Convenience, community, and compliance—all in one spot with a dab bar at the heart of things
For the last three years, I’ve had the honor of judging and attending the Coastal Classic cannabis competition, hosted at the ever-vibrant and historical Hope Artist Village in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. This year’s April event was again presented by Mother Earth Wellness, and it did not disappoint.
One thing I’ve come to appreciate about Rhode Island’s cannabis market is its pure craft. With a tight circle of licensed dispensaries and cultivators, the state’s entire scene feels boutique and intentional. There’s a different kind of pride here. A real “know your grower” energy that reminds you of the roots of this culture. In my opinion, every licensed cultivator in Lil’ Rhody stacks up against the best in all of New England. No question.
The Setup: A celebration of local culture
Stretching down a 500-foot hallway lined with over 70 vendors, the Coastal Classic merges everything that makes Rhode Island great—cannabis, art, community, and culture. From locally made crafts and gourmet edibles to cultivator booths and artisan apparel, the range of products was both high-quality and hyper-local. It’s not just a cannabis event—it’s a true celebration of the 401.
On one end, I grabbed a Del’s Lemonade—a Rhode Island staple—with a funky seasonal flavor I’d never tried before. Twenty steps later, I found myself deep in conversation with local hash heads about terp profiles, cold cure textures, and rosin consistencies. That’s the kind of energy this event brings: raw, authentic, and driven by people who live and breathe the plant.
The layout encouraged exploration. Vendors weren’t just pushing product—they were engaging, educating, and vibing with attendees. And the fact that you can freely walk to Mother Earth Wellness dispensary at the bottom of the hill and come right back into the event—it’s the perfect pairing. Convenience, community, and compliance—all in one spot.
Evolved Experiences: Lounges, food, and flash tats
This year brought some noticeable upgrades to the arcade area. After some time in the indoor consumption lounge—a laid-back, terp-heavy oasis—I wandered into what felt like a nostalgic time warp. Classic pinball machines buzzed, the lights were low, and the vibes were mellow. It was the perfect post-sesh zone to ride out the high and chill before diving back into the crowd.
I even considered grabbing a flash tattoo from one of the guest artists on site—the artwork was dope, and the line was steady. In the end, I chickened out … but I did crush some fire empanadas from a local food truck. No regrets there. Rhode Island doesn’t play when it comes to food, and the vendors held it down with creative munchies that hit just right.
Vibes & Visuals: Art meets advocacy
Glassblowers like Slate and Moonbo were melting masterpieces on the spot, giving live demonstrations that drew crowds throughout the day. I watched people pause mid-session just to marvel at the craftsmanship. Live artists like Sublime Designs painted and drew as music played in the background, adding even more creativity to the atmosphere.
And then there was the dab bar—the social heartbeat of the event. The line never died down. I saw familiar faces and met new ones, all sharing a mutual respect for the rosin on deck and the culture that brought us together. Events like this feel less like competitions and more like family reunions. Everyone brings something to the table, whether it’s product, knowledge, or pure passion.
Shoutout to Mother Earth Wellness for continuously championing social consumption and creating an inclusive, respectful tone that allows events like this to thrive. The vibe was elevated—literally and socially.
The Awards Ceremony: Competition meets community
After hours of seshing, networking, and making my way down vendor row, the moment arrived: the awards show and concert, headlined by the ever-energetic Andy Frasco. His set was electric—the kind of energy that makes you forget your legs are tired from walking all day. The venue was packed wall-to-wall with growers, processors, patients, influencers, legacy operators, and canna-curious locals.
The air was thick with anticipation… and terps. This year, I had the pleasure of judging the rosin category, and let me tell you—the competition was fierce. These were some of the cleanest, loudest samples I’ve come across in a while. The terpene expression, clarity, and overall quality showed just how far the local scene has come.
Other categories included Indica flower, sativa flower, and prerolls—each stacked with solid entries that repped the state’s top-tier genetics and cultivation methods. The attention to detail was obvious. No shortcuts, no fluff—just straight craft.
Here’s the full breakdown of this year’s winners:
Indica Flower
1st Place – Mammoth Inc.
2nd Place – Ocean State Botanicals
3rd Place – Cultivating RI
Sativa Flower
1st Place – OSCC
2nd Place – OPP
3rd Place – Hank’s Herbs
Rosin
1st Place – Mammoth Inc.
2nd Place – Fire Ganja
3rd Place – RI Finest Gardens
Preroll
1st Place – Mammoth Inc.
2nd Place – RI Cultivation Co.
3rd Place – Cultivating RI
Big congrats to all the winners and competitors—it takes guts to put your work on the line, and every entry added to the authenticity of this competition.
Looking Ahead: Suggestions and shoutouts
The Coastal Classic is proof that small markets can throw big, impactful events—and do it with heart. As the Rhode Island scene continues to grow, I’d love to see future events include a panel discussion or two, highlighting some of the top extractors and cultivators in the state. There’s a hunger for education and transparency, especially around genetics, extraction methods, and cultivation techniques.
Speaking of genetics—more access to verified, high-quality clones and seeds would be a killer addition. People are ready to grow, and the demand for reliable starting material is real.
For now, I’ll be keeping my eye on what’s next for this standout event. Whether you’re a patient, a heady connoisseur, or just canna-curious, the Coastal Classic is a must-visit. Tap in with them on social media or visit their website for daily updates, vendor spotlights, and more.
Until next year, stay lifted and support your local growers. The craft is alive and well in Rhode Island—and it’s only getting louder.
