🏆 Cup Week, Award Nights and a Full Calendar

Jason's Take

Cup and awards season peaks this week. Best in Grass hands out its New Jersey awards in Sayreville on Nov 12, the Harvest Cup fills the DCU Center in Worcester Nov 13-14, and the Massachusetts awards follow in Boston on Nov 19.

Pennsylvania is the story to watch after the election. With Democrats taking the State Senate, the legalization bill that stalled there last year could get another look.

We're putting together a holiday gift guide for Nov 19. What's the best cannabis gift you've given or gotten? Hit reply and tell me. Brands and dispensaries: reply with your holiday drops and gift sets by Tuesday, Nov 17.

Top Picks

1. The Harvest Cup - Worcester, MA
   Two days of competition, vendor booths and judged awards at the DCU Center, Nov 13-14.

2. Best in Grass New Jersey Awards Show 2026 - Sayreville, NJ
   New Jersey growers and producers get their awards night on Thursday, Nov 12.

3. NYCRA 4th Annual Women’s Soirée & Awards - New York, NY
   The New York Cannabis Retail Association honors women in the state’s industry on Friday, Nov 13.

4. 3rd Annual Hemp HOLIDAZE! Fest - Lebanon, PA
   About 100 hemp, CBD, wellness, food and craft vendors fill a holiday market weekend, Dec 12-13.

This Week's Highlights

Vermont Sets December 16 Lottery for Marijuana Event Permits, Applications Opening This Month
Licensed Vermont retailers could soon sell at approved public events, though on-site consumption stays banned and every permit still needs local approval.

New York Begins Accepting Applications for First Marijuana Nursery Licenses
Only 50 applications get reviewed in the first round, in the order received, so anyone planning to sell clones and seeds to licensees should move early.

Pennsylvania Is Teed Up To Finally Legalize Marijuana As Democrats Claim Majority In State Senate
The Senate is where last year’s House legalization bill stalled, so operators across the region should watch what Harrisburg does next.

High Functioning Podcast

Now Streaming: The Feds Said Never Again: Jason Harris of Jerome Baker Designs | Ep. 103

In 2003, Jason Harris was one of 55 people caught up in a single federal case. He wore an ankle monitor and was told never to make his signature pieces again. More than 20 years later, Jerome Baker Designs is still standing.

On Episode 103, Jason talks with Harris about the federal case, why his name isn’t actually Jerome, blowing glass in hotel rooms on tour, opening in New York, and where the brand goes next.

🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show
🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe
🎙️ Listen on Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify
🍎 Apple Podcasts: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

Monday, Nov 9 @ 8:00p - The 5th Annual LegalizedNYC Festival - New York, NY
Annual Peter Tosh tribute concert at Sony Hall celebrating cannabis culture and legalization, with Big Youth, Ras Shiloh and the High Times Cannabis Cup Band.

Wednesday, Nov 11 @ 6:00p - Lil Cannabinoid, Big Energy | Weed School 001: Round Two - Liverpool, NY - $28.52
Explore cannabinoids, terpenes, aroma, and the science behind more informed cannabis consumption in this interactive sensory class.

Thursday, Nov 12 @ 6:00p - Cannabis NYC Career Training Program Information Sessions - New York, NY - FREE
A free session at CUNY in Harlem on cannabis job training for job seekers, with a Zoom option for those who cannot attend.

Thursday, Nov 12 @ 7:00p - Productive Stoner Club Meetup - Beacon, NY - FREE
A 21+ meetup at The Roosevelt Bar for professionals, artists and entrepreneurs who use cannabis, whether or not they work in the industry.

Friday, Nov 13 @ 5:00p - NYCRA 4th Annual Women’s Soirée & Awards - New York, NY
The New York Cannabis Retail Association honors women in the state’s cannabis industry, including top budtenders and brand ambassadors, with an open bar.

Sunday, Nov 15 @ 2:00p - Grow Bud Yourself! Academy: Learn to Grow Your Own Bud - Brooklyn, NY - $50
Former High Times cultivation editor Danny Danko teaches a beginner home-grow workshop at Culture House Greenpoint.

Monday, Nov 16 @ 6:30p - CB2 Cannabis Licensing Commitee Meeting - New York, NY - FREE
Attend Manhattan Community Board 2’s committee meeting for updates and discussion related to cannabis licensing.

Thursday, Nov 19-20 - 3rd Annual Cannabinoids in Clinical Practice & Research Symposium - Tarrytown, NY - $100 - $350
State-run symposium for clinicians and researchers, with a free practitioner course Nov 19 and clinical, science and harm-reduction sessions Nov 20.

Thursday, Nov 19 @ 5:00p - Potefeller Tree Trimming: Music, Ornaments, and LPP Letter Writing Drive - Brooklyn, NY - FREE
Holiday tree trimming at All Good Dispensary with ornament making, Flatbush hip-hop and letter writing for the Last Prisoner Project.

Thursday, Nov 19 @ 6:00p - Third Thursday NYC - Community Meet Up - New York, NY - FREE
Connect with New York’s cannabis community and industry professionals for an evening of conversation and networking.

Friday, Nov 20 @ 6:30p - Puff-Puff Playtest Pop-up - New York, NY - FREE
A 21+ night of playtesting made-in-NYC indie games in a vape-friendly room at Coexist GameHouse, free with an RSVP.

Sunday, Nov 29 @ 2:00p - High Tea and Terp Party - Buffalo, NY - FREE
Chakra Buds hosts terpene education, herbal tea blending, snacks and networking at Canterra dispensary on Elmwood Avenue. 21+.

Thursday, Dec 3 - Cannabis Control Board Meeting - New York, NY - FREE
The New York Cannabis Control Board meets in public to vote on licenses and regulations. Time and venue are still to be posted.

Thursday, Dec 17 @ 4:30p - Cultivated Buffalo powered by Jaunty - Buffalo, NY - $42
A Western New York industry evening at Resurgence Brewing with market data, a local policy discussion, networking, food and drinks.

Friday, Dec 18 @ 8:00p - Naughty or Fried? - Sip, Puff & Paint #13 - Brooklyn, NY - $12.51 - $33.85
A holiday-themed, 420-friendly paint night at New Heat Studio with supplies, music and games. 21+, holiday attire encouraged.

Winter Punch Is Back.

Our limited-edition Good Vibes X Winter Punch returns this winter with the same fruit punch recipe as last year. It’s fast-acting liquid gummies with zero sugar and zero calories, made to take straight or mix into any drink.

Rolling out to Massachusetts dispensaries this month. → Locate a Store

Thursday, Nov 12 @ 10:00a - Cannabis Control Commission Public Meeting - Worcester, MA - FREE
Monthly public meeting of the state’s cannabis regulators, in person and on Teams, with a Social Equity resource pop-up from 10a to 1p.

Thursday, Nov 12 @ 10:00a - Community Resource Pop-Up Event - Worcester, MA
The Cannabis Control Commission sets up resource tables at Union Station on the Social Equity Program, EquityWorks Career Hub and medical enrollment.

Friday, Nov 13-14 @ 12:00p - The Harvest Cup - Worcester, MA
Cannabis competition and trade show at the DCU Center with vendor booths, judged awards, an art gallery and live glass blowing.

Friday, Nov 13 @ 8:00p - November Paint and Puff in Holyoke - Friday! - Holyoke, MA - $39.19
Create your own painting with step-by-step guidance in a relaxed, cannabis-friendly setting.

Saturday, Nov 14 @ 8:00a - Shop Local Market Day - Marshfield MA @ South Shore Buds - Marshfield, MA
Local makers and cannabis brands set up vendor tables for a day-long community market at the South Shore Buds dispensary.

Wednesday, Nov 18 @ 3:30p - Social Equity Program Application Clinic - Online
Virtual clinic from the Cannabis Control Commission covering Social Equity Program eligibility, the application, common mistakes and resources.

Thursday, Nov 19 @ 6:00p - Best in Grass Massachusetts Awards Show 2026 - Boston, MA
Awards night for Massachusetts growers and producers at Royale, with a red carpet cocktail hour, live winner announcements and a DJ.

Friday, Nov 20 @ 7:00p - We Are Here, We Are Queer Comic Release by Queer in Cannabis & Toon Buds - Worcester, MA
Release party at Diem Cannabis for an original comic on queer advocates in legalization history, with artwork, pop-ups and refreshments.

Saturday, Nov 21 @ 7:00p - November Paint and Puff in Holyoke - Saturday! - Holyoke, MA
A 21+ bring-your-own painting night at Coquito Chukito on Front Street, with no experience needed and smoking optional.

Thursday, Dec 10 @ 10:00a - Cannabis Control Commission Public Meeting - Worcester, MA - FREE
The Commission holds its monthly public meeting in person, with remote viewing on Microsoft Teams Live.

Wednesday, Nov 11 @ 8:00p - Weeding Out The Stoned - Newark, NJ
A touring 420-themed comedy game show where the host gives sobriety tests to comedians and guests to find the one sober player.

Thursday, Nov 12 @ 6:00p - Best in Grass New Jersey Awards Show 2026 - Sayreville, NJ - $23.18
Celebrate New Jersey’s top cannabis growers and producers with brand activations, a live DJ, and the awards ceremony.

Monday, Nov 30 @ 5:30p - D.I.Y. at the Dispo: Stash Box Painting - Lumberton, NJ
21+ stash box painting night at Happy Farmer Dispensary with supplies provided and a food drive for the Food Bank of South Jersey.

Thursday, Dec 10 @ 11:00a - NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission Public Meeting - Trenton, NJ - FREE
Public meeting of the state’s cannabis regulators, in person and streamed online. Speaker sign-up closes Dec 8 at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov 14 @ 5:00p - Psychedelic Potluck and Meetup: Meet other psychedelic enthusiasts! - Philadelphia, PA - FREE
Meet fellow psychedelic-culture enthusiasts over food, music, and conversation at a casual community gathering.

Monday, Nov 16 @ 6:00p - Hygh Flow Meditation & Yoga - Philadelphia, PA - $28.16
Reset with gentle movement and guided meditation designed to help you relax, reconnect, and start the week feeling grounded.

Friday, Nov 20 @ 7:00p - Puff Puff Paint | Moonlit Wings: Cecropia Moth Painting Night - Lancaster, PA - $25
Art therapist Heather Hostetter leads a guided 21+ painting class at Hempfield Apothetique, with no experience needed.

Sunday, Nov 29 @ 7:00p - Comedian Jessica Levin at Hempfield Apothetique - Lancaster, PA - $9.85 - $20
POV Comedy brings NYC comedian Jessica Levin and local openers to The Lounge at Hempfield Apothetique. 21+, doors at 6pm.

Saturday, Dec 5 @ 7:00p - Muscle Tough, Lady King & The Aces - Lancaster, PA - $17
Philadelphia funk trio Muscle Tough plays The Lounge at Hempfield Apothetique, one of Pennsylvania's few cannabis consumption lounges, with Lady King & The Aces opening.

Saturday, Dec 12-13 @ 10:00a - 3rd Annual Hemp HOLIDAZE! Fest - Lebanon, PA
Weekend holiday market with about 100 hemp, CBD, wellness, food and craft vendors, plus cannabis educators and medical card services.

Saturday, Dec 19 @ 10:00a - Canna-Christmas - Monroeville, PA - $10 - $17
A cannabis-themed holiday market at the Monroeville Convention and Events Center with vendors, holiday shopping and a Canna-Santa.

Monday, Nov 9-10 - Interchange Washington 2026 - Seattle, WA
Two-day B2B event where cannabis producers and processors hold scheduled one-on-one meetings with retailers.

Thursday, Nov 12 @ 6:00p - Cannabis Community Conversations: How to Prepare for VA's Retail Market - Stafford, VA - FREE
Hear from policy, legal, and industry experts about Virginia’s emerging adult-use market and what entrepreneurs and advocates should know.

Tuesday, Dec 1 @ 6:00p - Blunt Brunch Nationals Presents Women on Fire - Las Vegas, NV
A MJBizCon week ladies’ night honoring women leaders in cannabis, with vendor networking, a DJ and swag bags.

Thursday, Dec 3 @ 10:00a - Holiday Meet & Greet with the Institute of Cannabis Research - Pueblo Dep Ac, CO - FREE
Meet cannabis researchers and colleagues, learn about current research, and explore opportunities for education and collaboration over brunch.

Thursday, Dec 10 @ 6:00p - MiCIA Holiday Gala 2026 - Detroit, MI
Michigan Cannabis Industry Association fundraiser dinner supporting Detroit legacy applicants, with networking, a keynote and live music.

Monday, Nov 9-11 @ 8:30a - 2026 Indigenous Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit - Washington, DC - $534.31
Tribal leaders, policymakers, and industry advocates gather to discuss cannabis policy, sovereignty, business growth, and wellness in Indigenous communities.

Thursday, Nov 12-14 @ 8:00a - 2026 NORML Key West Legal Seminar - Key West, FL
Three-day CLE seminar for attorneys and advocates covering hemp enforcement, state legislation, Fourth Amendment cases and cannabis business law.

Tuesday, Nov 17-19 @ 1:00p - CHAMPS Trade Show Fort Lauderdale 2026 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - FREE for qualified buyers
B2B trade show where smoke shop and specialty retail buyers meet wholesale exhibitors. Not open to the public.

Wednesday, Nov 18 @ 7:30a - IgniteIt Capital & Policy Summit DC 2026 - Washington, DC - $247 - $497
One-day summit with panels on federal policy, capital, M&A, hemp and medical markets, plus networking and an evening reception.

Friday, Nov 20 @ 8:00a - Power Connections Cannabis - Novi, MI - $316.63
A B2B cannabis conference with speed networking, expert panels and time with leaders in retail, manufacturing, banking and technology.

Tuesday, Dec 1-4 @ 9:00a - MJBizCon 2026 - Las Vegas, NV - $299 - $599
The largest cannabis industry trade show and conference, with three expo days, general sessions, breakouts and pre-show certifications.

Friday, Dec 4-6 - Terp Basel - Miami, FL
Three nights of cannabis, art, music and fashion during Miami Art Week, with live performances and brand activations.

Saturday, Dec 5 @ 4:00p - HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup Puerto Rico 2026 + Cannabiz Awards | San Juan - Old San Juan, San Juan
A medical cannabis expo bringing together growers, brands, industry professionals, and visitors from Puerto Rico and the mainland U.S.

If you don't see your event listed, email us or submit the event.

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Thank you!
Jason + Karen

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DISCLAIMER: We don't vouch for any of these events. We may not even go to any of them ourselves. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not an endorsement of a company or product that may appear here. Please be careful and do your own research🌿 💐