The SXSW 2019 Festival and Conference steps into America’s cannabis future this year. The show opened in Austin, Texas on March 8 and will run through Saturday, March 16.
The show’s Cannibusiness track starts on Thursday, the 14th and visitors will be offered three days of insight and debate among cannabis experts, political advocates, scientists, and entrepreneurs. This is the festival’s first journey into the cannabis world and the whole thing is being sponsored by Leaffly.
I love rock n' roll. joanjett at SXSW 2019. Dive into more highlights: WkYUWEEXqS
— SXSW (@sxsw) March 13, 2019
There are a number of cannabis events going on, from discussion groups to a number of keynote speakers in advertising, technology and one particularly interesting event taking place on Thursday from 2 – 3 p.m. local time called Females in Cannabis Meet Up.
Cannabis is the fastest growing industry in the United States and has the highest percentage of female executives, compared to all other industries. Cannabis Feminist is a digital community built on the belief that cannabis will be the first billion-dollar industry run by women. This Cannabis Feminism Meet Up celebrates female entrepreneurship in the budding cannabis industry and inspires connection and future collaboration in the global cannabis community.
CBD is in the news and there will be a Cannabusiness panel discussion on CBD’s current regulatory status, as well as what’s next for this popular cannabis derivative. This meeting is being held on Thursday from 5-6 p.n.
The cannabis delivery service, eaze, came out with some stats recently saying Women and Baby Boomers are Embracing Cannabis. This is the entire basis of my startup ellementawoman. We KNOW this. SXSW GYYBKUfsHO
— Aliza Sherman (@alizasherman) March 13, 2019
Fun and gamers and health at SXSW
For those visitors who have worked up a thirst, guests will be tempted to try CBD-infused Moscow mules, old fashioneds, or gin and tonics, all available for a taste right before a group yoga class led by L.A.-based yoga instructor and founder of NamastShay, Shayla Quinn.
This event is CBD brand Medterra’s way of introducing the public to ways that CBD can be woven into an everyday lifestyle. “There is still a lot of confusion about CBD. People ask all the time, ‘Is this legal,’ Will this get me high,’ ‘Can I use this every day,’ so we see this as an educational opportunity,” said Medterra CBD CEO Jay Hartenbach.
Many cannabis companies have chosen to go the wellness route and this year’s Wellness Expo is featuring 171 brands. Companies like Elixinol, a brand that sells CBD oil drops, is in attendance at the Wellness Expo, as well as Buddha Box, a small business out of Boston that sells Himalayan Salt Lamps, rose quartz bracelets and CBD body oils and balms.
We guess this fits under the wellness category, but even beer company Michelob Ultra is getting in on the act, seeing as this year is its first time at the SXSW. Michelob is hosting a guided group meditation session, in closed eyes setting, in support of its certified organic Ultra Pure Gold beer, which came to market in February 2018.
“If people take a moment at a festival not typically known for taking a breath, have fun and learn about Pure Gold in the process, then we’ve done our job,” said Ronnie Yoked, Michelob’s experiential director.
Even pets are included in the Cannabusiness event. Select CBD PETS makes their debut at the first SXSW Official cannabis event along with a few surprise furry guests. Visitors can meet the team and learn about Select CBD’s expansive hemp-derived CBD line, with a special focus on pets. As a part of this event, Select will pledge a donation toward Austin Pets Live.
