“The mystery is intentional, we don’t want to spoil all the great surprises … and we always love a good theme.”
We had a long, insightful, and informative exchange with Jordan Mackenzie of The Weedaker Group about her company’s outlook on social consumption and this weekend’s ?arty On Deck. Yes, there are pirates involved. Let’s get right to it …
CF: For those who have not yet been to one of your festivities, what is it that all Weedaker parties have in common? For starters, it’s clear that there are consistent costumes and a bit of mystery, but in your words …
JM: They are all unique. But what they all have in common is the emphasis on the experience we create together. Everyone is a VIP, and regardless of your preferred way to ?arty, there’s a space for you to be a part of the celebration. The goal of any ?arty is to have a real good time. Here you will have a chance to connect with others and enjoy art, music, culture, cannabis, great food all in a comfortable setting, while normalizing the plant as a part of everything else that exists at a great gathering.
?arty exists to question how we show up, why we do it in the first place. Who’s in the room? How do we make something magical together? So we ask those questions then build on that to create a celebration. The mystery is intentional, we don’t want to spoil all the great surprises … and we always love a good theme.
The themes of the past have been a way to keep us all inspired and thinking creatively and a fun way to leak hints to the guests. We started with This ?arty and That ?arty, most folks come out in full support, often dressing up and turning out and getting creative with all the elements of the theme(s). Costumes are not required- but always encouraged and celebrated! Every one of our VIPs are encouraged to express their authentic self and have some fun.
We have asked you this many times at different stages of the state attempting to write rules for the social consumption of cannabis, but what’s it like to operate in the event space while that’s still all up in the air?
It creates some blatant challenges, specifically with venues, brands, businesses and community members alike, there are obvious barriers for everyone involved. However, the opportunity to host private events within the current regulations is a promising path. Right now we can keep doing the most natural thing we all desire, come together and keep moving the industry, the business, the plant and our communities forward.
Cannabis is so highly regulated, there’s a lot of red tape for operators in general. Everyone is under the microscope and there’s so much uncertainty based on peoples perceptions of what is allowed and what is not—as well as the concerns related to all the compliance, safety, and all that.
We have gained the trust and confidence of our community stakeholders, of a whole lotta people both behind the scenes and in the spotlight, including all of our sponsors, our network of artists, and our guests. We take great responsibility in that.
It’s equal parts inspiring and frustrating—inspiring because we are reminded of how many different elements and business and creatives belong in the conversation when building a cannabis community. And it’s also wildly frustrating because we are all operating in a space that has been legalized for years in the state and there is still no license or protocol to get together with the plant in the spotlight. Which prohibits a number of people from participating and it creates more space for failed prototypes and experiments—which is a danger zone to have it all blow up before it starts.
In the meantime, we recognize we are responsibly risky. We have to get creative and push the limits in a safe and strategic way, but it certainly keeps the conversation about “consuming socially” moving forward.
Before we get to the upcoming party, what is something that you really hope to see in the social consumption regulations when they are finally finished? And do you see more promise in licensed events or going about things in a more private way?
We are looking at the regulations as a way to build business and define the culture of consumption in Massachusetts. Some license types will have to allow the comingling of cannabis consumption and alcohol consumption. To normalize and mobilize cannabis and formally introduce consumption into entertainment and hospitality, it needs to co-exist within various venues and options for guest experience.
We are dreaming of blending into societal norms. We are thinking concerts, music festivals, tourism. Most venues are looking at their bar tabs as a direct correlation to success of an event; when we are looking at hosting at local fair grounds, Fenway Park or Gillette Stadium, you name it—we need clarity on how to fold cannabis consumption into these venues and their business structure in order to create an equitable approach to the license type.
We see promise in licensed events, big and small. We are depending on the regulations to make sense in order to create a sustainable business model. The anticipated regulations are meant to outline the sale and process. “Consumption” is already actively happening and will continue regardless of regulations, we have to get it right and our hopes are high.
Which brings us to the ?arty On Deck. What can you tell us about it at this point? And what was the inspiration?
We are constantly inspired to think outside of the box and every new venue we work with allows us to do so.
We can’t give it all away! Come ?arty on Deck with us! Buy a ticket, get on the guest list, and come see what it’s all about. Satisfaction guaranteed.
What exactly is it in the realm of cannabis and nautical activities that people are looking for?
This might be categorized as a spoiler alert: ?arty on Deck is not on a boat. This venue does not float.
We have to set the record straight. Most have assumed this is a ?irate ?arty on an elaborate boat cruise and I can tell you—half of that statement is false.
However, ?arty on Deck is a kickoff to summer time, an invite to ?arty inside and outside, under the sunshine, while enjoying some summertime feasts and it is located in Marshfield, which is surrounded by water … if the tides are high.
And it is nautical in theme, so let that be Yarrr inspiration mateys.
Unlike some events where vendors just kind of sit around, you seem to encourage them to have some more exciting activations and activities. What and who might we expect on deck?
Ironically there is a special spot to sit around and kick it at ?arty on Deck, but traditional vendors you will not find. Everyone can expect a number of spectacular activations provided by featured sponsors and artists alike. We invite everyone involved to think outside the box and create something special for the guest experience.
?arty on Deck will feature Ahh Moments, Aura Cannabis Co, Best Dirty Lemonade, Coast Cannabis Co, Elevated Roots, Levia, New Dia, Nostalgia, Sluggers, Smokiez, STEM, Squiers, TerpBae, and WeedMaps.
There are a number of artists and performances in store and some surprise guests. You really never know what to expect and that’s what keeps it so much fun.
Finally, what are the rules, what can people bring, and what shouldn’t they bring?
Rules are disclosed to those that are on the guest list.
Rule #1. Get on the list. Rule #2. Read your emails. Rule #3. ?arty Responsibly
Things to bring: Valid 21+ ID. All your friends.
Do not bring: Anyone that is not on the guest list, mids, a bad attitude.
More info and tickets here (use code “TJM10” for $10 off)
