In what might be the most ill-conceived cannabis publicity stunt of the year, a 23-year-old Texas man has found himself the subject of a police manhunt after hiding plastic Easter eggs filled with marijuana throughout the city of Lufkin. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: The Weedster Bunny.
According to police reports, Avante Nicholson took the concept of an Easter egg hunt to a whole new level by stashing weed-filled eggs in three local parks and behind a Motel 6. As if the act itself wasn't brazen enough, he then proceeded to post photos and hints on social media guiding potential "hunters" to their locations. If there were an award for "How to Get Yourself Arrested 101," our friend Avante would be taking home the gold.
The cops in Lufkin didn't need to work too hard on this case. After receiving a tip from a resident who spotted the online posts, officers simply followed Nicholson's Facebook bread crumbs and went on a cannabis scavenger hunt of their own. Their haul? About a quarter-ounce of weed distributed across several parks in a city two hours north of Houston.
In a plot twist that perfectly illustrates why this was such a terrible idea, the final egg was discovered by a young girl who was at the park with her grandfather. Imagine grandpa's surprise when instead of finding a chocolate bunny or jelly beans, his granddaughter discovered a plastic egg containing a federally illegal substance. Not exactly the family-friendly Easter memory most people are hoping to create.
Lufkin Police Chief David Thomas summed it up nicely: "The safety of our community is at the forefront of everything we do. And in cases such as this, when it endangers children, we are even more vigilant." It's hard to argue with that logic, regardless of your stance on cannabis legalization.
Great Idea, Terrible Execution
Let me be clear: I love the concept of a "Weedster Bunny." The fusion of cannabis culture with holiday traditions can be both fun and normalizing. Cannabis-themed Easter egg hunts for adults are already happening in legal states, usually at private residences or licensed consumption lounges. When done responsibly, they're a blast.
The problem here wasn't the concept—it was the execution.
First, hiding cannabis in public parks where anyone, including children, could find it is wildly irresponsible. This isn't just about legality; it's about basic decency and common sense. Children shouldn't have access to cannabis, period. That's something even the most ardent legalization advocates agree on.
Second, broadcasting the whole thing on social media wasn't just incriminating—it was boastful in a way that reinforces negative stereotypes about cannabis users. His Facebook page reportedly contained multiple references to selling drugs, along with a statement that whoever "shopped" with him that day would get clues to the eggs' locations. This isn't just skirting the law; it's taunting it.
Third, the quantity involved—about a quarter-ounce spread across multiple eggs—suggests this wasn't just some lighthearted prank. It appears to have been a promotional stunt for his dealing business, which transforms it from a misguided joke into something more calculated.
The concept of a Weedster Bunny could have been fun in the right context: a private, adults-only event in a legal state with clear boundaries and responsible consumption guidelines. Instead, we got a public hazard that put children at risk and gave ammunition to prohibitionists.
The Broader Impact on Cannabis Culture
Stories like this one do real damage to the cannabis legalization movement. While they might seem amusing on the surface, they reinforce the very stereotypes that we've been working hard to dismantle: that cannabis users are irresponsible, don't care about community safety, and can't be trusted to consume responsibly.
I've been noticing a concerning pushback against cannabis reform lately. After years of steady progress, we're seeing more resistance from conservative states and even federal reluctance to move forward with meaningful reform. In this climate, the actions of individuals can have outsized impacts on public perception.
The reality is that the vast majority of cannabis consumers are responsible adults who use in private, don't drive impaired, keep their cannabis secured away from children, and generally behave like the law-abiding citizens they are. But prohibitionists don't judge us as individuals—they judge us collectively. One "Weedster Bunny" making headlines can undo months of careful advocacy work.
Right now, the cannabis community doesn't need stunts that reinforce stereotypes—we need to showcase the exemplary stoner. We need to highlight the medical patients finding relief, the professionals unwinding responsibly after work, the creative minds unlocking new perspectives, and the everyday people whose lives have been improved, not harmed, by cannabis.
There's a time and place for cannabis irreverence and subversive humor, but public parks in prohibition states ain't it, chief.
How to Be a Better Weedster Bunny
So what should our friend Avante have done differently (besides, you know, not hiding illegal substances in places where children play)?
If you're genuinely excited about the concept of a cannabis scavenger hunt, here are some much better approaches:
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Keep it private and adults-only: Host at a private residence or, in legal states, at a licensed consumption venue.
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Get explicit consent: Make sure everyone participating knows exactly what they're hunting for. No surprises.
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Secure the perimeter: Ensure that no children or non-consenting adults can accidentally stumble upon your festivities.
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Know your audience: This kind of event is for established cannabis consumers who understand proper dosing, not a recruitment tool for new users.
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Keep it off social media: If you're in a prohibition state, documenting your illegal activities online is never wise. Even in legal states, cannabis consumption still violates platform community guidelines on most social media sites.
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Consider alternatives: Non-THC options like CBD treats or cannabis-themed but substance-free prizes can still capture the spirit without the legal risks.
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Remember the why: Is this about creating a fun, community experience, or is it about showing off? If it's the latter, maybe reconsider your motivations.
The Weedster Bunny concept isn't inherently bad—it's all about context and execution. A responsible cannabis-themed Easter celebration could be a wonderful tradition in the right setting.
The Sticky Bottom Line
The tale of the Lufkin Weedster Bunny serves as a perfect case study in how not to advocate for cannabis normalization. While I appreciate the creative spirit behind the idea, the implementation was deeply irresponsible and potentially harmful to both innocent bystanders and the broader cannabis movement.
As we continue to fight for full legalization and normalization of cannabis, we need to be mindful that our actions reflect on the entire community. Every negative headline gives ammunition to those who oppose reform, and every irresponsible stunt reinforces the stereotypes we've been working for decades to overcome.
I'm not saying we need to be perfect—cannabis culture has always had an element of rebelliousness and humor that's central to its identity. But there's a difference between pushing boundaries thoughtfully and endangering children while flaunting illegal activity online.
So if you feel inspired to become next year's Weedster Bunny, please do it responsibly: in private spaces, with consenting adults, away from children, and with an awareness of the broader context of cannabis advocacy. The Easter Bunny brings joy; the Weedster Bunny should do the same, not create problems for both innocent kids and the cannabis movement at large.
As for Avante Nicholson—buddy, if you're reading this while on the run from Lufkin PD, turn yourself in and get a good lawyer. And maybe next year, stick to hiding chocolate eggs.
CANNABIS AND EASTER, READ ON..
