Oh, what a night in New York City as the cannabis community came out in full force to support the launch of Honeysuckle’s FREEDOM print edition! Following a momentous first day at the Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo (CWCBExpo), industry leaders gathered at Alan Cumming’s famed nightlife joint Club Cumming, an intimate yet pulsating venue special to Honey history. On the same stage where, just a few short years ago, we celebrated our first cannabis-themed issue, we toasted this time to a collection of stories in tribute to prison experiences and the power of justice for people, plant, and planet.
Watch highlights from the FREEDOM launch at Club Cumming:
“Cannabis is truly a microcosm and intersection for so many things,” said Honeysuckle founder Ronit Pinto. She explained how FREEDOM, with a cover story on reggae icon Damian Marley and featuring globally-recognized rapper Berner (both photographed by Nabil Elderkin), focuses on the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs. From eyewitness accounts by Michael Thompson, who served 25 years for three pounds of cannabis, and Stephanie Shepard and Evelyn LaChapelle of the nonprofit Last Prisoner Project; to revolutions in parole by Jessica Jackson, Chief Advocacy Officer of REFORM Alliance and a leader in creating the federal First Step Act; to community healing efforts by Corvain Cooper and Loriel and Anthony Alegrete of 40 Tons; among others, the issue has a weight beyond the current moment.
Industry pioneer Steve DeAngelo, speaking at Club Cumming, observed that the magazine exemplifies the emerging NYC market. "When cannabis hits New York, we're gonna see style and magic and glamour that's never happened in the world of cannabis before... If you read this magazine, which I hope you do, you'll find some of the most important stories about cannabis in the world today. So as we're building this industry, as we're creating intergenerational wealth, we cannot forget the 40,000 people in this country alone imprisoned for cannabis offenses. They are going to come home, and the reason it's going to happen is because magazines like Honeysuckle and people like Ronit have stepped up and given us the support that we need at the Last Prisoner Project.”
Meanwhile the party itself brought not only magic and glamour, but fire and flesh. Singer Alison Clancy brought soulful tunes with haunting, searing sincerity. Burlesque performers Grasshopper and Mia the MVP made the night just the right kind of naughty. To joyous roars and applause, Grasshopper showed astounding flexibility in leg lifts and splits. In homage to Josephine Baker and Sally Rand’s 1930s routines, Mia mystified the audience with her saucy fan dance.
VIPs in attendance enjoyed custom infused treats by New York-based Chef Ali of HiFive Edible Wonders, as well as goodies from sponsors Etain, Skip Intro Advisors, Chill Steel Pipes, FlowerHire, Budwell, Tonic, and No Smell No Tell Spray. The glitterati included Indigenous leader Chenae Bullock of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, Leo Bridgewater of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Barbara Koz Paley of Balco Partners, Danniel Swatosh of Humble Bloom, Kristin Jordan of Park Jordan, and Chef Theodore Victor Coleman II of Late Reservations.
What began at CWCBExpo as a memorable day for New York cannabis – full of excitement and historic speeches from the state’s new regulators – ended on a high note as Honeysuckle and company made the FREEDOM launch at Club Cumming the party of East Coast Cannabis Week. Adult use is about to transform the city into the Big Green Apple. Add some Honey, and you’ve got the sweetest combination for a new year of social justice.
Get your copy of the FREEDOM issue here!
