In November 2020, New Jersey officially legalized recreational cannabis, paving the way for the emergence of a new industry and culture in the Garden State.
Subsequently, numerous towns and cities have welcomed the cannabis community, incorporating cannabis into their local festivals and events. Here are a few instances showcasing how New Jersey is celebrating cannabis in 2023.
Edison: 420 Expo
The 420 Expo marks New Jersey’s inaugural B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Cannabis) consumer convention, taking place from September 29th to October 1st, 2023, at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in Edison.
This event boasts a lineup of over 100 vendors, designated outdoor smoking zones, food trucks, appearances by celebrities such as Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Snoop Dogg, and Willie Nelson, live music and stage performances, educational seminars and panels, a comprehensive VIP program, and nightly VIP after parties.
Open to the public over the course of all three days, the expo offers a unique opportunity to embrace and celebrate cannabis culture.
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Jersey City: NJ Cannabis Insider
NJ Cannabis Insider, a branch of NJ.com, a prominent New Jersey news source, organizes frequent cannabis industry gatherings in Jersey City. These events showcase speakers, panel discussions, and networking chances for both cannabis professionals and enthusiasts.
The discussions span various topics, including legalization, regulation, business, social justice, and innovation within the cannabis sector. These events take place at Zeppelin Hall, an expansive beer garden and restaurant located in downtown Jersey City.
Drawing in a diverse crowd of attendees, including lawmakers, entrepreneurs, activists, and consumers, these events serve as platforms for sharing insights and experiences within the cannabis industry.
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Berlin Township: Working in South Jersey Cannabis
The South Jersey Cannabis Working event, organized by Heady NJ, a cannabis media and advocacy platform, and UFCW 360, a labor union representing cannabis workers, took place on January 21st, 2023, at the UFCW Local 360 union hall in Berlin Township.
The event featured a keynote address by Krista Nash, a commissioner of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, who discussed the commission’s role and vision in regulating the cannabis market.
Additionally, the event comprised a panel discussion with cannabis industry experts, a job fair featuring cannabis employers, and a networking session for cannabis advocates and enthusiasts.
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Montclair: 420 Week
420 Week is a series of festivities and gatherings taking place in Montclair, a town renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Local businesses, organizations, and individuals collaborate to organize these events with the goal of fostering cannabis awareness, education, and entertainment.
The lineup includes comedy shows, art exhibitions, film screenings, yoga classes, cooking demonstrations, and more, all centered around cannabis as either a theme or ingredient.
These events unfold at diverse venues across Montclair, such as the Wellmont Theater, the Montclair Art Museum, the Montclair Public Library, and the Montclair Farmers Market. Drawing in thousands of attendees, the festivities showcase the various imaginative ways cannabis can be woven into different facets of life.
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Final Words
New Jersey is a state that has embraced both cannabis legalization and culture, demonstrating strong support and enthusiasm for the cannabis community.
Through the incorporation of cannabis into local festivals and events, several towns and cities across New Jersey have established platforms for cannabis education, entertainment, and networking.
These gatherings highlight the diverse and creative aspects of the cannabis industry and culture, celebrating the numerous benefits and potential applications of cannabis in various facets of life.
New Jersey stands at the forefront of cannabis innovation and integration, serving as a model for other states to emulate.
