The First Week of Spring Looks Busy

Spring has officially arrived, and the cannabis community is starting to come back to life.

Across the Northeast, events are picking up with networking nights, community gatherings, educational sessions, and creative experiences bringing people together around the plant. It’s that time of year when the calendar fills quickly and the momentum toward 4/20 begins to build.

Whether you're looking to connect with the industry, learn something new, or just enjoy the culture, there’s plenty happening this week.

1. The Committee to Protect Cannabis Regulation - Framingham, MA
   An informational gathering uniting stakeholders to discuss what’s at stake for Massachusetts’ regulated cannabis industry and how to get involved.

2. Cannabis Community Education with Nanticoke at Canterra - Buffalo, NY
   A free, in-person educational session exploring cannabis science, effects, and community Q&A in a relaxed setting.

3. 2nd Annual High Tea: Women in Cannabis Presented by the NJC3 - Hoboken, NJ

   A women-focused gathering celebrating leaders in New Jersey’s cannabis industry with conversation, networking, and community.

4. Women in Cannabis Lounge - Brooklyn, NY

   A Women’s Month celebration featuring networking, music, and community honoring the women shaping the cannabis industry.

High Functioning Podcast

Now Streaming: How We Survived a DEA Bust to Build a 50,000 Sq Ft Cannabis Farm

What does it really take to survive as an independent cannabis farm in Massachusetts? In this episode of High Functioning, host Jason Reposa sits down with Lisa Mauriello and Boey Bertold, the husband-and-wife team behind Paper Crane Cannabis. They run an organic, sun-grown Tier 6 farm in Hubbardston, Massachusetts.

Lisa and Boey share the unvarnished truth about building their business. Boey details his time in the legacy market and surviving a 2006 DEA bust, while Lisa explains the ongoing hurdles of dealing with hostile host town agreements. They break down the mechanics of outdoor cultivation, how they breed genetics specifically for the sun, and how they navigated the 2025 industry crash that forced dozens of companies to close. Finally, they outline their vision for the future, including on-site farm stands and eco-tourism.

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

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Find it at select Massachusetts dispensaries while it lasts. → Locate a Store

Tuesday, Mar 24 @ 3:00p - NYC LEASE March Workshop - New York, NY - FREE

An informational workshop connecting cannabis licensees with vacant storefront opportunities and commercial leasing resources across NYC. Event details>

Thursday, Mar 26 @ 6:00p - Cannabis Community Education with Nanticoke at Canterra - Buffalo, NY - FREE

A free, in-person educational session exploring cannabis science, effects, and community Q&A in a relaxed setting. Event details>

Saturday, Mar 28 @ 2:00p - Canna Farmers Market - FREE

A laid-back cannabis-friendly market featuring rotating vendors, food, music, and a welcoming space to shop and connect with the community. Event details>

Saturday, Mar 28 @ 3:00p - New York Craft Cannabis Showcase at The Daily Green! - New York, NY - FREE

Meet New York’s craft growers and small-batch brands, explore new products, and connect with the community at this in-store showcase. Event details>

Sunday, Mar 29 @ 3:00p - Canna Gathering - Schenectady, NY - FREE

A casual weekly meetup with cannabis vendors, food, and farmers-market vibes where the local community can hang out and enjoy good company. Event details>

Tuesday, Mar 31 @ 9:00p - Women in Cannabis Lounge - Brooklyn, NY - FREE

A Women’s Month celebration featuring networking, music, and community honoring the women shaping the cannabis industry. Event details>

Thursday, Apr 16 @ 6:00p - Third Thursday NYC - Cannabis Community Meet Up - New York, NY - FREE

A monthly Lower East Side gathering where New York’s cannabis community connects, shares ideas, and discovers new brands. Event details>

Thursday, Apr 16 @ 3:00p - Cannabis Career Summit 2026 - New York, NY - FREE

A workforce-focused summit connecting job seekers, employers, and policymakers to explore career pathways in New York’s cannabis industry. Event details>

Sunday, Apr 19 @ 3:30p - Cannabis Botany - Learn the science behind the smoke - Brooklyn, NY - $71.21

A hands-on educational session exploring cannabis biology, plant science, and how cultivation shapes the strains we enjoy. Event details>

Monday, Apr 20 @ 6:00p - 4/20 Scholars Ball (Cannibas Event) - New York, NY - $23.18

An upscale 4/20 celebration bringing together cannabis entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals for networking and culture. Event details>

Tuesday, Mar 24 @ 2:00p - The Commitee to Protect Cannabis Regulation - Framingham, MA

An informational gathering uniting stakeholders to discuss what’s at stake for Massachusetts’ regulated cannabis industry and how to get involved. Event details>

Sunday, Apr 9 @ 7:00p - Weeding Out The Stoned - Boston, MA - $17.85

A live comedy game show where audience members help identify the one sober contestant among a lineup of very stoned comedians through wild sobriety tests and mind games. Event details>

Saturday, Apr 11 @ 3:00p - Native Sun | Cosmic Cannabis: Astrology & Yoga Workshop - Boston, MA - $33

A mindful wellness gathering combining restorative yoga, astrology readings, and cannabis education in a relaxed, community-centered setting. Event details>

Friday, Apr 17 @ 11:00a - Four20 Weekend Kick off... The Herbwell Way! - Cambridge, MA - FREE

A relaxed cannabis community gathering bringing together vendors, creatives, and industry professionals for a night of networking, collaboration, and good vibes. Event details>

Saturday, Apr 18 @ 7:00p - The Hangout - Gardner, MA - Donation

A laid-back cannabis community gathering bringing together local vendors, creatives, and industry professionals for networking, music, and elevated vibes. Event details>

Saturday, Apr 18 @ 4:30p - High Vibes Cannabis Infused Sound Bath - Middleton, MA - $44.52

A 90-minute immersive 4/20 sound bath featuring crystal bowls, gongs, and calming visuals. Cannabis is optional, and guests receive a complimentary gift bag. Event details>

Saturday, Apr 18 @ 7:00p - Luva's Highway: DIY Silent Headphone Party - Fitchburg, MA - $23.18

A creative community gathering blending music, art, and wellness where guests tune into a silent headphone party and connect through self-expression and good vibes. Event details>

Friday, Apr 24 @ 4:00p - MA Cannabis Coalition: Professional Networking Event (After-NECANN Day 1) - Boston, MA - FREE

An after-NECANN networking event where cannabis professionals, advocates, and industry leaders connect over policy, business, and community. Event details>

Wednesday, Mar 25 @ 12:00p - 2nd Annual High Tea: Women in Cannabis Presented by the NJC3 - Hoboken, NJ - $75

A women-focused gathering celebrating leaders in New Jersey’s cannabis industry with conversation, networking, and community. Event details>

Sunday, Apr 12 @ 6:00p - Highheauxx 420 Kickoff - Atlantic City, NJ - $37.32

An immersive cannabis social event featuring curated dab bars, interactive experiences, and branded photo moments. Event details>

Friday, Apr 17 @ 6:00p - 420 Themed Cookie Decorating Class - Hackettstown, NJ - $47.47

A hands-on class where guests learn to decorate playful 420-inspired cookies while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere. Event details>

Apr 17 @ 11:00a - Four20 Weekend Kick off... The Herbwell Way! - Cambridge, MA

An early 4/20 presale celebration packed with music, major deals, and high-energy vibes to launch the ultimate cannabis weekend. Event details>

Apr 18 @ 12:00p - Zahara’s 4th Annual Smoked Out 420 Fest - Attleboro, MA - FREE

A full-day 420 celebration featuring live music, vendor pop-ups, exclusive specials, and giveaways at one of the region’s biggest cannabis gatherings. Event details>

Apr 18 @ 4:30p - High Vibes Cannabis Infused Sound Bath - Middleton, MA - $44.52

A 90-minute immersive sound healing experience pairing optional cannabis use with crystal bowls, gongs, and deep restorative relaxation. Event details>

Sunday, Apr 19 @ 1:00p - Quality Cannabliss - Unexpected Farm to Flower Festival - Newfield, NJ - FREE

A cannabis festival highlighting cultivation, education, and community through a farm-to-flower experience. Event details>

Monday, Apr 20 @ 6:00p - The Munchie Masterpiece - Keyport, NJ - $65 - $85

A hands-on 4/20 charcuterie workshop where guests craft their own gourmet board while enjoying a lively sip-and-shop atmosphere. Event details>

Wednesday, Apr 22 @ 5:00p - Third Annual Professional Cannabis Industry Networking Event - Glassboro, NJ

An in-person networking event bringing together cannabis professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to connect, share ideas, and grow their industry network. Event details>

Thursday, Apr 2 @ 9:30a - Rally to Defend Maine's Medical Cannabis Program - Augusta, ME - FREE

A public rally and advocacy event supporting Maine’s medical cannabis program and the small farmers and patients it serves. Event details>

Friday, Jul 17 @ 12:00p - The 5th Annual Maine Womens Cannabiz Symposium - Charleston, ME - $50 - $200

A three-day camp-style gathering connecting women in Maine’s cannabis industry through networking, education, and community building. Event details>

Sunday, Mar 29 @ 4:00p - Puff & Pour: A Cannabis-Friendly Candle-Making Experience - Bridgeport, CT - $71.21

A creative workshop where guests craft custom candles in a relaxed, cannabis-friendly setting with music, games, and community vibes. Event details>

Friday, Apr 17 @ 7:00p - 420 PUFF AND PAINT - Waterbury, CT - $28.52

A creative 4/20 celebration blending painting, music, and a relaxed cannabis-friendly atmosphere. Event details>

Monday, Apr 20 @ 6:00p - PUFF 4/20 - Manchester, CT - $49.87

A laid-back 4/20 gathering focused on community, good vibes, and celebrating the plant with friends old and new. Event details>

Monday, Apr 20 @ 6:00p - Puff and Pour The Official 420 Edition - Bridgeport, CT - $71.21

A special 4/20 candle-making experience blending luxury ambiance, creativity, and a cannabis-friendly social atmosphere. Event details>

Monday, Apr 20 @ 7:30p - The 420 Comedy Show - Standup Comedy at the Gastro Park - West Hartford, CT - $23.18

Celebrate 4/20 with a night of stand-up comedy, food, drinks, and a stacked lineup of comedians. Event details>

Friday, Apr 17 @ 7:30p - Weeding Out The Stoned (Happy 420 Edition) - Emmaus, PA - $22.53

A live comedy game show where stoned comedians face sobriety tests to uncover the one sober imposter. Event details>

Friday, Apr 17 @ 4:00p - Pennsylvania Cannabis Mixer - Philadelphia, PA - $14.78

An industry networking mixer bringing cannabis professionals together following the PACC and NECANN conventions. Event details>

Saturday, April 18-19 - Pennsylvania Spring Cannfest - Kutztown, PA - $ 22.85

A two-day cannabis festival featuring vendors, food, live music, and immersive brand experiences—one of PA’s biggest cannabis gatherings. Event details>

Sunday, Apr 19 @ 4:00p - Yoga Budz Extra Special - Pittsburgh, PA - $23.18

A calming pre-4/20 gathering featuring yin yoga, sound bathing, and a community-centered wellness experience. Event details>

Monday, Apr 20 @ 5:30p - 3rd Annual Puff. Pass. Paint - Philadelphia, PA - $9.31

A creative 4/20 celebration featuring guided painting, music, vendors, and a room full of elevated artistic energy. Event details>

Saturday, March 28 @ 12:00p - Wellness & Cannabis Education Circle - Camp Springs, MD - FREE

A community discussion exploring cannabis and holistic wellness topics including stress, sleep, pain support, and lifestyle balance. Event details>

Saturday, March 28 @ 5:00p - Learn the 4-in-1 Business: Health, Cannabis, AI & Travel - Parkville, MD - FREE

An educational event covering entrepreneurship, wellness, cannabis opportunities, AI tools, and travel-focused business strategies. Event details>

Saturday, March 28 @ 12:00p - High Vibes Yoga - Baltimore, MD - $30 - $60.54

A relaxing yoga session combining mindful movement, breathwork, and a cannabis-friendly environment for a calming wellness experience. Event details>

Friday, Apr 17 @ 8:30a - 6th Denver CBD OutLook - Westminster, CO - $530.05

A deep-dive conference on CBD’s next chapter, covering federal scheduling changes, hemp beverages, cannabinoid research, and emerging healthcare access. Event details>

Monday, Apr 20 @ 6:00p - 4/20 Scholars Ball (Cannibas Event) - New York, NY - $23.18

An upscale 4/20 celebration bringing together cannabis professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs for an evening of culture and networking. Event details>

Friday, April 24 @ 6:00p - SkunkFunk Fest 2026 - Salisbury, MD - $20 - $100

AA three-day music and arts festival featuring live performances, vendors, podcasts, and cannabis-friendly community culture. Event details>

Saturday, Apr 25 @ 11:00a - Gulf Coast Festival - Biloxi, MS - $12.51

A Mississippi-grown celebration of plant medicine, culture, and community, blending education, advocacy, and good vibes into one must-attend canna weekend for patients, professionals, and supporters alike. Event details>

Thursday, Apr 30 @ 1:00p - IN PERSON: Evaluating Cannabis Dispensaries, BK 04/30 - Brooklyn, NY - FREE

A community board workshop explaining the dispensary licensing process and offering guidance on evaluating cannabis retail applications. Event details>

Saturday, May 2 @ 1:00p - SPRING HIGH MUSIC FESTIVAL - Fort Plain, NY - $10

A cannabis-friendly festival featuring live music, vendors, food trucks, competitions, and community giveaways. Event details>

Saturday, May 2 @ 10:30p - Green Room: Afro Hours - Syracuse, NY - $108.55

A late-night event celebrating Afro House music, culture, and dance with high-energy vibes and community. Event details>

Saturday, May 23 @ 10:00a - Steel City Cannabis Convention - Monroeville, PA - $12.51

A two-day convention celebrating cannabis culture with vendors, education, and community at the Monroeville Convention Center. Event details>

Saturday, Jun 6 @ 6:00p - Cannafest NYC: Governors Ball Weekend 2026! - Brooklyn, NY

A two-day cannabis culture festival blending live music, premium brands, and community vibes during Governors Ball weekend. Event details>

Saturday, Jun 6-7 @ 11:00a - Hemp Harvest Fest - Lebanon, PA - $6.65

A summer kickoff festival featuring 150+ vendors, live music, food trucks, and hemp-focused education. Event details>

Friday, Jul 17 @ 12:00p - The 5th Annual Maine Womens Cannabiz Symposium - Charleston, ME - $50 - $200

A three-day summer camp-style gathering connecting women in cannabis through networking, education, and community. Event details>

Saturday, Oct 3-4 - Pennsylvania Fall Cannfest - Kutztown, PA

The fall edition of PA’s premier cann-festival returns with curated vendors, live entertainment, and community-focused activations all weekend long. Event details>

March 18 & 19 @ 10:00a - Hall of Flowers - Ventura, CA - $295

An invite-only B2B trade show connecting licensed brands, retailers, investors, and industry leaders for two days of curated networking and product discovery. Event details>

Saturday, March 21-22 @ 10:00a - Morgantown Canna Fair - Morgantown, PA - $17.85

Pennsylvania’s largest indoor cannabis festival, featuring 250+ vendors, food trucks, workshops, speakers, and alternative wellness experiences. Event details>

April 9 - Flower Expo Local: St Louis - St Louis, MO - $175.33

A focused B2B cannabis conference designed for productive networking, brand discovery, and business growth in a high-energy setting. Event details>

Saturday, Apr 11 @ 12:00p - Cleveland Canna Convention 2026 - Cleveland, OH - $12.51

A culture-forward cannabis expo spotlighting solventless rosin, terpene craftsmanship, custom glass, and the creators pushing the plant forward. Event details>

April 18 @ 10:00a - Pennsylvania Cannabis Convention 2026 - Philadelphia, PA

A two-day industry convention bringing together PA growers, dispensaries, advocates, and ancillary businesses for education, networking, and policy-forward conversation. Event details>

Friday, April 24-25, 2026 - NECANN Boston - Boston, MA - $99

The Northeast’s largest cannabis convention returns with 300+ exhibitors, 9,000+ attendees, expert sessions, and the NECANN Cup, an essential stop for anyone in the industry. Event details>

Tue, May 5-7, 2026 - MJ Unpacked - Atlantic City, NJ

MJ Unpacked is back in AC, bringing together the cannabis leaders shaping what’s next. From the Opening Reception to product slams in the Experience Hall, Cannabis Cup Awards, and the legendary Official Afterparty, every moment moves the industry forward. Event details>

Tue, May 19 @ 8:00a - VIP GROW - May 2026 - Potomac, MD - FREE

A free, three-day training program helping Veteran-owned businesses scale in government contracting, taught by industry experts. Application required. Event details>

Sat, Jun 6-7, 2026 - Lebanon Valley Summer Canna-Fest - Lebanon, PA

A massive summer cannabis festival featuring 175+ vendors, live music, food, art, and certifications—making it one of Pennsylvania’s biggest canna celebrations of the year. Event details>

Sat, June 6-7 @ 11:00a - Hemp Harvest Fest - Lebanon, PA - $11.44

A high-energy summer festival with 150+ vendors, live music, food trucks, samples, and all-day community vibes. Event details>

Wed, Jun 17-18 - Hemp Beverage Expo - Austin, TX - $267.09

Discover the nation's largest selection of hemp beverage brands—all in one place. HBE is the first executive-level B2B trade event exclusively focused on hemp beverages featuring delta-9 THC. Event details>

Wed, Jun 17 @ 10:00a - Flower Expo Massachusetts 2026 - Northampton, MA - $267.09

The Northeast’s leading cannabis trade show returns, connecting brands, buyers, and industry pros from across the region. Event details>

Thursday, June 26-27, 2026 @ 10:00a - Lucky Leaf Expo Dallas, Tx 2026 - Irving, TX - $39.28 – $499

A major cannabis business expo bringing together 100+ exhibitors, expert-led sessions, and serious networking across every corner of the industry. Event details>

Fri, Aug 7-8 - Lucky Leaf Expo Philadelphia, PA 2026 - Oaks, PA - $39.28 – $499

A two-day industry expo offering exhibitors, education, and networking, capped with an official after-party for the full Philadelphia cannabis experience. Event details>

Tue, Aug 18-19 @ 9:30a - Women in Cannabis Expo "POWERHOUSES" 2026 - Reno, NV - $108.55

A two-day expo bringing together women across the cannabis space for high-impact networking, industry insights, and professional growth. Event details>

Wednesday, Sep 9 @ 9:00a - PBC Conference 2026 - Washington, DC - $963.38

A premier two-day conference uniting the cannabis banking ecosystem—regulators, financial institutions, and operators for deep dives into payments, compliance, investing, and the future of cannabis finance. Event details>

Tue, Oct 13-15, 2026 - Kansas City, MO

MJU is coming to Kansas City! Join MJ Unpacked—the national event designed for licensed operators, researchers, and investors to discover fresh insights, make meaningful connections, and spark new opportunities to grow their businesses. Event details>

Monday, Oct 19 @ 8:00a - 10th Annual National Cannabis Research Conference - San Diego, CA - $161.90

The most comprehensive interdisciplinary cannabis research conference in the U.S., bringing together scientists, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore cannabis science, policy, and innovation shaping the future. Event details>

Friday, December 4-6 - Terp Basel

A three-night collision of cannabis, art, music, fashion, and culture featuring live performances, immersive art, brand activations, and a global crowd shaping what’s next.

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🌿 💐