More than 25 teams battling it out on the tables, surrounded by a curated lineup of cannabis brands offering immersive activations
As we have written many times, our team at Talking Joints Memo considers pickleball to be among the greatest sports for stoners. Disc golf is up there on our list as well, as is anything that involves ski lifts.
But it’s time to add another sport to our compendium, and it’s a pretty damn obvious one. Considering how many people enjoy playing ping pong while under the influence of cannabis—in some cases, even while they are partaking—it’s only natural to consider table tennis to be among the top athletic activities for those who partake.
The team at Stem Haverhill has been on the ball with this one for some time. Last year they even launched an all-out Bong & Pong tournament, an industry event where teams from different brands come to smoke grass and smash on one another.
With their second pong party coming up at the Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill on Monday, we asked Stem CEO and owner Caroline Pineau about the annual event, its philanthropic mission, and their ideas about social consumption moving forward.
TJM: Why ping-pong? How did your team come to decide that it’s enough of a stoner sport to focus a whole event on it?
CP: Because who doesn’t love ping pong? It’s the perfect combo of skill, hilarity, and high energy—it’s just fun. And by now, everyone should know we love fun at Stem. Ping pong is easy to learn, nostalgic, and surprisingly intense once you get into it, which makes it the ideal game for stoners like us. It may look silly, but it takes heart and strategy to win—and that’s exactly the kind of energy we vibe with.
Give us a quick rundown of what the whole Bong & Pong experience will be like.
Picture this: an epic 21+ invite-only private block party meets ping-pong showdown—set against the beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill. Over 25 teams will battle it out on the tables, surrounded by a curated lineup of cannabis brands offering immersive activations (like musicians, artists, a cocktail and juice bar, and Italian ice vendors to keep you cool post-match). And of course, there’s plenty of space to kick back, vibe, and connect. It’s playful, purpose-driven, and built to bring people together around good times, good causes, and a bit of signature controlled chaos.
Your team has done quite a few events, including some big ones, but they’re all for charity. Is that part of your community impact? Tell us a bit more about taking the philanthropic route with these gatherings.
At Stem, we believe in going beyond what’s required—and doing what feels right. These events were created not just to uplift and celebrate women in cannabis, but to support those in our community who are often overlooked and underserved. Whether we’re fundraising for veterans’ access to horticulture therapy (like our Bong & Pong nonprofit recipient, Patriots Helping Vets) or supporting domestic violence survivors through the YWCA, we always aim to use our voice—and our events—for good. Fun and impact aren’t mutually exclusive—if anything, they amplify each other. We also make it a regular practice to support local charities throughout the year, not just during events, because community is at the heart of everything we do—and we’re proud of that!
You also do an annual golf outing. Besides people who like to smoke weed, what would you say is a common theme that runs through your events?
There’s a thread of intention in everything we do. Our events are curated to feel fresh, inclusive—yet distinctly female-focused—and joyfully celebratory. Whether it’s golf, ping-pong, flower arranging, or vibing at an oceanfront beach bash, we create spaces where people can relax, connect, and feel seen—especially women, who are so often underappreciated in this industry. Our goal is to curate memorable, meaningful experiences for everyone who attends—and we think it’s been a smashing success so far.
You mentioned that Stem has big plans for social consumption. We hope to come and see for ourselves when the time is ready, but for now is there anything that you can tell us?
Let’s just say… we’re building something really special. Behind the scenes, we’re working hard to bring Massachusetts something it truly needs—an intentional, immersive space for connection, education, and (finally!) legal, on-site consumption. But it’s more than just a lounge. It’s an opportunity to breathe new life into our building, which has become an internal symbol of perseverance and resilience thanks to its fascinating history. What we’re creating is deeply rooted, beautifully elevated, and long overdue. Stay tuned.
