Cannabis has long been a symbol of community, creativity, and connection. For many, it’s more than just a plant—it’s a shared experience that transcends background, belief, and identity. While cannabis is still often misunderstood, one thing remains clear: it brings people together.
Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, people found creative ways to keep cannabis culture alive—often “smoking alone, together” through digital sessions or socially distanced gatherings. At the heart of it all is the sesh: a timeless ritual of sharing, bonding, and collective ease.
Cannabis and Social Connection
Whether you're at a large-scale event or in a living room circle, cannabis has a unique way of creating space for connection. Weedmaps described it well: “For many people, sessions are among the most enjoyable aspects of consuming cannabis, since it involves community.”
It’s more than a substance—it’s a social bridge. Cannabis often softens the edges of conversations and puts people into a shared mindset. This ease can foster communication marked by openness, presence, and a mutual respect for the moment.
As Dante Jordan wrote in a Leafly piece:
“You’re so judgment-free, man. You can say the dumbest shit, you can do the dumbest shit (safely, please), and your group just rolls with it.”
The ritual of passing around a joint or gathering for a shared session often creates space for both laughter and introspection—no script needed.
Cannabis Events: Where Culture and Community Meet
From intimate dinners to large expos, cannabis and hemp events are growing in number and diversity. These spaces often bring together people from different walks of life—varied cultures, experiences, and worldviews—with a common interest: the plant.
Even in small group settings, like a cannabis-themed dinner party, the vibe tends to lean toward authenticity. Walls drop. Conversations deepen. And whether the gathering is formal or free-form, cannabis often serves as the anchor.
While many industry events are still catching up in terms of representation on stages and in leadership, the faces in the crowd are changing. There’s increasing diversity in who shows up—and why.
Inclusion and Opportunity in the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry is not immune to the larger issues of equity and access that exist across society. Though the culture around cannabis promotes unity, the business side still has work to do. A report by Crowe (a global accounting firm) outlines some key recommendations for improving diversity and inclusion:
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Prioritize inclusive hiring and recruitment strategies
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Make diversity and equity a core company value, not a side initiative
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Commit a portion of profits to nonprofits and equity-based community programs
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Mentor and support minority- and women-led businesses through funding, training, or internship opportunities
Social equity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessary step toward making the cannabis space more reflective of the people who’ve historically been part of it, often without recognition or reward.
From Stigma to Solidarity
Cannabis has carried a heavy stigma for decades. Labels like “lazy stoner” or narratives like Reefer Madness painted a distorted image of what cannabis use actually looks like.
But the truth many have come to know is much simpler: cannabis is often about connection. It’s a shared moment. A cultural ritual. A way of creating space for dialogue, reflection, and authenticity.
Yes, cannabis might encourage some to seek solitude—but not out of isolation. Often, it's a search for alignment. For many, the right crowd isn’t the loudest—it’s the one that listens, shares, and understands.
