On Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 11 AM to 5 PM, the Uptown community in New York City becomes the pulse of one of the most important cannabis events of the year: Cannabis: Art, Culture & Commerce. This free, public event is hosted by the High Exposure Agency in support of the Cannabis NYC Lift Off! initiative and takes place at Boricua College(3755 Broadway, NYC 10032). Attendees ages 13 and up (with guardians if under 18) are welcome to join in a multigenerational, bilingual (English and Spanish) experience aimed at elevating awareness, access, and opportunity in New York’s emerging cannabis ecosystem.

More Than an Event—A Community Activation

Uptown Manhattan has long been a driving force in culture. From hip hop to hustle, this neighborhood sets trends that ripple across the globe. Yet despite its contributions to music, fashion, and food, Uptown has also faced disproportionate harm from decades of cannabis criminalization. Cannabis: Art, Culture & Commerce aims to turn that narrative around, providing resources and real talk that help Uptown residents understand—and thrive within—the legal cannabis industry.

This isn’t a trade show or typical product expo. It’s a community-first event built to connect locals with real pathways into the regulated cannabis space. Attendees can explore how the plant intersects with healthcare, entrepreneurship, wellness, creativity, and social justice.

What to Expect at Cannabis: Art, Culture & Commerce

The event agenda includes a diverse range of programming. Here’s what participants can look forward to throughout the day:

• Educational Cannabis Workshops covering medical, legal, and holistic perspectives

• Live Music and Cultural Performances featuring local artists and community voices

• Panel Discussions with New York entrepreneurs, legacy operators, and equity applicants

• Interactive Art & Wellness Stations that explore cannabis through creative expression

• Resource Tables hosted by local organizations and NYC/NYS government agencies

• Healthy Food and Beverage Vendors supporting local businesses

• Bilingual Content in English and Spanish to serve a broader audience

• Community Giveaways including wellness items, educational resources, and more

From parents exploring therapeutic cannabis options to young adults looking to launch cannabis ventures, this event is for anyone curious about how the industry touches everyday life in New York.

Meet the Organizers Behind the Movement

The High Exposure Agency is a woman- and BIPOC-led collective driving education, advocacy, and inclusion in cannabis. It was co-founded by three powerhouse leaders who each bring a personal and professional commitment to uplifting historically marginalized communities.

Annette Fernandez

With a career spanning nearly three decades in finance, retail, and marketing, Annette now channels her talents into community enrichment initiatives in Upper Manhattan. She views cannabis not only as a plant but as a driver for local jobs, small business development, tourism, and cultural revitalization.

Amy Chin

A hospitality and merchandising expert turned cannabis coach, Amy’s journey began with CBD as a postpartum remedy. That experience inspired her to launch Calm Better Days, a platform that guides consumers toward intentional, therapeutic cannabis use. Amy is a champion for women-led and BIPOC-owned brands, helping them gain exposure in a saturated market.

Kassia Graham

A two-time cancer survivor, Kassia’s connection to cannabis is deeply personal. They’ve spent years working in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy, storytelling, and brand development. Co-creator of the short film Cannabis + Creativity, Kassia continuously works to center disabled, queer, and BIPOC voices in conversations about legalization and justice.

Together, these three leaders are reshaping what cannabis events look like—moving away from industry gatekeeping and toward open, community-focused dialogue.

A Space to Learn, Celebrate, and Connect

Unlike larger expos, Cannabis: Art, Culture & Commerce doesn’t cater to insiders or license holders alone. It opens the door to everyday New Yorkers—especially those from Uptown and other historically excluded communities. This is a chance for people to ask questions, meet advocates, and discover opportunities in the new economy.

New York’s legal cannabis industry is still in its infancy. While dispensaries are opening and brands are growing, the knowledge gap remains wide. Events like this help bridge that gap by demystifying the plant and its potential. Conversations today could inspire the business leaders, policymakers, and advocates of tomorrow.

Why This Matters Right Now

Although cannabis is now legal in New York, legalization hasn’t erased the past. For communities like Washington Heights, Inwood, and Harlem—where cannabis arrests and convictions were disproportionately high—this moment is about more than access. It’s about repair, reinvestment, and recognition.

The Cannabis NYC Lift Off! initiative was designed to make sure New Yorkers of all backgrounds have a shot at participating in the legal industry. But achieving that vision requires more than just permits—it requires people, programming, and presence in the neighborhoods most affected.

That’s why this event is so vital. It meets people where they are, providing tools and insights to help them build from the ground up.

Get Involved

Whether you’re new to cannabis or a long-time advocate, your presence matters. Cannabis: Art, Culture & Commerceis free and open to the public. All attendees will walk away with information, inspiration, and maybe even a few giveaways.

To RSVP or learn more about today’s event, visit the bilingual Eventbrite page:
http://bit.ly/hxcacc25

And to follow the High Exposure Agency and stay plugged into upcoming events, resources, and news, visit:
Website: highexposureny.com
Instagram: instagram.com/highexposureny
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/high-exposure-agency

A New Kind of Cannabis Movement

Today’s cannabis landscape is about far more than sales and storefronts. It’s about building new systems that reflect justice, wellness, and creativity. And events like Cannabis: Art, Culture & Commerce prove that community-centered solutions can lead the way.

From the artists taking the stage to the educators sharing their knowledge, this gathering is a reminder that progress doesn’t just happen at City Hall or on Wall Street—it happens on Broadway and 149th, where people show up to dream, learn, and build together.

New York’s cannabis future will be shaped by events like this—where culture, community, and commerce converge in ways that heal, uplift, and inspire.

Don’t miss this powerful, free event happening today. Show up, learn something new, support your community.