Cannabis Event Planning - How to Host a Success

Weed events Washington DC has to offer can be fun and exhilarating. DC weed events can present a wide variety of opportunities to hang out and relax. As we embrace the digital world more, we may even have online events in the present world. These DC weed events are fantastic because it helps people to come together and participate in everyday activities. It allows you to meet new people in Washington DC, and it could help you try new products and hear about different brands as well.

But the truth is that any legitimate DC weed event, whether online or in physical circumstances, will require certain support from organizers. It will need suitable developments, promotion, access, and promotion via Facebook or similar channels.

It will undoubtedly take quite a bit of work.

Indeed, whenever you need to handle cannabis event planning, you have your work cut out for you. From showcasing marijuana products to ensuring compliance with local laws, you need to manage different aspects at once. If you overlook even a single requirement of putting together the perfect cannabis event, all your efforts can go in vain.

Fortunately, it is not that difficult to learn how to plan a cannabis event for the utmost success. A little care here, some attention there, and you can easily put together an engaging event that fulfills your goals while also taking care of your attendees. 

To help you through this intensive task, here’s how to host a successful cannabis event for your business or organization. Our team at GHouse DC is pleased to offer a space to host your happiest hour for friends and family as well as acquaintances.

We will be here to help you host parties in the local community. If you are looking for more information about our space, how we conduct parties, our own respective rules and regulations, reach out to us today.

Ensure Compliance With Local Laws

Before you hold your cannabis event in any specific location, make it a point to understand the local laws and regulations about marijuana consumption and sales. For instance, if you are in Washington D.C., you can talk openly about cannabis or possess actual marijuana in a certain quantity. However, you cannot sell cannabis for payment. 

Due to these intricacies, you must check your local laws and regulations to see what activities you can execute within your marijuana event. This helps you steer clear of unnecessary issues while also leading to successful cannabis event planning.

Put Together a Theme

While learning how to plan a cannabis event, you need to follow the basic rules of event planning. The foundation of these best practices starts from picking a coherent theme for your event. These themes could range from marijuana cultivation education to cannabis business management strategies. No matter what type of central idea you end up choosing, it helps you plan your event’s activities around it. 

To throw a successful event, you have to ensure that your theme aligns with your brand and your audience’s interests. That is why you should take your time to decide.

Determine What the Event Offers to Attendees

Whether you are selling tickets to a seminar or inviting people to attend educational talks, it is important that you clearly define what purpose or benefit does the event brings to the table. This lets your attendees know what to expect from your event, while also informing your potential sponsors what type of activities they are associating with. 

Once you have a clear idea in your mind, you can plan the rest of the event, such as the activities and offerings that it delivers to the attendees. This allows you to streamline the whole event in its organization, marketing, and outreach to your target market.

Decide Who Should Be Your Target Audience

Whenever you are dabbling in cannabis event planning or event management, you need to determine your target audience for each event. This helps you determine your marketing strategy, revenue generation, as well as your indicators for success. That is why many organizations choose to hold their events in a B2B capacity, while others go the B2C route. 

Depending on the type of engagement and conversation you want, you can choose a market segment and fine-tune your cannabis event. Typically, business events are more educational and investment-oriented. Whereas retail events are all about creating hype and interest around your offerings. 

Make Your Arrangements With Care

Whenever you are learning how to plan a cannabis event, don’t forget the basics of event management. From space capacity to refreshments and everything in between, ensure that you have more than sufficient arrangements for the event attendees. This also holds true to IT equipment for in-person as well as virtual events alike. 

If you have any problems fine-tuning the details, you can reach out to a professional event management company to put together the required structure and plans for the event. This ensures that your event runs smoothly with all the attractions that you have in mind.

Invest in Proper Marketing

To ensure true success for your cannabis event planning, make it a point to invest in its marketing. From planning digital ads to posting promotional videos, you can take various steps to generate interest around your event. Whether you are throwing a business affair or a retail celebration, this brings people to your event and adds to its hype.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on these marketing efforts. With proper planning and strategy, you can plan your investment smartly that delivers maximum results. In turn, you can achieve your desired objectives without breaking the bank. 

By keeping these suggestions in mind, you can throw a memorable cannabis event that remains in the mind of your audiences for all the right reasons. To see how G House DC can help you through these arrangements, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free quote today. We are here to provide you with more information and help you make your event a success.

Whether you are looking to host the happiest hour or work with us for other purposes, we are here for you.

Things You Should Know About Before Attending a Weed Event in DC

Companies and entrepreneurs are steadily visiting, presenting, or appearing at cannabis conventions designed to engage others in the field in ways apart from dabbing as the cannabis market gets bigger and bigger. Many patients will have access to marijuana if more states allow it.

As the current green economy expands at a fast pace, many fairs and gatherings are springing up around the country, including in Washington, D.C. The industry's most stimulating qualities are its conventions and events. These activities give people a chance to show off their entrepreneurial skills and various weed experiments and developments.

It also serves as a place to enjoy what the crop has to offer. When you've chosen which weed event to participate in, consider what you'll need to take advantage of your time there. In this article, you'll read about a few things you should know before visiting a cannabis event in DC or elsewhere in the United States.

●     Different Weed Events in DC

●     Things You Should Know About Before Attending a Weed Event in DC

●     What to Prepare If You’re a First-Time Attendee?

●     What to Prepare If You’re an Entrepreneur?

●     How to Join Virtual Weed Events

Different Weed Events in DC

While marijuana is legal in DC, there are no dispensaries as in other states. When the city passed Initiative 71, a clause was introduced to the government spending plan that prohibits the District from establishing a discount promotion scheme close to the one in the city.

However, since I71 still requires adults to possess, cultivate, and share pot, a private market in marijuana has sprung up to help you get cannabis in DC in the absence of licensed companies. There are also various weed events where people can trade, exhibit, and sell their cannabis items. Below are some of the upcoming weed events in DC that you should know about.

The High Times Cannabis Cup

The Cannabis Cup will be celebrated in 2021 to determine the best marijuana items. This year, the company is holding the very first race, accessible to citizens of Michigan and Arizona. People are invited to participate in the Hemp and Cannabis Cups as competitors or judges. They simply must apply their applications within the designated sign-up times.

Cannabis Business Summit and Expo

Once again, the yearly Cannabis Business Summit & Expo will bring together founders, professionals, and influencers in one location. This gathering encourages everyone to demonstrate their business expertise and insight while also presenting participants with the necessary skills to participate in the development. It will include networking, more than 400 presenters, and some of the industry's greatest people.

Midwest Cannabis Business Conference

This event will focus on the Midwest weed market and cater to local businesses interested in entering the industry. The Midwest Cannabis Business Conference aims to exchange information about the farm, the business, and practice guidelines that can assist in breaking into and thriving in this sector. It is also focused on current major corporations that want to excel in the industry they've selected.

Things You Should Know About Before Attending a Weed Event in DC

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has reached DC, there are a few things to keep in mind before attending a cannabis gathering. To enforce social distancing, most states made a limit. To reduce the chance of spreading or transmitting the infection, you must wear masks and disinfect your hands daily.

These procedures are to aid in the mitigation of the crisis. So, if you're hosting a weed event in person, make sure to obey these guidelines for the sake of others' safety as well as your own. Digital expos, on the other hand, are becoming more popular with attendees and event organizers as a way to escape any potential health hazards.

Because of the pandemic, various businesses were forced to respond to the crisis, which means that many things will now be done digitally. Organizers preferred virtual experiences because they reduced the chance of embarrassment while also providing a rewarding learning environment. Such device requirements, such as the ability to run the organizer's desired program, the ability to upload videos smoothly, and a secure Internet connection, could be required for virtual events.

It's also important to be aware that, depending on the circumstances, activities can be canceled or rescheduled. Although reschedules are preferable because they imply that the occurrence will still occur, at a later date, there are times when events are postponed entirely.

What to Prepare If You’re a First-Time Attendee?

If you're going to a cannabis event in DC for the first time, you'll want to know what to bring and how to dress before you go. Water is among the first items you must put on your bag. You don't want to waste that much money on bottled water from the vending machines in the conference center. It's also a good idea to stay hydrated in the competition.

After that, you'll need to stock up on snacks. A grab-and-go lunch, depending on the packages offered at the meeting, is a healthy way to satisfy your appetite and keep you motivated for the long days ahead. Furthermore, when you're hungry, networking is much on difficult.

You still don't want to be rushed, so bring a written or wireless timetable with you. Prepare ahead of time by doing some research to determine what you're seeing or where to find it. You must still maintain your composure in the meeting. You'll have to speak to new people whether you're walking the show floor and need to meet a group of guests or you're working behind the scenes and will need to communicate with the weary crowds moving from one table to the next.

 

What to Prepare If You’re an Entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, you must guarantee that the presentation looks fantastic when you enter the meeting room. Extension cables and adapters are among the items you'll need to have. If you need a plug for your booth show or your phone battery to last for 48 hours, don't overlook the tech devices that can keep it going smoothly. If you can't locate a plug and your handset is at 2%, renewable energy phone chargers are a decent backup.

It's also a good idea to bring some business cards with you. People at a cannabis festival will send you their business cards, regardless of whether you throw them in the recycling bin as soon as you get back to the office. They will demand you to do the same.

In our modern era, they can seem outdated, but they are still the gold standard for a simple exchange of knowledge in a professional environment. Don't forget the pens, of course. You'll use them to keep track of your mailing list and take notes. Prepare for people to walk out from them as well, but have backups on hand.

Last but not least, there are the named coins. It may be a simple bookmark or letter with your business's stats or anything more enticing like advertised ashtrays. But whatever you do, make sure customers who visit your booth left with something that will help them understand your brand as they go to the convention center.

How to Join Virtual Weed Events

If you're interested in participating in simulated activities, you should be aware of the steps you should take to do so. First and foremost, you must be vigilant. You should keep an eye out for weed conventions, and they can happen at any moment. If you aren't familiar with marijuana magazines, social media outlets, blogs, and celebrities, this could be complicated.

So, if you're worried about not locating an event planned, start adding these media outlets to your feed. You must still be willing to pay for your entry. Digital conferences, like in-person discussions, require payment for participation. If you're afraid to spend money on anything like this, bear in mind that you'll usually get essential benefits and rights.

When you've decided to pay your entrance fee, what you have to do now is wait for the celebration to arrive. Take advantage of the training you've had and the one you're getting. Organize the day and review the timetable and list of presenters if the event is multi-day.

It will allow you to see which forums are of interest to you, as well as which stalls you can visit. It will also allow you to network. Note that participating in these events is often a learning experience and an opportunity to broaden your business reputation.

The Bottom Line

The marijuana market in DC has reached the pinnacle of its glory. It's clear with a slew of weed-related incidents taking place amid the pandemic. If you ever decide to attend one, you must still be prepared.

Most weed advocates advise that you assess your goals first before attending a meeting. That way, you'll have a better idea of what to plan for the rest of the day. Conferencing can be exhausting. You will train yourself to conquer depression and exhaustion if you set your targets well enough ahead of time.

Cannabis Events to Look Out for in 2021

The cannabis community has always been a colorful bunch. Just take a look at the marijuana consumers in the 60s and the 70s. The community remains to be thriving today, especially with the series of wins it has over the years. With different states legalizing the plant, more and more people have access to cannabis, while also stimulating the industry with different products, discoveries, and events.

Events, in particular, are some of the most refreshing aspects of the community. It offers a venue for people to showcase strains they cultivated, their business acumen, and the different research and breakthroughs regarding cannabis. It also provides a space to celebrate what the plant has to offer.

However, the current public health situation derailed even some of the biggest weed events across the country. Instead, they were rescheduled, even cancelled, to minimize risks of exposure. In the capital, Mayor Muriel Bowser implemented various orders to mitigate the spread of the virus, including stay-at-home orders, thus affecting cannabis events.

As we enter the second year of the pandemic, the situation is changing with vaccine rollouts nationwide. More and more events are being scheduled not only in DC but also in other parts of the United States. People interested to join such affairs can start by knowing how the situation in DC looks. Read on to know more.

The Current Landscape in DC

The district is currently in its Phase Two of addressing the public health concern. As per Mayor’s Orders, a gathering limit is currently in place, along with a holiday pause on various activities. This year the Mayor issued another order extending the pause on the activities, which ended on January 22, 2021, and the clarification on the public emergency and public emergency duration, which was extended until March 17, 2021.

With the most recent order, more and more members of the cannabis community are starting to schedule events to gather in one way or another to celebrate cannabis. Various events are coming up in DC including Entering Cannabis: The Global Landscape to start on March 13, 2021 online. This virtual event seeks to explore the trends and developments being made in the industry.

The conference is open to almost everyone such as aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, small business owners, physicians and health professionals, enterprises, investors, professionals, and consumers. It will feature successful personalities, trailblazers, and experts in the industry. The good news is it is a series, which will tackle a different area in the industry every week.

For those with creative streaks, the Twerk Werks group launched id holding the Puff Glow and Paint Party, which gives attendees a chance to show off their artistic spirit. The event will be held on March 27, 2021, complete with all art materials and complimentary champagne. Attendees can also purchase food, drinks, and rolls in the venue, but they can also bring their own. The organizers will be enforcing protocols including capacity limits and masks.

Aside from DC, nearby states are also holding cannabis events. Another member of the DMV, Maryland, is seeing more and more of these events being scheduled. An example of this is the 2nd Annual 420 Edition Sip, Puff, and Paint by Its Bammtastic on April 17 to 18, 2021. It will feature art, music, and cannabis products.

Meanwhile, the 14th National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics will be held on May 20 to 22, 2021. Organized by Patients Out of Time, this event seeks to ignite discussions about the use of cannabis as a medicinal plant. It focuses on healthcare professionals and gives them the information they could use to use the potential of the plant for compassionate patient care.

Important Weed Events Scheduled this Year

As the DMV sees a revitalization of the cannabis community in terms of marijuana events, other states are also showing signs of rejuvenation. New Jersey has already launched a major cannabis event featuring NBA veteran Al Harrington through the NJ Cannabis Insider Live conference. You can bet that there are lots more to come this year. Here are some of the most significant events to look forward to in 2021:

·         Georgia World Cannabis Conference – March 27, 2021

Treehab’s event seeks to elevate the conversation surrounding cannabis through education. It wants to connect professional audiences to showcase the different industry-leading tech, solutions, and services existing in the industry. Some of its target viewers are those in the production line, hemp and CBD professionals, business leaders and founders, investors, scientists and researchers, newcomers, and international professionals.

·         People’s Choice: The High Times Hemp Cup – May 9, 2021

High Times is known to hold the Cannabis Cups, an event where cannabis cultivators submit products they developed to compete with one another. This time, the organization will be holding the 2021 Hemp Cup to encourage hemp cultivators to submit their products and see which one is the best across different categories. This competition is only for hemp-derived CBD and must contain under 0.3% THC.

·         People’s Choice: The High Times Cannabis Cup – June 20, 2021

Like the Hemp Cup, the 2021 Cannabis Cup will be held to see which cannabis-derived products are the best. This year, the organization opens its first-ever competition open to Michigan and Arizona residents. For the Hemp and Cannabis Cups, individuals are encouraged to join as a competitor or as a judge. They just need to submit their applications within the sign-up periods.

·         The Cannabis Conference 2021 - August 24 to 26, 2021

One of the biggest events in the US is the Cannabis Conference. Over the past years, it is considered a significant forum many people attend to learn more about marijuana discoveries, companies, innovations, and products. Attendees also take this conference as an opportunity to expand their network. This year, the conference features different exhibitors and speakers to educate the audience about new developments in the marijuana industry.

·         Midwest Cannabis Business Conference - September 22 – 23, 2021

Tackling the Midwest cannabis market, this conference will be addressing entrepreneurs in the area who want to enter the market. It seeks to share insights about the plant, the market, and the best practices that can help in entering and succeeding in this industry. This conference also targets existing business owners who want to succeed in the sector they have chosen to join.

·         Cannabis Business Summit & Expo - December 15 – 17, 2021

Lastly, the Annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo will once again be held to gather entrepreneurs, experts, and thought leaders in one place. This event allows them to share their knowledge and experience in the industry providing attendees with the right tools for working in the industry. It will feature networking opportunities, over 400 exhibitors, and the brightest minds in the sector.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

When thinking of attending these events, you want to make sure that you can make the most out of the experience while observing protocols. The following reminders can help you do so and more:

·         Some Events Can Be Moved or Cancelled

The first thing you should remember is that these events may be scheduled for specific dates but they can change depending on the situation. In fact, there are events that have been cancelled or rescheduled in light of the current public health emergency such as the 14th National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics mentioned above, which was delayed from the original date to the current one.

While reschedules are more favorable as it implies that the event will still push through but at a later time, there are instances where the events will be cancelled altogether. This may come as a disappointment but keep in mind that the matter is about health and safety, as well as compliance with policies and protocols.

·         Observe System Requirements for Virtual Events

The most convenient and viable way to attend events right not is through virtual means. The pandemic compelled different industries to adapt to the situation and this means that a lot of things can now be done online. Virtual events were favored by organizers to minimize risks of exposure while still offering a satisfying learning experience.

Virtual events may need certain system specifications such as the capability to run the organizer’s preferred software, the capacity to stream videos seamlessly, and a stable Internet connection.

For events where products are showcased such as Cannabis Cups, participants should be ready to receive packages containing kits and samples.

·         For Physical Events, Observe Protocols

Most states implement a capacity restriction to implement social distancing. People are also required to wear masks and sanitize their hands regularly to minimize the risks of spreading or contracting the virus. These protocols are in place to help mitigate the situation. So, those who are attending in-person cannabis events should make sure to follow these policies for the protection of those around them, as well as their own.

The Bottom Line

The cannabis community continues to thrive. With legalizations being considered by many states, as well as the strengthening industry, consumers and patients can expect a whole lot of developments this year

MD Cannabis Employees Qualified for Coronavirus Vaccine

Individuals employed by cannabis companies in Maryland will be receiving a similar status to healthcare workers for the coronavirus vaccine, reported Ganjapreneur. This was made possible with the help of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) which issued a directive regarding the matter.

The document stated that cannabis employees are covered in the 1A priority group which states that “licensed, registered and certified health care providers” are eligible for vaccine priority. The order encompasses various parts of the marijuana industry including cultivation, processing, testing, and retail. However, it is worth noting that active license holders with certification from the MMCC are eligible for priority status.

The MMCC’s directive is rooted in the essential service status given by the Maryland state government to the medical marijuana industry. As of writing, there are over 130 cannabis businesses in the state, noted Bizjournals. These companies are currently holding active registrations with the MMCC.

Aside from cannabis workers, Governor Larry Hogan’s Office reported that other healthcare workers, long-term care facility staff, and first responders are among the first ones to receive effective vaccines.

Hogan said, “Our team at the Maryland Department of Health has worked hard over the past eight months preparing plans to procure, distribute, and administer COVID-19 vaccines when they become available.” He added, “This is, by far, the most massive undertaking of this pandemic. The cavalry is coming, a vaccine is on the way, but it is absolutely critical that we continue to fight this virus with everything we’ve got, and we need to keep doing all the things that we know will help to keep us safe.”

The state will allocate vaccines for 227 nursing homes and 1,668 assisted living facilities, which will be distributed through CVS and Walgreens. In December, Maryland was set to receive a total of 155,000 initial doses, the first of the two-dose vaccine from Moderna and Pfizer. Bizjournals said that the current phase covers around 500,000 employees with the addition of law enforcement officials, nursing home residents, and frontline judiciary staff.

Aside from the 1A tier, the state also has the 1B priority status to those in assisted living and other congregate settings, adults who are 75 years old and above, as well as education and government sectors. Those in tier 1C include adults ages 65 to 74, essential workers in lab services, agriculture, manufacturing, postal services, and others.

Priority 2 includes individuals ages 16 to 64 with increased risks of severe COVID-19 illness because of comorbidities, essential workers in critical utilities, transportation, and food services. Lastly, Priority 3 covers the general population from healthy individuals at ages 16 to 64.

Regarding the MMCC’s decision to include the marijuana sector, industry executives say that this move “makes sense.” SunMed Growers compliance manager Justin Garcia said that the company’s employees have started signing up for the vaccine with some set to receive their first doses soon.

Garcia added, “As a company, we feel excited and blessed to be part of the phase 1A rollout… We hope it will help people feel even safer coming to work everyday. I am ready to get the shot in the arm. Sign me up.”

A similar positive response has been observed at Mana Supply Co. Owner Christopher Jensen said that the directive further validates the marijuana industry as an essential healthcare service provider. Mana, which has two dispensaries with more than 13,000 patients, welcomes this move. Jensen said, “Our people are on the front lines, having interactions with people coming to get their medicines every day. I’m really relieved for my staff and our patients.”

Peninsula Wellness CEO Anthony Darby and Storehouse CEO Jeff Jacobson agree that this move can be a significant step toward returning to a sense of normalcy.

In light of the upcoming vaccinations in DC, advocacy group DC Marijuana Justice (DCMJ) is planning to give away free cannabis products at vaccination centers throughout the district. According to DCMJ co-founder Adam Eidlinger, “If you believe in the science that supports medical cannabis, you should believe the science that supports the efficacy of the vaccine.” He added that the plan seeks to encourage more people to get their vaccination.

This will not be the first time that DCMJ has given away free marijuana at an event. In 2017, the organization handed out marijuana in front of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development at the “Haunted by HUD” protest.

DCMJ gave away more than 10,000 pre-rolled joints at the event. However, Eidlinger noted that those products were hand-rolled and licked, which would be an issue in light of the pandemic. For vaccination centers, the group will be handing out individual bags while wearing masks and gloves, and practicing social distancing. They will also be giving out seeds of a strain called “Grasso’s Green,” which was named after DC Councilman David Grosso.

The Need for Priority in Maryland’s Medical Marijuana Sector

As mentioned above, executives in the marijuana industry are taking the MMCC’s decision positively as it can protect their staff and patients. The importance of 1A priority given to the sector is amplified by the fact that a surge in the number of medical cannabis patients and registrations in the state.

Kent County News reported that more patients have been relying on medical marijuana during the pandemic, increasing industry sales. Since its legalization for medicinal purposes in 2014, dispensaries have successfully sold their products. However, the pandemic showed a tremendous increase in retail sales and patient registrations across the state in addition to the 124,118 individuals already enrolled as medical marijuana patients.

Sunburst Pharm general manager Michael Dunaway noted that “A lot of people use cannabis to help fight depression and anxiety, and heaven knows 2020 and 2021 are filled with moments that create those feelings.” He further noted that cannabis “helps them through those times.”

With this increase in patients who are bound to become customers, the medical cannabis community does need protection from the virus, especially with the recent surge in cases. The revitalized demand in cannabis and participation in the cannabis community by more people highlighted the need for vaccines for staff and patients for future developments.

The vaccines can play a role in the return to normalcy for the sector and can provide protection not only when purchasing marijuana as an essential healthcare service, but also in the possible launching of weed events in the future.

Sunburst Pharm saw a “really steady increase in new patients” and noted that before the pandemic, only a few new customers visit their stores. While this development is generally seen as a positive one, it poses a challenge to different aspects of the industry including the regulatory body and the supply chain. According to Kent County News, the increase in demand has overwhelmed players in the supply chain, from cultivators, producers, testers, and retailers.

Moreover, the MMCC has also seen an increase in backlogs and delays, especially with the evaluation and approval of registrations. The distribution of cards has been affected, as well. In fact, new applicants immediately receive a message from the MMCC to inform them that the agency is receiving a “high volume” of application. Moreover, the message says, “The Commission is experiencing an influx of applications, emails, and calls, therefore your application will take longer to process.” Moreover, “The Commission will not be responding to emails with status inquiries.”

Dunaway told Kent County News that many patients are having a hard time with the MMCC’s application process. He added that getting cards take around six weeks and more today, while it was just around three to four weeks before.

The manager attributes this delay to the pandemic but noted that the Commission’s process has always been complex and bureaucratic. According to Dunaway, “COVID just compounded an already existing problem and made it more difficult to proves applications efficiently.”

Guidelines for Purchasing Cannabis Safely

While vaccinated individuals may have protections against the virus, they still need to practice health and safety protocols until the community reaches herd community status. Some important things to remember when accessing marijuana in Maryland include:

·         Opting for contactless purchase methods such as weed delivery, contactless payments, and curbside pickups

·         Wearing protective gear when visiting dispensaries, the most common of which includes medical masks and face shields

·         Practicing social distancing when shopping in-store

·         Consistent and constant hand-washing or use of alcohol and sanitizers when touching exposed surfaces

·         Abiding by store protocols including social distancing, wearing of protective gear, refraining from using sniff jars, and giving space for staff to conduct periodic sanitation of exposed surfaces

With the help of these simple guidelines, patients can safely access medical marijuana products, whether they have been vaccinated or not. 

The Bottom Line

The priority given to medical cannabis staff will tremendously help these workers protect themselves and customers from the virus. The increase in demand for cannabis poses is reasons to anticipate strengthened participation in the cannabis community, which makes vaccination not only of staff but also customers all the more essential.

Biggest VR Cannabis Event Headlined by Snoop Dogg Held

Considered as the world’s biggest virtual reality marijuana-related event, Cannabis & Tech Today’s Emerge conference was held on December 15 to 17, said PR Newswire. It featured different happenings intended to promote the industry, its consumers, and businesses. It was attended by key figures in the community such as Snoop Dogg, Jim Belushi, and Steve DeAngelo.

The conference emphasized the Clio Cannabis Awards, the USA CBD Expo, educational seminars, and talks by different keynote speakers. This event was made possible by the quarterly publication in collaboration with industry leaders such as the National Cannabis Industry Association, National Association of Cannabis Businesses, Veterans Cannabis Coalition, Clio Cannabis Awards, and The USA CBD Expo.

Regarding the significance of the event to the cannabis community, Cannabis & Tech Today editor-in-chief and CEO Charles Warner said, “Leveraging our connections in the technology sector, we wanted to create a next-level but also addresses the need to focus on networking and getting back to business during this time of crisis.”

Emerge, which is what the conference is called, featured three subject tracks with more than 40 sessions. It was participated by more than 80 exhibitors and thousands of attendees.

To launch the forum in compliance with existing protocols in light of the health crisis, Emerge used the Hyperfair virtual platform which simulates interaction and networking among attendees. This platform provided a 3D immersive experience complete with VR-powered venues.

Highlights of the event included rapper and cannabis entrepreneur Snoop Dogg receiving the Clio Cannabis Lifetime Achievement Award. David Crosby, Julian Marley, and Former Congressional Representative Dan Rohrabacher were also there as keynote speakers for the event. Moreover, attendees will enjoy a 90-day post-event access to sponsor brands, events, content, breakouts, perks, and networking opportunities.

Regarding Clio’s involvement in the conference, Clio Cannabis director Michael Kauffman said, “We’re grateful for the opportunity to join the community at Winter Emerge in order to recognize top marketing in the industry. Our goal remains to celebrate creativity and to show our appreciation to each of you who are helping to bring this miracle plant to hearts, minds, and endocannabinoid systems around the planet.”

Emerge conference co-founder and Advisor Andre Bourque has always been optimistic about this event. In the press release of the forum, Bourque expressed his vision of the event. He said, “When Charles and I developed the concept for Emerge, we wanted it to consistently evolve, ‘re-emerge,’ if you will.” He added, “The industry is constantly changing, so establishing ourselves as the go-to, year-round virtual environment for cannabis content allows us to spotlight new voices, ideas, innovations, companies, and people each session.”

Ushering in a New Era of Weed Events

Emergence is just one of the firsts when it comes to virtual conferences. With the pandemic still at its height, combined with advisories from health experts even with vaccines, it is highly possible that online forums will be part of the new normal. It is the safest way to attend an event while social distancing. If you want to participate in such conferences in the near future, here’s what you can expect:

• More Virtual Conferences

The most apparent thing in the new normal when it comes to attending events is that they will be held online. This allows organizers to hold events with many people as they can or prefer to accommodate. As mentioned, it is a great way to comply with protocol as it requires attendees to participate while at home or in a place where they have access to the internet.

Another great thing about this development is that it helps attract technology entities to cannabis events. This gives participants the opportunity to network with tech companies, investors, and other personalities in the technology field.

• Online Toolkits

When attending events, participants are given access to various kits that will help them maximize their experience. For online conferences, you will also be sent such kits but in a digital format. You may receive PDFs, audio and video files, and other similar documents from the organizers. These may be used as a reference, additional information, or perform other valuable functions.

• At-Home Press Kits

Members of the press usually receive press kits to give them more information about the event, its guests, the activities it offers, and almost every important thing about the conference itself and its organizers. Online events strive to be as close to the real thing and more, so members of the press can expect to receive press kits at home.

This can be in the form of digital files such as PDFs, video and audio files, images, and other similar items. If needed, these items can be sent to your home. However, see to it that you receive the items in a safe manner that adheres to protocols. This includes contactless deliveries.

• High-Tech Solutions

These events are considered big in the cannabis community, so organizers need to step up their game to make their virtual conferences as close to the real thing as possible. In the case of Emergence, it used an advanced virtual reality platform to simulate the venue. So, you can expect the application of much more advanced technologies for other virtual events in the future.

Such solutions may be used not only to share the event to participants but also to allow them to interact within the digital environment. This can be in the form of virtual stalls, auditoriums, and rooms that can allow speakers and hosts, as well as attendees to network and exchange information more efficiently.

How to Join Virtual Cannabis Events

Now that you know what to expect from future weed events, you may be intent on participating in one. If this is your first time, here’s what you should do:

• Be on the lookout

Cannabis conferences may be scheduled at any time, so you want to make sure that you are always on the lookout for them. This may be difficult if you are not in the loop with cannabis publications, social media pages, websites, and personalities. So, if you think you will have a hard time finding an event to attend, you should start getting these media sources into your feed.

The thing about marijuana forums is they happen all year long. Every month, there is sure to be a conference near you. As long as you follow the right pages and people, you will have an idea about the when, what, where, and how an upcoming conference.

• Be ready to register

Many organizers choose to limit their audience, especially in the more conventional venues, or in-person events. With virtual programs, they may or may not choose to place similar limitations. Regardless, you should be ready to commit to the schedule you are interested in. This will help you secure a ticket to the event.

One thing you should be prepared to pay for your admission. Just like in-person conferences, their digital counterparts may charge a fee for the opportunity to participate. If you are hesitant about shelling out some money for this, you should keep in mind that these usually afford you valuable privileges and perks.

You get to interact with personalities in the cannabis community, especially successful entrepreneurs, investors, and potential business partners. Moreover, toolkits can provide important information about the industry. Plus, you may be given samples from participating exhibits and more!

• Maximize your experience

When you decide to pay for your admission fee, you just need to wait for the event to draw near. See to it that you make the most out of the experience you have seized and is being provided to you.

This is important, especially if you are an aspiring marijuana entrepreneur looking to participate in the industry in the future. If it is a multi-day event, plan out your day and check the schedule and list of presenters.

This will help you see which forums you are interested in, which booths you want to check out, or simply given some time for networking. Remember that attending these conferences are always a learning opportunity, as well as a chance to expand your network.

Usually, these events offer freebies such as product samples, service demos, and other similar offerings, so make sure to grab the chance to check out what exhibitors have to offer.

• Make sure your device can handle it

Lastly, before the event, you should see to it that your device will be able to handle the demands of the virtual reality tech. As organizers may choose to implement advanced solutions, these technologies may be more efficiently handled by capable computers. So, to make sure that you can take advantage of what the event has to offer, verify that your device’s specification is up to par with system requirements for the platform.

The Bottom Line

Cannabis events like Emergence may transform in light of the new normal. If you are planning to join one in the future, this guide can help you prepare for the experience and make the most out of a digital conference.