All photos c/0 Joanna Valente @thejojosnaps

As the season of gratitude approaches, what better way to kick off the Thanksgiving festivities than with a Friendsgivingcelebration? On Thursday, November 21st, Budist, the first-ever social review platform for cannabis, hosted its inaugural Friendsgiving event in partnership with the Cannabis Culture Club. The event, aptly named An Elevated Dining Experience, was an unforgettable evening filled with gourmet food, exceptional cannabis, and a vibrant community of industry leaders and enthusiasts, cohabited by Christina Wong (@fruitandflower) and Jamie Evans (@theherbsomm).

The event took place at PleasureMed, a cutting-edge cannabis dispensary and wellness center in the heart of West Hollywood (WeHo). The night began with a lively happy hour at Hind Bar, where guests mingled and sipped on a curated selection of beverages. The offerings included small-batch wines from Sonoma’s Enriquez Winery, non-alcoholic drinks from Three Spirit, and terpene-infused sparkling elixirs courtesy of Terpene Belt Farms.

Once everyone was properly "elevated," the crowd ascended to Irie Restaurant & Lounge, where the true culinary magic happened. Guests were treated to a sumptuous 4-course dinner, each dish thoughtfully paired with a curated selection of premium cannabis products including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, and a full-service hash bar. The evening was a celebration of the intersection between fine dining and cannabis culture, a perfect pairing for the vibrant and diverse crowd in attendance.

The Spirit of Budist

For those unfamiliar, Budist is a unique platform designed to help cannabis consumers and enthusiasts navigate the rapidly growing cannabis market. Through its innovative 100-point rating system, Budist allows users to rate and review products across various cannabis categories, empowering both seasoned connoisseurs and new users to make informed choices. Whether you're looking for top-tier flower, edibles, or vaping products, Budist provides a space where the cannabis community can share knowledge and experiences.

According to Jocelyn Sheltraw, co-founder of Budist, “If you look at everybody who's here, we're enthusiasts of life. It’s people who appreciate food, wine, cannabis, and non-alcoholic beverages. In our society, where it's easy to move through life too quickly, we need to stop and appreciate the beauty in all things.” Sheltraw, who has been at the forefront of the cannabis community, highlighted how cannabis is more than just a product—it’s an experience with deep cultural and historical significance. “There’s so much tradition and culture behind the practices," she says. "We wanted to bring together the brands and producers doing exceptional work to celebrate this culture of connoisseurship.”

Budist, much like TripAdvisor for cannabis, was born from a desire to help consumers navigate the world of weed with trust and ease. The platform encourages a "pay-it-forward" mentality, allowing users to share their knowledge with one another in a safe and supportive community. As Sheltraw puts it, "We’re trying to build a culture where people can truly appreciate the beauty of these products and the people behind them. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come in such a short time."

A Showcase of the Best in Cannabis

The Friendsgiving event also served as a platform for some of the most respected brands in the cannabis industry. Featured partners included CQ, Rosin Tech, Nasha Extracts, Heritage Hash Co, Pax, Jetty, Kanha, Pacific Stone, and Autumn Brands, each of which showcased their top-tier products throughout the evening. The night concluded with a special gift bag filled with premium cannabis products, leaving guests feeling truly blessed.

In every sense, An Elevated Dining Experience lived up to its name—combining gourmet food, premium cannabis, and a deep sense of community. For those lucky enough to attend, it was an evening that not only celebrated cannabis culture but also showcased the artistry and passion behind the products that make it so special.

For more information about Budist and to start exploring the world of cannabis connoisseurship, visit Budist.com. You can also check out the Cannabis Culture Club for upcoming events and collaborations.

Event Highlights:

  • Venue: PleasureMed, West Hollywood (WeHo)
  • Partnership: Budist x Cannabis Culture Club
  • Featured Brands: CQ, Rosin Tech, Nasha Extracts, Heritage Hash Co, Pax, Jetty, Kanha, Pacific Stone, Autumn Brands
  • Culinary Experience: 4-course dinner paired with curated cannabis selections
  • Special Gift Bags: Premium cannabis products for all attendees

If you’re a cannabis connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates fine dining and great company, keep an eye out for future events hosted by Budist—they’re just getting started!