A New Father's Day Tradition
By Grayling Holmes
Summer has always been one of my favorite seasons in St. Louis.
The social calendar fills quickly with concerts, charity golf tournaments, neighborhood festivals, outdoor dining, and family gatherings. From the city to Clayton, Chesterfield, Augusta, and the wineries that dot the Missouri countryside, we come alive this time of year. We reconnect with friends, support local causes, and spend more time outdoors enjoying everything our region has to offer.
It's summertime in the city. And the living is easy.
Father's Day is almost here. We've celebrated the mothers. Now it's our turn, fellas.
For generations, Father's Day has been built around some of America's most enduring traditions: firing up the grill, enjoying a great steak, gathering family and friends, and perhaps raising a glass or two in celebration.
Though those traditions remain alive and well, since its legalization in Missouri, adding cannabis to the mix is rapidly becoming a new practice at gatherings.
Like many aspects of modern life, the way people celebrate and relax continues to evolve.
Father's Day Traditions Continue to Evolve
As I look around St. Louis, I see more people embracing a broader definition of hospitality and celebration. Today's gatherings often reflect a wider range of personal preferences than ever before. Some will enjoy a fine bourbon. Others may prefer a craft cocktail, a premium mocktail, or a wellness beverage.
Personally, I have found myself drinking less and enjoying it more.
Over the past year, I have discovered that cannabis can be a relaxing alternative to excessive drinking, particularly during social occasions. Rather than feeling obligated to keep pace with a long afternoon of cocktails, I have found that a low-dose cannabis product can help create a more relaxed and enjoyable experience while still allowing me to be fully present with family and friends.
The new HUGS breath spray available exclusively at Hippos Cannabis in Missouri is a discreet way for fathers and other to enjoy cannabis without smoking flower around others.
The key, of course, is moderation.
What appeals to me is not escapism but connection. The conversations seem more meaningful. The laughter comes easier. The afternoon unfolds at a slower pace. For many adults, especially those who have become more wellness conscious in recent years, cannabis is increasingly viewed as another option for unwinding responsibly.
Discerning St. Louisans have always appreciated having choices. We see it in our restaurants, wine cellars, travel destinations, and increasingly in how we entertain at home. The emphasis today is less about following a prescribed tradition and more about creating an experience that feels welcoming and enjoyable for everyone around the table.
What has not changed is the importance of gathering together.
The stories shared between generations, the smell of steaks on the grill, and the simple pleasure of spending time with family remain at the heart of Father's Day.
Learning from the Experts
My own education on the subject has come largely through conversations with the team at Hippos Cannabis, one of Missouri's leading cannabis providers with locations throughout the state, including Chesterfield.
Hippos Marijuana + Dispensary is conveniently located in the Chesterfield Valley directly across from Chesterfield Commons.
What impressed me most was not simply their product knowledge, but their emphasis on responsible use, education, consistency, and community involvement.
For adults who are curious about cannabis as an alternative to alcohol, the learning curve can feel intimidating. Understanding dosage, product formats, timing, and desired effects matters. Hippos has built much of its reputation around helping consumers navigate those choices in an informed and responsible way.
I was particularly intrigued by products designed around predictability and discretion, including low-dose gummies, tinctures, and fast-acting options that allow adults to tailor experiences to their comfort level rather than relying on guesswork.
In many ways, the approach mirrors what we have seen in fine dining and wine culture. Education creates confidence, and confidence leads to better experiences.
Showing Up Where Community Happens
What also struck me about Hippos is its commitment to the communities it serves.
Throughout June, the company is supporting charitable and community initiatives across Missouri. In Chesterfield, team members will participate in the ALS Association's Walk to Defeat ALS in Forest Park and support the Chesterfield Summer Concert Series, a beloved local tradition now celebrating nearly four decades.
In Springfield, Hippos is supporting the American Cancer Society's SWMO Golf Classic while partnering with organizations including Rescue One and the YMCA. In Columbia, the company is participating in Juneteenth celebrations and supporting local organizations such as Second Chance.
As Kourtney Easter, Regional Training Manager and General Manager of Hippos' Springfield dispensary, explained to me, "Our customers and the local community are the reason we get to do what we do every day. Supporting local businesses and causes is our way of giving that love back."
It is a philosophy that extends well beyond any one industry.
A Summer Defined by Connection
Ultimately, Father's Day is not about what is in your mouth—or what isn't.
It is about connection.
Whether you're enjoying a bourbon, a mocktail, a cannabis-infused beverage or breath spray, or nothing at all, the goal is the same: spending meaningful time with the people who matter most.
As Father's Day 2026 arrives and summer settles across St. Louis, perhaps the greatest luxury is not indulgence but presence. Being fully engaged in the conversation. Appreciating the company around you. Slowing down long enough to enjoy the moment.
For me, that's a tradition worth embracing.
How Hippos Serves the Community in Missouri
Hippos Cannabis serves the Missouri community through patient and adult-use education, eco-conscious practices, and dedicated advocacy. They operate three dispensaries in Chesterfield, Columbia, and Springfield, and an in-state cultivation/manufacturing facility.
Their primary community initiatives include:
Patient & Adult-Use Education: They employ trained staff (including general managers who are registered nurses) and host media centers to provide free, transparent education about cannabis strains, safe usage, and legal regulations.
Eco-Conscious Initiatives: Hippos is deeply committed to sustainability, providing fully reusable exit bags and focusing on eco-friendly practices across their retail stores.
Regulatory Leadership & Advocacy: CEO Nicholas Rinella serves on the Missouri Cannabis Regulation Collaborative (MCRC). The company is known for actively breaking down the social stigma surrounding cannabis through advocacy and transparent process testing.
Community Events: They frequently host community gatherings, vendor booths, and educational workshops during celebrations such as 420.
Crafted Product Lines: Through their cultivation division, OG Yields, they serve localized needs with specific product lines for energy, relaxation, and rest.
Learn more at hipposcannabis.com.