On March 26^th, our Kickoff Event themed “A Celebration of Coachella Valley” – was hosted by CVCAN Member, Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge in Cathedral City.  Featured Speaker Los Arias, CEO & Cofounder of Green Horizons got things started by sharing his truly inspiring personal history with cannabis.  Following Los, we heard from Desert Hot Springs Mayor Pro Tem Dirk Voss, Palm Springs City Council Member (and former Mayor) Ron deHarte, and Cathedral City/s City Manager, Andrew Firestine, who each spoke about the opportunities in cannabis in the Coachella Valley.  We are very grateful to all for their participation.

Thereafter, Ishqa Hillman moderated a panel featuring Jeeter National Direct of Compliance, Adam Cintas, Rosin Tech V.P., Paul Tirado, Los Arias, and Heather Smith from Mammoth Distribution – the subject matter of which was the state of cannabis in the Coachella Valley.  CVCAN Members Lisa Goldfine and Kevin Lopez of Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge pulled out all the stops and a grand time was had by all. Thanks Double Eye!!!

On March 27^th, Ishqa Hilman conducted a series of podcast style interviews at the Coachella Valley History Museum with canna trailblazers who helped create Canna Valley history.  Speakers included Indio Mayor Pro Tem Waymond Fermon, Jeeter National Director of Compliance, Adam Cintas, Founder and Co-owner of West Coast Cannabis Club, Founder and Owner of Landau Labs (and filmmaker) Georg Kallert, and Steven Wijatyk, Founder and Owner of Reefer Madness Dispensary & Lounge in Palm Springs.  The conversations were simply fascinating – the stories of challenges faced and overcome were inspiring.  Afterwards, we all enjoyed visiting Indio’s fantastic Food Truck Friday’s!

On March 29^th, CVCAN Members and Registered Nurses Elisabeth Mack and Sherri Mack conducted a presentation entitled “Aging Well with Cannabis – Natural Support for Body, Mind & Independence” at the Carl May Community Center in Desert Hot Springs.  Topics of discussion included safe use considerations for older adults, the differences between THC and CBD, and how to shop smartly in dispensaries.  An engaging and enthusiastic Q&A followed.  Thanks Elisabeth & Sherri!!

Also on March 29^th, our closing event themed “Spotlight Sessions” was hosted by Atomic Budz Dispensary & Lounge in Cathedral City.  Ishqa Hillman interviewed several brand representatives from Heavy Hitters, Uncle Arnie’s, Fields Family Farms and Murphy’s Ridge.  John Chaissan and his team at Atomic Budz generously hosted an after party at which attendees had the opportunity to chat with brand reps and network.  Thanks Atomic Budz!!!

In addition to the foregoing, Nichole Robles Turner put together a number of casual meet ups/immersive experiences which included but were not limited to stops at Gelato-A-Go Go, West Coast Cannabis Club, Palm Springs’ Village Fest, an inspirational hike at Indio Badlands, Neil’s Lounge, Shields Date Garden, Cabot’s Museum, a “sip and soak” stop at Desert Hot Springs Inn, a sesh at Red Falcon Lounge, and so much more.  Great Job Nichole!!!

The idea was to bring people together to explore and enjoy what the Coachella Valley has to offer.  The event was a great success and we look forward to next year.