork Shoulder
• Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
• Vegan Tofu Burgers
• Baby Back Ribs
• Herbed Butter Steak
• Honey Garlic Shrimp
• Charred Fish with cilantro dressing

Dessert Recipes

• Fresh Fruit Tart
• Strawberry Pretzel Salad
• Blueberry Cobbler

Vegetable Sides

• Broccoli and Cheese
• Dill Potato Salad with bacon topping
• Garlic Butter Green Beans with tomatoes
• Roasted Corn with lime juice
• Glazed Carrots with soy sauce glaze
• Salads with Yogurt Dressing

Memorial Day BBQ Pro Tip:

If you’re smoking weed and hosting a BBQ, hot dogs are a cheap and easy option to feed your hungry stoner friends. Add in some potato salad and you’ve got yourself a balanced meal to be served.

Best Memorial Day Cannabis Strains

Purple Punch

Purple Punch originated in Southern California and is a cross between Larry OG and Granddaddy Purple. It has 18 percent THC and zero percent CBD content. This strain boasts a tart grape flavor that smells of berries. It is typically used to treat nausea, insomnia, stress, and body aches. Purple Punch provides a feeling of euphoria at first, then leaves you relaxed and with an appetite for flavorful food.

Strawberry Cough

Strawberry Cough is a cannabis strain with unknown origins. It has 19 percent THC content and one percent CBD. It’s thought to be a combination of Haze and Strawberry Fields and is a potent Sativa strain.

It has a skunky aroma and a hint of berry flavor and is one of the best strains to treat mental disorders, anxiety, and depression. The cerebral high provided by this weed will leave you feeling euphoric, energized, and hungry.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies is an Indica dominant hybrid that originated in the Bay Area of California. It has 19 percent THC and one percent CBD and its parent strains are OG Kush and Durban Poison.

The flavors are sweet and minty with an aroma of vanilla. GSC has an average of ten weeks of flowering time indoors and will put you in the mood to eat and serve your friends some delicious flavors.

This cake strain is used to treat muscle spasms, nausea, appetite loss, and depression. Users say it produces a happy, cerebral high, leaving you pain-free, euphoric, and with some serious munchies.

Lemon Skunk

This potent Sativa strain has around seventeen percent THC. This citrus bud begins with an energetic high followed by hunger and relaxation. This is the perfect weed to take before a light workout or taking your dog for a walk, but bring some water because you may have mild cottonmouth.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a Sativa strain with over twenty-two percent THC and two percent CBD. It provides a balanced, yet euphoric high that will have you feeling creative and hungry. It’s the perfect weed to enjoy before cooking or going out to a gourmet dinner.

Skywalker OG 

This strain is potent Hybrid cannabis with twenty percent THC. It is known to cause an intense high that leaves you feeling happy. This weed not only increases appetite but can also make food taste better. Try out this berry delicious blend before your next big meal and you’ll notice the difference.

Memorial Day Cannabis Industry Deals

• Vapor.com 
• MyBudVase.com
• ThePotShop.cc
• HigherStandards.com
• CBDfx.com

The above websites are holding various sales on Memorial Day cannabis products. Visit Leafy Rewards to sign up and view even more local and online dispensary deals.

Considerations for Memorial Day

With any national holiday, it’s important to celebrate and respectfully honor while having fun and maintaining safety. Remaining well-prepared when grilling, camping, and during outdoor activities can make all the difference between a good time and a bad experience.

This Memorial Day, we recommend stocking up at your local dispensary and heading out to the lake to enjoy the weather; or tap into your adventurous side and have some fun on the water!