Imagine gathering around the fire, under a full sky of stars and the tall trunks of redwood trees towering over you. This classic campfire setting comes with a twist – it’s in the heart of the Emerald Triangle, full of good weed, and a full spectrum of inspiring cannabis leaders and brands in the California industry.
Meadowlands is a cannabis industry retreat hosted by the dispensary management software company, Meadow. This annual event is designed to build a more united, collaborative, and equitable community in California and beyond.
As a top dispensary management and software company in California, Meadow believes in sharing knowledge and insight to foster alliances and relationships up and down the cannabis industry supply chain.
Each year the event opens up and invites those working and involved within the state’s cannabis industry to join together for an elevated and exclusive camping retreat. Meadowlands connects the SoCal, Central, and NorCal communities within the birthplace of California cannabis culture – Mendocino County. Compared to the expansive exhibitor halls and conferences the Beard Bros have seen and done, this stripped-down and candid event allows everyone to see each other in a different light.
Smoking together, sharing insights, listening to policymakers, and simply joining forces as one, the weekend at Meadowlands sparked inspiring campfire chats and high spirits. Our Beard Bros team loved the summer camp environment of the whole event, allowing it to be a casual and comfortable change to get to know our colleagues on a deeper level.
Just being underneath the redwoods in Mendocino for the weekend was truly magical – it was the perfect scenery to appreciate and honor the history and culture of California cannabis.
Beyond the enchantment of the redwoods, the event offered a wide range of activities and accommodations for the cannabis industry campers! Meadow and the entire team at Camp Navarro did a fantastic job of ensuring each of the guests was taken care of, from sunrise to sundown. Plenty of water, camping supplies, and munchies were shared among the guests, with unique brand activations and activities lined up along the forest.
The Corral was the spot to be at that weekend – the booth hosted different NorCal companies, farmers, and their latest cultivars. Humboldt Trim Company showcased some beautiful examples of their work while Airo brands introduced their new vape and edible innovations. The living soil brands Sol Spirit and Snowtill shared insights from this year’s harvests.
The Beard Bros were stoked to host a booth at Meadowlands this year. We brought our Beard Bros Pharms RSO products along with some caramel sauce and apples to create an infused caramel apple snack, but when our Jewish friends informed us that Rosh Hashanah was that Wednesday we suddenly realized the ultimate way to celebrate! With apples dipped in honey and RSO-infused caramel sauce, it was a fun way to elevate the holiday and tradition. These munchies attracted many to learn about the latest Beard Bros Pharms products, and we quickly learned everybody loves RSO-infused caramel!
Among the many fun booths and unique brand activations at Meadowlands, top leaders and entrepreneurs hosted a series of insightful panel discussions on the various facets of California’s cannabis industry and market.
Discussions were sparked by top debates and hot topics our community currently faces – including the state’s latest hemp regulations, or the Governor’s recent veto affecting small farmers. Speakers included Luna Stower, Chief Impact Officer of Ispire, and Nina Parks from the Equity Trade Network, who spoke on the fight for cannabis equity and empowering our industry to do better. Luke Scarmazzo spoke about his journey through his unjust incarceration for cannabis, and Wes Hein challenged the mainstream insights of cannabis distribution in California.
One thing about Meadowlands, like many other cannabis events we attend, is affirming, advocating, and recognizing the injustice of non-violent cannabis prisoners like Edwin Rubis. We’re proud to be part of the California community that recognizes and raises awareness of this gap in cannabis social equity.
Nature hikes and serene walks along the trails nearby helped to further connect us with the magical nature of the Emerald Triangle region. Marshmallows and infused chocolates from Kiva enhanced everyone’s s’mores game and activated fireside chats throughout the night.
This weekend was a great example of the importance of taking a retreat, whether it’s personal or work-related, to maintain a balance between work and leisure. Meadowlands is an outstanding cannabis industry event because it honors and deepens the connections in the California community, recharging and nurturing us all for a week under the trees.
Written By Isabella DeChard
Isabella DeChard is a writer & Certified Ganjier on a mission to advocate, educate, and elevate the power of the plant – to the cannabis community and its consumers alike. She offers creative content and writing that ignites the celebration and diversity of cannabis and everything it offers.
She is a proud digital marketer, writer, stoner, and creative artist under @btchyhippie.
You can find Isabella on her website here.
