Despite being decriminalized since the mid-’70s, New York City is still a place where almost 100 people per day are arrested for cannabis related charges. This unfortunate reality has, in the past, curtailed the development of social and professional cannabis environments from taking hold. But in today’s climate, cannabis is a booming opportunity and there seems to be no stopping it.
NYC is one of the world’s economic hubs and cannabis is poised to be the next big business sector, so these world are colliding in ways large and small. Organizers are hosting everything from educational seminars to secret consumption events and more.
Here’s who to follow and what to check out in New York’s blooming cannabis scene:
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If you’re craving education and professional networking, Revel pops up quarterly at the Galvanize Space in SoHo for a double duty seminar and mixer. In July’s installation, speakers included UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative Director Jeffrey Chen, MD and Papa & Barcley topicals representatives, led by Adrian Farquharson Chief Creative Officer of Mary Mag.
Information sharing is the basis of these events, and you can meet not only the educators sharing their vital knowledge, but local and national CBD and cannabis ancillary businesses.
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Breaking The Grass Ceiling was a one-off, but from a group of women who regularly collaborate on community enriching, fun cannabis based events and discussions, so look out for their next sesh. Hosted at Lucas Lucas Gallery in Williamsburg by Shaw Shop with a marketplace including Aurora Elixirs, P.U.S.S.Y.W.E.E.D, Tonic CBD, and Yew Yew ceramic smokeware, a mostly woman crowd took place in a quick but powerful reiki sound bath led by Christina Lovely before diving in.
The panel was led by Humble Bloom co-founder Solonje Burnett Loucas; Brittany Carbone, founder and CEO of Tonic CBD; Amanda Reyes, Board President of the Cannabis Cultural Association; Keira Duarte Marketing Manager of Mary Magazine; and Safon Floyd, cofounder and Chief Content Officer of Estrohaze. Everyone involved spoke with intention and valuable insight, especially for the many white women in the room. The space held a great conversation about the harm the war on drugs has waged on communities of color, and how the cannabis industry must center progress and resources that aid PoC entrepreneurs, especially when they are women or gender nonconforming.
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Looking for a more “hands on” event? Try CBD sprinkled yoga, which you have two chances to catch in August. HealHaus and Cannaclusive are coming together on August 5th for Fly Hi Vibes, a super relaxing yoga class paired with a killer gift bag — the value is real! Tiffany Moore will be leading the class and you can get some knowledge in the CBD smarts portion of the workshop while getting a peek at one of Brooklyn’s most exciting new wellness spaces.
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Later in the month, join Out-Dorz instructor Lauren Hawkins and Reiki practitioner Christina Lovely for a rooftop yoga, reiki and CBD infused sunset session, followed by free BBQ. Happening on August 29th in Brooklyn you can check the new CBD sunscreen and body butter from Out-Dorz while manifesting the best rest of 2018 you can.
While things are CBD and networking focused right now, NYC is ready and waiting for the big time industry and growth in cannabis. Until legal cannabis with THC comes to New York, You have to do a bit deeper searching for consumption events, but they are most certainly happening, and with a greater frequency than ever. Since we don’t want to narc on anyone, you’ll just have to do your own research for now.
