If you attend a cannabis event in California, chances are it will be both outside and sunny – and last week in Ventura was just that. Hall of Flowers is one of the most unique trade shows and expos in the industry, and one of my favorite events to attend.
Hall of Flowers Day 1 – Down to Business
Day 1 at Hall of Flowers is always reserved for brands, retail buyers, and media. You’ll also see investors and speaker panels. This setup gives retailers and buyers a chance to really network and make deals. For many small brands, and craft cannabis growers, this event allows them to be seen without the distraction of a huge expo with the public in attendance.
The setting at Ventura County Fairgrounds provides an open-air experience with an outdoor consumption area. This space has a bit of a festival vibe with colorful seating, tables, food, and drink options. The Fairgrounds provide a very different feel than an indoor expo center or conventional hall. For me personally, being in the fresh air and sunshine feels nice and I know it enhances the attendee’s mood for the better! The Halls are open on either end for the breezes to blow through and the consumption/lounge area, food trucks and beverages are surrounded by palm trees.
Creativity on Display
As I wandered three halls of exhibits, booths, and activations, there was no shortage of creativity! Thankfully there were more hits than misses. A few standouts include the Pretty Dope, Yumi Karma, and High Gorgeous booth drenched in pink! No fear dudes, all were welcome.
I also enjoyed visiting Kush Queen, another stellar booth! A new brand, Juana had a very clean, lowkey, yet lux vibe and I’m looking forward to trying their Recovery gummies very soon. There are many women-owned cannabis brands, so it was promising to see more of them this year. Outside, there was GWGW, who set up a female-led space for photo ops, and networking with a panel of female speakers each day.
Stellar Speakers
The Hall of Flowers Iconoclasts Speaker Series covers a variety of topics within the cannabis community. One of the highlights for me, and I’m sure for many, was the panel with Manndie Tingler, Luke Scarmezzo, Corvain Cooper, Quawnaty Adams, and Mike Yuen. The conversation focused on the men’s time in prison for cannabis, and their continued efforts to see those still incarcerated get released. Luke is the Co-Founder of Prophet Brand. This panel was a few days before the launch of our Prisoners Edition and I’m glad to see more awareness and talk about those still incarcerated. One comment from this panel suggested that those who have paid the price with jail time should have a seat at the table now. Perhaps even be the face of a brand.
First day Hall of Flowers is getting business done! Of course, with all events, there was no shortage of after-parties where the networking continued.
HOF 2025 Day 2 – Meaningful Conversations
The second day Hall of Flowers allows the buyers and sellers to relax a bit, have free time to enjoy the atmosphere of Ventura County Fairgrounds, and get to deep conversations on the state of the cannabis industry.
The Equity trade Network was my favorite part of Hall of Flowers this year. Judi Nelson of Sol Spirit Farm, Marjo Lak of Humboldt Nation, and Tiana Woodruff of Queen Mary were just a few of the incredible legacy, minority, and social equity brands who were more than ready to talk shop.
Each time I talk with Judi Nelson, it’s like a semester class of knowledge about all things cannabis. Marjo Lak is full of incredible and infectious energy and doesn’t meet a stranger. Her shirts, “Buy Weed from Badass Bitches” were hugely popular, and I thank her for gifting me one.
A lot of discussions centered around many dispensaries wanting quality cannabis for cheap prices, which puts a huge strain on the craft farmer. The impending cannabis tax increase in California, due to start in July, has many frustrated. Will there ever be legal, interstate commerce? This could be a game changer, and save many businesses from going under.
This was my third Hall of Flowers and second visit to the Ventura venue. While the California market is the largest, the state continues to struggle and fight back against too many taxes on cannabis which puts a hardship on the smaller cannabis businesses and especially the small, craft farmers. I met several owners and advocates who attended a lobby day in Sacramento the week after Hall of Flowers to protest yet another tax increase, scheduled to go into effect this July. It will be interesting to see the outcome and if another tax is laid upon the cannabis industry in California.
