The Week After Valentine’s... Now What?

Valentine’s Day came and went. The chocolates are discounted. The roses are questionable. But the cannabis calendar? Still thriving.

We’re officially in that mid-February stretch where the hype fades and the real ones show up. Black History Month events are bringing depth and culture, networking rooms are filling with serious builders, and creative nights are giving us a reason to leave the house despite the cold.

If you’ve been in hibernation mode, consider this your gentle nudge. The momentum is building, and the right rooms are starting to buzz.

Let’s get into it! 🔥

1. Black History Month pop-up - South Bound Brook, NJ
   A community-driven pop-up celebrating Black excellence with special deals, featured brands, and high-energy, meet-the-maker vibes.

2. Nightjar’s Higher Hearts - Bloomfield, NJ
   A Valentine’s-inspired evening of crafts, games, charcuterie, and curated vendors—bringing elevated romance and community together in one cozy space.

3. Blaze & Battle - Brookline, MA

   A 21+ competitive gaming event blending PS5 tournaments, cannabis culture, live spectators, and cash prizes in a gallery-style setting.
   

4. CannaPitch NYC - New York City, NY

   A pitch-style showcase highlighting Black founders building purpose-driven cannabis brands across wellness, culture, and access.

High Functioning Podcast

Now Streaming: Section 280E Tax Strategies: Risk or Reward?

With the potential of Schedule III on the horizon, cannabis operators are weighing the risks and rewards of different 280E tax positions. But what separates a "reasonable basis" from a red flag?

In this episode, Jesse Alderman (Partner, Foley Hoag) and Ray Owens (Tax Lead, Withum) discuss the myths and realities of the rescheduling executive order and what comes next for cannabis businesses.

We cover the legal and accounting best practices for Section 280E treatment, the "Opinion Letter" strategy, and how to prepare your team for the future.

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

Only 200 Exist. Meet Sugar Bomb Punch.

Introducing Good Vibes Sugar Bomb Punch Rosin Syrup, the rarest release we’ve ever dropped. Crafted from a single harvest of fresh-frozen Sugar Bomb Punch ice water hash rosin, this solventless, fast-acting syrup is limited to just 200 bottles total— and once they’re gone, that’s it.

This strain-specific rosin syrup uses water-soluble emulsification for a rapid onset and a true full-spectrum experience, delivering clean, precise effects without solvents. Finished with subtle huckleberry and lychee notes that enhance the strain’s candy-fruit terpene profile, it’s built for connoisseurs who care about purity, flavor, and true-to-plant expression.

One batch. One moment. No reruns.

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

Sunday, Feb 22 @ 3:00p - Canna Gathering - Schenectady, NY - FREE

A weekly chill-out session for the local cannabis community featuring relaxed hangs, friendly faces, and good vibes. Event details>

Wednesday, Feb 18 @ 6:00p - CannaPitch NYC - New York City, NY - Donation

A pitch-style showcase highlighting Black founders building purpose-driven cannabis brands across wellness, culture, and access. Event details>

Thursday, Feb 19 @ 6:00p - Third Thursday NYC - Cannabis Community Meet Up - New York, NY - FREE

A monthly Lower East Side hang bringing together entrepreneurs, operators, creatives, and advocates for relaxed networking, real conversations, and community connection. Event details>

Monday, Feb 23 @ 1:00p - IN PERSON: Evaluating Cannabis Dispensaries - Brooklyn, NY - FREE

An educational session helping community board members better understand the dispensary application process, with private consultations available. Event details>

Thursday, Feb 26 @ 7:30p - Cannabis Botany - Brooklyn, NY - $71.21

A hands-on, science-forward session exploring how cannabis grows, evolves, and becomes the flower we know perfect for curious consumers and plant lovers alike. Event details>

Saturday, Feb 28 @ 4:00p - Yin & Sound Sweetened: a Cannabis Journey - Queens, NY - $33.85

A restorative yin yoga and sound bath experience elevated with THC-infused treats for a dreamy, sensory reset. Event details>

Mar 6 @ 6:00p - LottyCanna Presents: The Zodiac Cabaret - Buffalo, NY - $15

A burlesque-meets-astrology variety show where each zodiac sign comes to life through theatrical, sensual performance. Event details>

Friday, February 20-21 @ 5:30p - Blaze & Battle - Brookline, MA - $7.18

A 21+ competitive gaming event blending PS5 tournaments, cannabis culture, live spectators, and cash prizes in a gallery-style setting. Event details>

Saturday, Feb 28 @ 6:00p - South Shore Buds Acoustic Session: Playing Dead - Marshfield, MA - FREE

An intimate acoustic hang with live music, meet-and-greets, and dispensary perks—free with proof of your show ticket. Event details>

Saturday, March 7 @ 5:00p - Puff & Brush - Norwood, MA - $65.87

A laid-back creative night blending cannabis-friendly vibes with guided painting in a fun, social setting. Event details>

Friday, March 13 @ 11:00a - St. Paddy's Day Weekend Kick off - Cambridge, MA - Free

A Boston-style St. Patrick’s pregame featuring themed photo ops, green gear, and holiday deals before the bar crawl chaos begins. Event details>

Friday, Feb 20 @ 4:15p - Black History Month pop-up at Rush Budz - South Bound Brook, NJ

A community-driven pop-up celebrating Black excellence with special deals, featured brands, and high-energy, meet-the-maker vibes.

Saturday, Feb 21 @ 6:00p - Nightjar’s Higher Hearts - Bloomfield, NJ

A Valentine’s-inspired evening of crafts, games, charcuterie, and curated vendors—bringing elevated romance and community together in one cozy space. Event details>

Sunday, Feb 22 @ 12:00p - Toke & Flow - Atlantic City, NJ - $34.49

A cannabis-friendly slow flow yoga session featuring guided meditation, breathwork, and restoration plus pre- and post-class smoke sessions included. Event details>

Saturday, Feb 28 @ 2:00p - A Minority Wellness Event by Dank Diamonds - Newark, NJ - Donation

A donation-based wellness gathering focused on mental health, resilience, and minority voices through panels and community activations. Event details>

Friday, Feb 20 @ 3:00p - Frost Fest Vendor - Windsor Locks, CT  - $215.26

A two-day cannabis-friendly festival featuring music, comedy, brands, influencers, and a dedicated consumption lounge—built for vendors ready to show up and stand out. Event details>

Saturday, Feb 21 @ 10:00a - Wake, Bake and Bunnies - Manchester, CT - $30

A gentle, cannabis-friendly wellness experience featuring mindful movement and relaxation alongside rescued bunnies in a calm, welcoming setting. Event details>

Sunday, February 22 @ 4:00p - Puff & Pour: A Cannabis-Friendly Candle-Making Experience - Bridgeport, CT - $71.21

A cannabis-friendly candle-making night with a live DJ, guided pours, good vibes, and handcrafted keepsakes to take home. Event details>

Saturday, March 14 @ 2:00p - Run It Back 90’s Edition: CT BIPOC Networking Mixer - New Haven, CT

A cannabis-friendly, 90 ’s-themed networking event bringing together BIPOC wellness and healing professionals for connection, community, and collaboration. Event details>

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

A luxury, cannabis-friendly candle-making experience designed for elevated 420 celebrations with music, ambiance, and grown-folk energy. Event details>

Friday, Feb 20 @ 8:00p - Smokus Pocus - Philadelphia, PA - $40.25

A high-energy, weed-themed magic show where mind-bending illusions, fast wit, and cannabis culture collide (21+). Event details>

Thursday, Mar 12 @ 7:00p - Scenic Root Art presents: Rooted Cloud - Pulls & Paints at Infusions (BYOB) - Bethlehem, PA - $44.52

A laid-back puff-and-paint lounge night blending music, infused bites, BYOB cocktails, and creative freedom, no art skills required. Event details>

Thursday, Mar 26 @ 9:00a - THC: Prescribed and Self-Medication Trends and Implications Training - West Chester, PA - $25

A professional, education-forward training exploring THC usage trends, efficacy, and mental and physical health implications. Event details>

Saturday, Feb 21 @ 12:00p - 5TH Annual Black Cannabis Festival - Los Angeles, CA - FREE

A free, culture-forward festival celebrating Black excellence in cannabis through music, education, brands, and community. Event details>

Wednesday, Feb 25 @ 9:00a - 2026 Great Lakes Indigenous Cannabis and Hemp Summit - Lac du Flambeau, WI

An Indigenous-led summit uniting tribal leaders, policymakers, and operators to advance wellness, agriculture, and economic growth. Event details>

Saturday, Mar 14 @ 12:00p - Groove and Gather: The Great Green Gathering Cannbis Festival (5G) - Wellington, OH - $12.51

A full-day cannabis festival featuring live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, and interactive games designed to bring Ohio’s cannabis community together to chill, connect, and celebrate. Event details>

Saturday, Mar 14 @ 1:00p - The Hemp & Cannabinoids Revolution featuring Dr. Stuart Titus - Carefree, AZ - $10 – $20

A live, expert-led deep dive into the future of hemp and cannabinoids, featuring industry insights, emerging trends, and scientific breakthroughs. Event details>

Friday, March 20-21 @ 11:00a - Kentucky Cannabis Conference & Expo - Louisville, KY - FREE

An education-first public conference focused on patient access, public health, and responsible cannabis policy. Event details>

Saturday, March 21-22 @ 10:00a - Maine Cannabis Expo - Spring Session 2026 - Augusta, ME - $23.18

A family-friendly expo featuring exhibitors, live music, patient gift bags, raffles, and medical-focused activations. 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>

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>

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>

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, 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>

Wednesday, Feb 25 at 9:00a - 2026 Great Lakes Indigenous Cannabis and Hemp Summit - Lac du Flambeau, WI - $55.20

A community-centered summit bringing together tribal nations, operators, and policymakers to explore wellness, economic growth, and the future of Indigenous cannabis and hemp. Event details>

Friday, Feb 27-28 @ 10:00a - AltBev Expo East 2026 - West Palm Beach, FL - $56.05 - $567.74

A two-day, next-gen beverage convention spotlighting the explosion of alternative, functional and non-alcoholic beverages. Positioned at the forefront of beverage culture, this event fuses B2B and B2C elements to offer an immersive and innovative experience for brands, buyers, and consumers. 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>

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>

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🌿 💐