Highlights from the Weed Fair
Highlights from the Weed Fair
The Hall of Flowers: A Cannabis Wonderland
Let me take you on a journey to the most vibrant and exciting trade show in town. Imagine attending a trade show for psychiatrists, but instead of feeling depressed, you’re immersed in a world of color and creativity. Welcome to the Hall of Flowers, California’s biggest B2B weed trade show, where the swag is far from low-grade.
As I slinked back to my dingy convention-center hotel room from that psychiatrists’ trade show, clutching a bright yellow Koozie promoting erectile dysfunction pills, I couldn’t help but feel down. But everything changed at the Hall of Flowers. With over 120,000 square feet of space, 200-plus vendors, and mountains of edibles and flower, the Hall of Flowers introduced me to a captivating world of cannabis culture.
Amidst the haze of smoke and the aroma of multiple strains, I met an array of fascinating individuals. There were longhaired legacy growers, newly minted dispensary owners, glamorous wellness women with their infused balms, and even gangster guys selling skull bongs. The Hall of Flowers was a melting pot of personalities, from tech bros with algorithms to an older cat claiming to have invented the pre-roll machine. And let’s not forget the surprisingly unsexy companies offering essential dispensary services like insurance, accounting, and HR. It was an eye-opening experience, showcasing not just the abundance of weed but also the future of cannabis culture and the groundbreaking ideas that will shape it.
But the real highlight of the Hall of Flowers wasn’t the swag; it was the immersive sensory experiences. Picture sitting down with your friends for a quiet dinner, sipping thick, white vapor rising from your wine glasses. That’s what happened when I discovered the Zenco, a sleek tabletop device that takes cannabis consumption to a whole new level. The Zenco’s vapor-filled glasses create a dramatic effect, making cannabis use look elegant and refined. But it wasn’t just about the aesthetics; the Zenco delivered an intense flavor experience. Unlike joints, which often cause us to lose the terpenes responsible for taste and smell, vaporizers preserve these essential elements. With the Zenco, the terpenes flowed toward your mouth and nose, intensifying the experience and adding layers of flavor.
As someone accustomed to hitting my weed hard and fast, embracing the slower pace of the Zenco shifted my perspective on enjoying cannabis. I could see this device becoming a staple on classy dining room tables, and even making its way into cannabis lounges as a premium experience. Craft cannabis farmers would undoubtedly cater to this new trend, specializing in strains that amplify the aromas and flavors for the ultimate sensory delight. The days of solely focusing on high THC content are slowly fading away as weed that tastes incredible takes center stage.
When it comes to edibles, forget the usual candy-flavored gummies and chocolates. At the Hall of Flowers, I stumbled upon It’s All About Choices, a start-up that elevates the edible game to a new dimension. Their THC-infused single-serving portions range from matcha shortbread cookies to tomato soup, offering a diverse selection that will satisfy any craving. Who needs a bottle of Bordeaux when you can gift a beautifully designed themed gift box filled with these delectable treats? It’s a far more original, social, and memorable dinner-party present.
Even though edibles have reached new heights, the same can’t be said for THC-infused drinks. While I eagerly sought out innovative ways to consume cannabis beyond the traditional methods, the industry seemed fixated on fruit-flavored infused seltzers. Despite the enthusiasm from some, infused drinks still have a long way to go. According to recent reports, they only accounted for a tiny 1.3 percent of total cannabis sales in the US. But fear not, as the industry embraces experimentation and creativity, we can anticipate an array of flavors, branding gimmicks, and the inevitable celebrity endorsements.
Moving beyond traditional joint and vape consumption methods, I found a new vape that caught my attention—the Mighty+. Its small hard drive-sized design makes it perfect for home use, providing a premium cannabis experience. This mighty device allows you to heat your flower precisely, bringing out the flavors without the chemical aftertaste often associated with cartridge-based oils. As the cannabis industry evolves, the focus is shifting from stealthy, portable vapes to devices that enhance the enjoyment and quality of the experience.
But what’s truly fascinating is the invasion of big alcohol into the world of weed. Many professionals from the adult beverage industry have made their way into cannabis. These individuals bring their skills and expertise in marketing, promotion, and advertising to an industry that previously was inhabited by individuals with colorful names like Cornbread Ricky and Sam the Skunkman. As a result, we can expect cannabis packaging, branding, and messaging to become slicker and more sophisticated.
Intriguingly, even renowned alcohol brands like Pabst Blue Ribbon and Lagunitas have dipped their toes into the cannabis market. Pabst Blue Ribbon now offers cannabis-infused seltzers, while Lagunitas has introduced non-alcoholic, cannabis-infused sparkling beverages. The line between the two industries is blurring, presenting exciting opportunities for collaboration and growth.
As I reflect on my time at the Hall of Flowers, I can confidently say that the cannabis industry is blossoming. From immersive sensory experiences to culinary delights and innovative consumption methods, the future is bright and high. So let’s raise a glass (of cannabis-infused sparkling beverage, perhaps) to the ever-evolving world of cannabis culture and the exciting products and ideas that lie ahead!
