Leadership / 02.16.22

Cannabis Experts Discuss Substance's Widespread Future at Events in Pollstar Live! Panel

Access Staff

Pollstar (02/11/22) Brown, Eric Renner

Pollstar Live!'s "The Latest Lowdown On Cannabis at Live Events" panel considered the incorporation of cannabis use in the live events industry, with moderator Jim Lewi predicting cannabis concessions, among other things. Panelists Sameen Ahmad (Insomniac), Lauren Carpenter (Embarc), Dustin Moore (Embarc) and Tom Martinez (California Exposition & State Fair) were in agreement that the widespread integration of cannabis into live events is gaining traction as restrictions are lifted. "This is a moment in time where as cannabis policy is advancing, there's somewhat of a first mover advantage for promoters and venues that are willing to embrace this," Moore said. Tom Martinez cited the growing normalization of the cannabis experience, while Carpenter said, "We're really on the precipice of destigmatizing cannabis at scale." She stressed that partnerships with venues and promoters are essential to advancing the cannabis experience, in particular by identifying adjustments that need to be made. Artists are also acknowledging the live industry's expanding cannabis market. "If you do work with artists or you're a manager or a booker you know, it's the time to work with sponsors or cannabis brands to present your show your live stream sponsor your artists because the stigma behind it needs to go away," said Ahmad.

Read the full story from Pollstar. 

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