Following the success of last year’s massive Launch Party, we set out to deliver a fresh experience for our readers, partners, and the industry as a whole.
Far from a typical industry mixer or rigid corporate gathering, this event brought together the true pulse of New York’s cannabis culture. On August 13 at The Chocolate Factory in Bushwick, Brooklyn, we celebrated a season of unprecedented growth for the community.
A continuous soundtrack
The music played without interruption all evening. Dee Diggs and C2C delivered DJ sets that cast the vibe, complemented by live performances from Free Whenever and Starfox and the Fleet. Host Sanja Ganja guided the program, which featured a unique, theatrical vocal performance by Plant of the People rarely seen at industry functions.
Immersive multi-floor experiences
Guests explored diverse activations across every level of the venue, well beyond the central stage. While two dab bars operated on the main floor via the Higher Function + Rythm collab, the upper levels had interactive spaces like the Jetty-sponsored Light Bath and a tattoo station offering lasting keepsakes. Majo San painted live and Felipe Umbral did flash tattoos alongside open decks DJ beats. Beauty Bar with Tash and Clay with Coral provided body art and handmade jewelry. Attendees visited Blissin Out for a meditative recharge and quieter vibes, while downstairs VJ Dandan wrapped the walls in dynamic visual projections.
Each space presented continuous opportunities for exploration, allowing attendees to wander for hours and discover new elements throughout the venue.
Partner and brand highlights
The event was made possible through key contributions from leading industry partners:
- Rythm and Higher Function presented the main floor dab bar.
- Jetty sponsored the Light Bath booth.
- Olio supported the music program.
- Feuerstein & Kulick hosted the bar.
- Vacation provided the gift bags.
In addition, a broad group of table sponsors joined the gathering: Jive, Weedbuds, Cureinjoy, Woodstock / Illuminated Leaf, OCB, L-Train, Revert / Golden Gardens. VIP ticket holders’ gift bags included gifts by our product sponsors House of Sacci, Zig Zag, Cannadots, MFNY, SASS, Proxtracts, iAnthus, TOTEM, and UFO Rolls. Bringing these brands together highlighted the vitality and spirit of New York’s cannabis community.
And somebody walked away with the jar
Every ticket was an entry to win the Houseplant Glass Stash Jar, designed by Seth Rogen. This one earns a spot on the shelf. A stash jar you don’t have to stash away. The winning ticket belonged to Lynn West. Congrats, Lynn.
The pictures tell it better
Shamal Deare Photography and OT Media Solutions were on the ground to capture the energy. They documented the night with a clarity that words simply cannot replicate. You can browse through the albums right now:
Summer Extravaganja 2026 · Album One
Summer Extravaganja 2026 · Album Two
This was one of many
The Extravaganja is a taste of what we are building at The Other. A real home for New York cannabis culture, from the Hudson Valley down through NYC and into Long Island. If you were there – you get it already. If you missed it, clear your calendar for the next one.
Want in next time, as a guest, partner, or sponsor? Get on the newsletter to hear about it first, and reach out to the team about featuring your brand in the room.
