The Spring Cannastock NY 2023 Festival was held at the MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie on Saturday May 13. This is year two for the festival which identifies itself as a cannabis consumption – friendly immersive experience for the industry, consumers and those who are canna-curious.
In New York State, recreational marijuana became legal in 2021 and available for sale in 2022. Last year’s inaugural festival was held at The Colony in Woodstock. The event sold out, prompting the move to the MJN Center to handle the capacity demand. A wise move by the promoters. With VIP and pre-event tickets selling out again, the increase in available space enabled day of event ticket sales. VIP attendees were given early access and treated to a swag bag with all the necessities a consumer would need, including a bud of flower grown in New York.
Once inside, attendees could view products and gather information from 50+ exhibitors from the NY area. From farmers, to dispensaries, to paraphernalia, if it pertained to cannabis, it was here. Throughout the day stilt walkers strutted through the convention center, hula hoopers performed, and an air hockey tournament was held adding to the festivities.
You could not purchase cannabis at the event, but the opportunity to sample some of NY’s finest was available. Being “consumption friendly”, a lounge was set up outside the building to offer that opportunity. Stepping into the lounge area, you were greeted by a table with multiple bongs for people to try. Farther in, sampling of flavored THC seltzers was offered. In the back, a covered space with chairs and tables encouraged you to roll one, smoke, and chill. The upstairs balcony had a Dab bar offering samples of the concentrated form of THC. You could even take a chance on a prize wheel to win a freshly rolled joint.
On the face of this it sounds like a stoner’s heaven. It was certainly all that. But this year’s festival also had its eye on the future. With legalization, this is now an industry. Speakers from the business side of cannabis spoke throughout the day. Topics included launching a brand, compliance, marketing, and design. Insights to the legal aspects of a regulated industry where shared. Jojo Simmons (son of rapper Reverend Run of Run DMC) spoke about the community surrounding and supporting cannabis sales and consumption. The Department of Labor even offered a session about creating a resume to work in the industry.
With two years in and no end in sight, Cannastock NY is setting it’s hopes high on an industry that has stepped out of the shadows and into the mainstream. So, pass the Dutchie.
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