Humble Bloom's Danniel Swatosh & Solonje Burnett [photo: Michael Yeshion]

The force of women in the cannabis industry is small but mighty, from coast to coast we amplify and elevate each other, on the cutting edge, trailblazing and manifesting opportunities. We've encountered a few male allies but we need co-conspirators. It's the key to attaining and equitable, fair and regenerative industry. We will only get there together. So we decided to push the needle in the momentum of this movement, challenging ourselves as two strong women to curate a Men’s Session: Achieving Homeostasis in Vulnerability, Wellness + Cannabis Consumption at The Assemblage, our Manhattan home for elevated content. 

These men above men were called to show up. Men who we believe hold a greater vision for humanity actualized in measurable work for the good of all. An exchange of trust given—we created a safe space for knowledge sharing, transformation, gain of wellness practices and to be inspired to make change—then we stepped out leaving them curious to what’s in store.

Pictured above: José Rodriguez, guests [Tucker Mitchell]; Journal [Michael Yeshion]

Opening with a journaling exercise led José Rodriguez of The Modern Renaissance Man, he instructed the men to realize their subtle emotions, hold onto their thoughts throughout the evening, and return to them at the end. Next, drawing upon the power of ritual as a means to transcend our everyday identities and open themselves up to the realm of the transpersonal, SirRoan Smiley of Dropping Seeds led a heart-opening invocation ceremony and passed around an herbal tincture for a molecular shift. Lastly, deepening the vibrations Time to Sit's Carlos Alberto accompanied by Elias Meister’s melodic talents guided guests to set their intentions while flowing into meditation. 

Pictured above: SirRoan Smiley, guest, Carlos Alberto [Tucker Mitchell]

We invited men’s work facilitators Talib Fleming of Mastermind Connect, Andrew Kippen of EVRYMAN and Josh Rasp of Mankind Project to clear the room of ego, job titles, and position. Through immersive experiences with powerful practices each of these gentlemen guided a group of twenty to find the truth that we all carry, a common thread, the need for community. They left with a sense of belonging. Understanding the need to be embraced without judgment.

After a break, they transitioned from the breakout sessions to a musical performance by Graham KG Garlington followed by a crash course on the endocannabinoid system and the benefits of cannabis with PrestoDoctor's Robert Tankson. Later guests visited Rob in the marketplace to get their medical marijuana cards.

Pictured above: Andrew Kippen, Josh Rasp and Talib Flemming, Breakout [photos: Tucker Mitchell]
Graham Garlington [photo: Michael Yeshion] Rob Tankson [photos Tucker Mitchell]

As the inspiration for the experience, we asked Aurelian's Nick Hoge to moderate the roundtable. The conversation focused on the importance of modern men embracing mindfulness and being vulnerable with their peers in order to be happy, healthy and human. Our only requests were for it to be an inclusive dialogue touching on vulnerability, cannabis, wellness, social inequities, and the War on Drugs. 

The roundtable was stacked with remarkable participants who are admirable for both their efforts in corporate social responsibility and knowledge of the cannabis industry -- from pro-athlete turn entrepreneur DJ Haley of Apply Recover, to East meets West Coast serial entrepreneur Jacobi Holland of Revel, and traveling in from Canada, High Street Cannabis' brothers Adrian and Andrew Robinson with over 15 years of experience in the industry. 

Pictured above: Andrew Robinson, Adrian Robinson, DJ Haley, Nick Hoge and Jacobi Holland + Guests
[photos: Tucker Mitchell]

Taking in the rooftop views of The Assemblage NoMad, we rejoined our guests at the end of the evening as they got to know brands owned by men we trust.⁣ Whether they were shopping for CBD products from Aurelian, Come Back Daily or Shea Brand, upgrading their collection with a hand-crafted Leaf & Wood rolling tray, getting their medical card with PrestoDoctor or rolling an herbal joint with Dropping Seeds, the consensus was the same. We have to do it again.

Pictured above: The marketplace including Aurelian, PrestoDoctor [photos: Tucker Mitchell]
Come Back Daily, [photo: Michael Yeshion] Leaf & Wood, Shea Brand, Dropping Seeds, [photos: Tucker Mitchell]
The Assemblage rooftop  [photo: Michael Yeshion]
View the Men's Session album on Facebook

APPLY RECOVER
Apply Recover is an apothecary for athletes. Opening July 22nd, their flagship is located in Bushwick, Brooklyn at 321 Starr Street. Their mission is enable athletes to play for as long as they can, regardless of if the playing field is in a stadium/arena, gym, office, or home.

They provide a curation of sport-related brands and products, with an emphasis on high-quality, natural topicals, nutritional supplements, and sport-related accessories. Most of our curations focus on providing relief to muscle & joint physical ailments and/or anxiety-related symptoms.

Learn more: ApplyRecover.com | @applyrecover

HIGH STREET CANNABIS 
High Street Cannabis stands for individuals who are championing cannabis, and are building a premium portfolio of products that represent them. They are strategically aligned and integrated with carefully selected brands and products that will deliver an exceptional experience for our community, from formulation to distribution. 

The individuals behind High Street bring decades of business acumen and experience in the cannabis space. Collectively, they're carving their own path of innovation and excellence in the industry.

Learn more: thehighstreet.co | @thehighstreetco