FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Brennan England
Founder, Green Light District STL
events@cannabisclubstl.com
(314) 884-1699
www.gldstl.com

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Can Cannabis Tourism Help Save Small Business in STL?

Green Light District Celebration 2025 Returns with a Local-First Vision for Economic Revival

ST. LOUIS, MO — With Missouri’s small business survival rate hovering just above 55%, entrepreneurs across the region are looking for sustainable ways to thrive. From April 18–20, a Cherokee Street celebration is proposing one creative, community-driven answer: cannabis tourism.

Now in its third year, the Green Light District Celebration 2025 is more than a 4/20 weekend—it’s a living pilot for a year-round economic development model that combines culture, wellness, entertainment, and commerce into one uplifting experience. At the heart of the weekend is the debut of the Puff Puff Passport—a free, gamified scavenger hunt that sends attendees directly into local shops, restaurants, and creative spaces to earn rewards.

“This is about showing how joy, creativity, and culture can drive real impact,” says event founder Brennan England. “When we come together through the plant, we don’t just light up—we light the way forward for community growth and small business success.”

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What’s New This Year: The Puff Puff Passport

The Puff Puff Passport is free for all participants and functions like a citywide treasure map. Guests visit participating businesses to collect “toke’ns” (via QR codes), unlocking discounts, experiences, and prize entries. The concept not only promotes foot traffic and local spending—it lays groundwork for a scalable cannabis tourism framework with roots in STL’s independent economy.

This year’s event will serve as a test run for a proposed citywide tourism initiative drafted by England, who recently authored a bill to formally position cannabis tourism as a legitimate sector in St. Louis’ long-term visitor identity and growth strategy.

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Festival Schedule Highlights

All Weekend (April 18–20):
• Puff Puff Passport & Scavenger Hunt – Free
• $5 Daily Access to The Cola Lounge (2834 Cherokee St.)
• Street-wide discounts & activations

Friday, April 18:
• 7:00 PM – Comedy & Dinner @ Empire Hall (3407 California Ave)

Saturday, April 19:
• 12:00–3:00 PM – Elevated Easel Paint Classes
• 4:00–8:00 PM – Joint & Sushi Rolling Sessions
• 9:00 PM – Live Concert ft. STL artists + surprise guests

Sunday, April 20:
• 2:00 PM – Elevated Easel Paint Class
• 4:20 PM – Sunday Supper with Rooted Buds
• 8:00 PM – Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg Hunt
• 8:30–11:00 PM – Karaoke with DJ Rico Steez

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A Message of Resilience

This year’s planning was delayed due to a major health crisis faced by the event’s founder, making this celebration both smaller and more intentional. Despite a shortened lead time, the mission remains bold: to prove that STL’s local economy can be revitalized through joy, innovation, and equity-rooted cannabis culture.

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Why It Fits St. Louis Magazine

As a publication that highlights “the best of St. Louis,” St. Louis Magazine is uniquely positioned to spotlight this event, which blends entrepreneurial spirit, cultural celebration, and community enrichment.

Department Relevance:
• Arts & Culture – Live performances, paint classes, immersive events
• Dining – Infused dinner, Rooted Buds supper, culinary classes
• Health & Wellness – Yoga, sound baths, cannabis wellness conversations
• Business – Economic development, local commerce support, legislative innovation
• Family – Daytime events and scavenger hunts designed for inclusive fun

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Important Note

The Green Light District Celebration is a 21+ experience for all ticketed events and access to The Cola Lounge. No public cannabis consumption is permitted or supported at this event. All experiences are operated in full compliance with Missouri state and City of St. Louis laws.

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Media, Sponsor, and Press Inquiries

Passport Sign-Up (Free): gldstl.com/passport
Business Participation Form: gldstl.com/partners
Contact: events@cannabisclubstl.com | (314) 884-1699