Recently, I was a part of the Cannabis Means Business Conference 2025 in NYC, and the vibe was unmatched.
There were rooftop mixers, thoughtfully curated panels, and powerful conversations that offered a full-spectrum look at where the cannabis industry is headed. From market insights to cultural storytelling, every moment reflected a community deeply invested in shaping a more inclusive and intentional future.
Over three days, I connected with some of the sharpest minds in branding, equity, policy, cultivation, and storytelling. It was a reminder that even in a challenging industry, this movement is driven by people who care—people building businesses with purpose, pushing boundaries, and planting seeds for something bigger.
Day 1:
I kicked off Day 1 with a one-on-one sit-down with David Paleschuck (author and CEO of Branding Bud Consulting Group), vibing on branding, music, skateboarding, and cannabis culture. The conversation was both nostalgic and forward-thinking, highlighting how these cultural threads continue to shape the cannabis industry in real-time.
Later, I joined a powerhouse panel for the Marketing & Communications Workshop, sharing space with Dr. Roz McCarthy (CEO of Black Buddha Cannabis and Minorities for Medical Marijuana), Will Muecke (Managing Member at Artemis Growth Partners), and Jeffrey Graham (CEO of Pistil Data), with David back in action as moderator. The theme that ran through everything was that authenticity isn’t optional. It’s the foundation for long-term success in a market that’s constantly evolving.
That evening, I connected with fellow industry leaders Rachel Wright (CEO of Verdant Strategies), Jeanne Sullivan (CIO at Arcview Ventures), and Sara Brittany Somerset (journalist, advocate, and strategic advisor with Blazy Susan) over dinner.
Even with a packed schedule of panels and conversations, the energy was clear: New York’s cannabis industry is gaining serious traction.
Day 2:
Day 2 was all about connection on both a global and personal level. I got to reconnect with familiar faces from Atlas Seed, Grow America, Honey King, and GCNC, digging into the latest shifts in market strategy, genetics, and international opportunities.
On the panel side, highlights included a comprehensive state of the union on New York’s evolving cannabis landscape, offering key insights into legislation, market dynamics, and community priorities. A sharp comparative analysis between New York and Berlin explored each city’s potential to become the global cannabis capital, sparking conversations about innovation, equity, and international influence.
The day concluded with a memorable fireside chat featuring Whoopi Goldberg and Tim Seymour, where candid takes on celebrity, cannabis, and culture brought both levity and depth to the discussion, reminding everyone just how multifaceted this movement truly is. Later that night, the PufCreativ crew made it a real-life moment. I linked up with Ali Lopez, our Director of Written Content, and Andrew Ward, our Director of Strategy, for sushi, laughs, and some after-hours strategy.
We may be a remote team at PufCreativ, but nothing beats a Brooklyn meetup with good food and a few “safety meetings.”
Day 3:
I closed out the conference with a bang: jumping behind the mic for guest appearances on the Stage One and Thermidor podcasts. The convos got real, covering everything from scaling brands with intention to navigating the hard truths of responsible storytelling in cannabis.
Later, I hit the mainstage panel on Marketing, Social Media & PR, moderated by Lori Rosen (Founder and President of Rosen Group and featuring powerhouse panelists Kim Prince (Founder and CEO of Proven Media) and Amna Shamim (Marketing & Comms Strategist at Cannabis Events Global). The discussion tackled the industry’s biggest marketing challenges, shadowbans, limited ad access, the need for strategy over stunts, and circled back to the fact that authenticity always wins.
A packed room, sharp questions, and a buzzing Q&A cemented the session as one of the standouts of the day.
Culture & Community Are Defining What’s Next for Legal Cannabis in New York
New York’s cannabis scene is powerful, dynamic, and bursting with potential. Cultural roots run deep, the community shows up with purpose, and brands are stepping confidently into their voice. Furthermore, they’re doing it boldly, honestly, and with a sense of authenticity that’s long overdue. The storytelling is evolving in real time, and the passion behind it all is impossible to ignore.
Big kudos to the Cannabis Means Business organizers for curating a space that felt intentional, inclusive, and genuinely impactful. These are the kinds of moments that drive the industry forward and remind us why we show up.
After this conference, PufCreativ’s commitment remains clear: show up with purpose, champion the culture, and keep building a future where cannabis and community grow together.
