Contributor: Akil Evans
In the past, Las Vegas’ reputation has centered around being a destination to overindulge in vices, without any repercussions. Before I moved to Vegas, I might have called it “Sin City,” and everyone has heard the maxim, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
Recently, in January 2020, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority introduced the city’s new slogan, “What happens here, only happens here,” as method to highlight the more positive aspects of Las Vegas, without neglecting the recreation.
I tend to agree that, as cannabis connoisseur and entertainer, there is no other place on the planet with the abundance of opportunities and potential for growth for the cannabis industry than Las Vegas. This place is poised for unprecedented growth because of its active and collaborative cannabis community.
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and before I migrated to The Silver State, I would dream of the day I could legally consume cannabis, and no longer have to hide my passion for the herb. Dreams come true because, as a Las Vegan, I am able to legally purchase cannabis from a multitude of dispensaries, consume on private property, grow cannabis, and best of all, be employed in the cannabis industry!
I also relish the various events and that bring together the creative and enterprising people that love the plant, too. Just last month, in February 2020, I was blessed to attend numerous social gatherings with significance to weed warriors.
Champs Las Vegas – Winter 2020 Trade Show
Las Vegas’ excellent hospitality and large upscale casino convention rooms have invited the premier business-to-business counter culture expo to town. The Champs Trade Show is a four day event on the Vegas Strip that gives vendors and exhibitors the platform to display unique offerings, including: cbd, glass, rolling papers, and other cannabis accessories. My interest was drawn to the more rare weed-related displays like age verification devices, adult toys, and body jewelry. Still, perhaps the most exciting happening of The Champs Trade Show was the Glass Games Masters Finals Test. The Glass Games is a ten year Champs tradition, in which the finest glass artists compete on-site. At the February 2020 Champs Show in Las Vegas, the winners of 6 different 2019 Glass Games tournaments demonstrated their mastery of the craft.
Culture & Cannabis 2020 Season Opener featuring Paul Wall
The first ganja gathering that I ever attended in Vegas was Culture & Cannabis, a monthly networking cannabis event. I was ultra hyped to attend the Culture & Cannabis 2020 Season Opener in February! Culture and Cannabis is so much fun because of the live music performances by local artists, and the representation of brands in the Las Vegas community. This cannabis revolution does not promote open consumption of cannabis because it is still illegal in Nevada. Yet, the problem solving skills of stoners does not stop us from finding a method to arrive high. Even if I was not high during the experience, I definitely would have still enjoyed the allure and originality of the OmniModels Fashion Show. Likewise, I was inspired by
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the paintings, sculptures, and new technology exhibited at the booths. My favorite Las Vegas hip hop musician, Red X, rocked the crowd, and I could not help but recall the other times I witnessed him perform at house parties, bars, and even on Fremont Street. He wasn’t the only musical sensation of the evening, either. The 2020 Season Opener of Culture & Cannabis featured the Po Up Poet, himself, Paul Wall! Culture & Cannabis has been operating for over three years, but this is the first time I remember an artist of this caliber attending and performing at the venue.
I applaud the Culture & Cannabis organization’s endeavors in the new season. The official announcement of Culture & Cannabis THC products was paired with the reveal of the 2020 Season Opener. General Admission Tickets at the door were $20.00, and there was an option to purchase a $15.00 ticket online. On the other hand, the first 250 smokers that purchased a Culture & Cannabis product from Acres Cannabis Dispensary, or Curaleaf, received free admission. I was not early enough to be one of the first 250, but I still did receive a discount on my ticket because of my purchase of a Culture & Cannabis Fire Cookies .75 gram pre-roll for only $8.00.
Culture & Cannabis also hosts a regular podcast that interviews influential people in Vegas’ Cannabis Industry, like Robert Cohen of Cohen Medical Center. Culture & Cannabis is more than the monthly get together. The organization creates a fun and welcoming space for curious cannabis beginners to immerse themselves in the community. In the same way, seasoned smokers and brands can have the opportunity to showcase new projects and reach their customers in a casual environment. In my opinion, the best aspect of Culture & Cannabis is making new friends and catching up with old pals that share the same appreciation of legal weed.
Las Vegas NORML 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration and Summit
On the last day of Black History Month, I attended the Las Vegas NORML 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration and Summit. Last year, I was moved by the poignant testimonies from cannabis advocates and entrepreneurs. This year, the Summit was located at the Richard Tam Alumni Center at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and I felt inspired from the moment I stepped foot on the campus.
I was given a name tag at the check-in desk, and informed of the food and beverage options. This was not a consumption event, but the snacks and drinks provided were the perfect remedy for weed-induced munchies. There were flaming hot cheese flavored corn chips, chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, candy bowls at every table, club sandwiches, chips and salsa, and also some gatorade and soda pop.I truly felt catered to during this event. We were also given notecards to write questions for the panelists to answer.
The first panel was focused on cannabis policy in Las Vegas.
Kyndra Miller, The 1st Vice-Chair at Las Vegas Norml, was one of the most compelling speakers. Miller explained that the African American community, and all minorities in the cannabis arena, need economical support from the private sector, and must hold the local politicians accountable.
An inquiry about legal access to medicinal and recreational cannabis started a conversation about politics and the importance of education. The Vegas Don, a panelist who mixes Hip Hop with Politics, stressed how vital it is to educate the youth and older generation about how to safely and legally consume cannabis in The Meadows.
Following the first panel discussion, we enjoyed a brief recess, in which I smashed on cookies, pizza, and cocoa puff marshmallow treats. I also took the opportunity to talk with the fellow attendees during the respite. I talked with a sensimillia sensei named, Tyler Doss, about increased turnout compared to last year’s Summit.
I first met Tyler when we worked together at the Cannabition Cannabis Museum in Downtown Las Vegas. Nowadays, Tyler works with Cohen Medical, and he introduced me to Dr. Jones.
Dr. Jones would be leading the next panel discussion centered around the Cannabis Industry. Joy, a fellow lvcannabisreviews.com content creator was also at our table, and informed me she would be writing a detailed account of her experience of the 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration and Summit.
The second panel was anticipated much more than the first, as I noticed many more students, and less empty seats, when the Cannabis Industry Panel began.
It was clear that the presence of hip hop artist, Dizzy Wright, was the cause for the excitement. Dizzy Wright is a native of Las Vegas, and recognized as an entrepreneur and independent artist that is changing how business practices go down in music and cannabis. In addition, Dizzy Wright has his own strain of cannabis titled, Dizzy OG, produced by Crown Genetics.
Another friend of mine, Larry Smith from G5 Cultivation, offered his experience on the panel, as well. Larry is often present at local cannabis events, and hosts his own, too. Thus, I was not surprised when he said the community is where he draws his motivation to cultivate quality medicine.
The founder of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Nicole Buffong, stated that there is no recreational use of cannabis, only medicinal. I understand that she did not intend to claim that no person uses cannabis just for enjoyment, or that healthy people should not use weed. Instead, she demanded that people recognize the potent medical effects of cannabis that are present whenever it’s in use. Perhaps, if we saw every form of cannabis as medicine, then the barriers to use it would change, and be massively respected.
Overall, the best part of the Las Vegas NORML 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration and Summit was mingling with like-minded people, and witnessing the youthful UNLV Cannabis Law Organization and Black Law Student Association collaborate to host the event with Las Vegas NORML.
The most obvious characteristic about the Las Vegas cannabis community is its fondness for partying and getting faded. This gathering displayed another aspect of our community. At this event, we not only celebrated Black History, but we also brainstormed solutions to our criminal justice and social equity obstacles in the local cannabis industry.
I learned more about the movers and shakers in Nevada’s cannabis industry during the summit. Still, I was much more excited to attend the Pre-roll Party, presented by Dabathon Cup, later that evening.
My associate, Chris, who combines e-sports with cannabis in Las Vegas, reached out to me on Instagram about the exclusive Pre-roll Party. I have attended multiple weed events in Las Vegas with Chris, including the Champs Trade Show, Culture & Cannabis, and a visit to Morty’s Joint.
Morty’s Joint is a brand new e-sports arcade above the Apothecary Shoppe Dispensary. I was thankful Chris reached out to me about this event because I was aloof. I made sure I followed the instructions to RSVP for the secret session party, and realized that the location was being kept secret, until the day off because it would be a consumption friendly function held on private property, and they didn’t want too many people showing up.
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Dabathon Cup Preroll Party
I reviewed the Dabathon Cup Pre-roll Party flyer, and recognized three out of the four names. Stoner Rob, a dope emcee, hosted the event along with Medicated Marley. I feel like Stoner Rob hosts almost every weed event in Vegas because I also saw his talents at the opening of the Cannabition Museum, Culture & Cannabis, and other dank events.
In the same way, I often see Medicated Marley’s sponsored weed videos on social media, and met her in person for a photoshoot at the Cannabition Cannabis Museum. The other name I knew was Jackey 420. Similarly, I see Jackey 420 at nearly every Culture & Cannabis Event and witnessed him filming promotion videos at Champs. Essentially, everybody that is somebody in the Vegas community seemed like they would be present.
It was $20.00 to enter at the door for the private party, but I had paid in advance, so it only cost me $12.24 online. This was my premiere at a private cannabis Las Vegas event, and I had no idea what to expect. The vibe reminded me of my adolescent house parties, and I recalled how fun it could be to chill and smoke with a large group in a comfortable setting.
There were delights for each of my five senses to receive, especially my eyes and ears. “$5.00 grams! $10.00 Eighths!” were the first words I heard when I walked into the house. There were tables set up in every corner of the estate, and even more vendors positioned outside. It wasn’t my first time seeing this kind of set-up for a weed-oriented event, but the ability to freely consume provided a different atmosphere. Even if I did not choose to smoke that night, I inevitably would’ve enjoyed the effects of the second hand smoke in the air.
Once I made my way to the backyard, I found an area by the pool where I could set up my lvcannabisreviews.com giveaways. The first person I talked with was a cannabis chef dressed in neon green. I offered her a t-shirt, and she gave me mushroom cannabis infused soup. I met plenty more generous ganja gangstas at the kickback, too. While spreading the word about lvcannabisreviews.com, I was smoked out twice by new friends. Some were veterans in the West Coast Cannabis scene, and others were first-timers to a sesh, like me.
Sooty was the first vendor I engaged in conversation with, and I was pleased to learn how involved he was with the manufacture of his products. He was selling infused popcorn, concentrates, flowers, and even mushrooms. Sooty knew the source of his flower because he cultivated it himself.
According to Sooty, his associates at 96 edibles won third place at Kushstock last year, and have placed at every Kushstock for the past several years. After I told Sooty it was my first time at the event, and I would be writing about my experience, he gifted me a 2500 mg bottle of orange syrup to sample for free! Before I parted with Sooty, he mentioned his interest in creating solventless products.
I took a few steps closer to the pool, and found myself in front of the JBoro Glass exhibition. The tabletop was covered with blown glass smoking bowls, and other cool glass sculptures for $5.00 each. Recently, I had decided to part ways with my old glass pipe because of the memories associated with it. So, I decided to purchase a dark blue piece, with a wide bowl, just in case I decided to purchase some flower at the party. JBoro Glass just began last year, and was already realizing its dream of creating cannabis art for others to enjoy at the Dabathon Cup Pre-roll Party.
Just as I was ending a conversation about glass, I was approached by a dapper dude in a three piece suit. He introduced himself as Duane, a brand ambassador for Las Vegas Cannagars.
Duane reached into a fancy leather pouch, and retrieved a dozen cannagars, which he lit and put in rotation during the party, while we were talking. Duane’s favorite part of attending events like the Pre-roll Party in Vegas, is making friends and learning what is new in the industry.
I had the opportunity to enjoy a new cannagar product that utilizes rose petals, instead of cannabis leaves. The Cannagar Rosarillo was amazingly smooth, and the flavor reminded me of a sexy women’s irresistible perfume. When I asked Duane what he thought about cannabis legalization, he responded that it may be good for us, but the change it means for police and casinos may have some negative consequences.
Duane revealed that he was arrested in 2018 for simply providing medicine. Despite the obstacles, Duane has never been deterred from pursuing a career in cannabis. His spirit is not rare in the cannabis community, and it explains why the industry is permanent, despite the federal government’s illegal classification.
Next, I spoke with Ann from HighOut.
HighOut specializes in creating infused chocolate that is easily broken down for baking infused goods. I had the chance to dine on some exquisite chocolate flavors with HighOut. Ann made me a taro chocolate waffle, and I was shocked by the other HighOut flavors of strawberry, cantaloupe, and milk flavored chocolates.
Yes, HighOut produced chocolate flavored milk, not just milk chocolate! Similarly, I found HighOut’s circular disposable vapes to be unique and practical in design because they would not snap if placed in one’s pocket. The chill weather convinced me to return inside, after I scarfed down my waffle treat.
My all-time favorite candy are gummies, so naturally, I found myself in front of the Gummie Plug station inside the house.
Gummie Plug is a family-owned brand, operated by husband and wife, Alfredo and Chavon. I purchased two 250 mg bags of gummies for $6.00. I bought a bag of blue raspberry rings, and Alfredo’s favorite, watermelon gummies.
Alfredo explained how he utilizes RSO, cannabis coconut oil, and shatter sugar to manufacture Gummie Plug products. All the cannabis that Alfredo and Chavon utilize is lab-tested, thanks to Alfredo’s connections. This is how he ensures consistency in his products. His testimony gave example of the healing properties of weed. His best friend’s son has found relief from his seizures thanks to Gummie Plug. In the same way, Alfredo’s mom combats her osteoporosis and insomnia with the cannabis-infused syrup that he creates.
Party Phaverz Disposable Vapes from Central Valley, California was the last table I visited at the private Pre-roll Party.
Party Phaverz Disposable vapes are thin glass filaments that contain a small mix of flower and concentrate. The design of these disposable vapes allow one to vaporize small amounts of cannabis in its pure form, without melting down a pipe or stem.
Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid vaporizers were offered at various price points from $8.00, $10.00, and $12.00. My curiosity earned me a sample hit of a Party Phaver. Once I inhaled, and immediately started coughing, I knew that I was being launched to another level of faded. I paid $5.00 to spin the raffle, and won two free Indica Party Phaverz, in addition to the $8 Sativa vape I purchased!
I was overwhelmed with the kindness of everyone at the session, especially Ken from Party Phaverz. After talking with Ken about the Las Vegas scene, he disclosed that he believed it was like California during early legalization. This took me back to the Black History Month Summit at UNLV that morning, in which a panelist urged Vegas to learn from the mistakes made by other cannabis communities. Perhaps, our medical cannabis industry would be thriving, but only if Vegas removed the barriers and handicaps to acquire a medical card. Such things just are not present in California.
In retrospect, The Dabathon Cup Pre-roll Party was the best cannabis-related event I attended in 2020.
One of the most notable parts of the get together was how easy it was to make new friends. I smoked and exchanged stories (or gifts) with a ton of new friends. In the living room, there was a perpetual smoke session, which included smoking, dabbing, and volcano vaping. I felt so much gratitude to the hosts because the affair was expertly planned. There was even a taco and hot dog truck, along with a bar, in the backyard. The welcoming, positive energy and unbelievably low prices, made the Pre-roll Party hosted by Dabathon, a Saturday night I will never forget!
As a cannabis connoisseur, there is no other place I would rather be in the world right now than Las Vegas.
The emerging cannabis scene in Vegas brought me to the Las Vegas Convention Center, Richard Tam Alumni Center at the University of Las Vegas, and a clandestine house party all in the same month. Whether it be to advance legislation and education, to share ideas and inspire new paths of thought, or just get together and relax, cannabis is integral to Las Vegas’ future.
Conversely, Las Vegas’ position as a travel destination for business and pleasure, along with its maturing economy, have it in the position to be the new cannabis capital of the world!
