The growth of cannabis and psychedelics takes center stage in St. Pete next month during Cannadelic Summer on Saturday, July 15 at The Factory (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is a marketing partner for the event).
Cannabis: From counterculture to mainstream
The cannabis industry has seen exceptional growth, from NORMLs founding in 1970 to today’s ever-expanding legalization. The cannabis industry has transformed from an underground counterculture movement to a legitimate economic force. The days of sketch bags heavy with stems and seeds are long in the rearview mirror, and a new American industry focused on innovation and entrepreneurship is well underway.
Since Colorado led the way in recreational legalization in 2014, 23 other states have followed suit. Recreational and medical cannabis revenue for 2023 is expected to be over $33 billion. As gaudy as those numbers might appear, the overall economic impact is even higher, and the overall effect of the cannabis industry on the U.S. economy is even higher, estimated at over $100 billion.
The legal landscape: A patchwork of possibilities
While cannabis has gained significant ground in terms of legalization, the legal landscape remains complex and varied. Some states have embraced full legalization, allowing recreational and medical use. In contrast, others have adopted a more conservative approach by testing the waters through legalization for medical use only or decriminalization. Meanwhile, on the federal level, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I drug, drastically hindering research and creating a disparity between state and federal laws. If only Congress had listened to President Carter in the ‘70s.
However, despite the challenges of conflicting state and federal laws, the industry continues to thrive, generating billions of dollars in revenue, creating jobs, and contributing to local economies. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of cannabis advocates and entrepreneurs driving this movement forward.
The psychedelic renaissance: shifting paradigms in mental health
In recent years, psychedelics have been making a comeback, not for their stereotypical use as a tool for recreational escapism but as powerful allies in treating mental health issues. Scientific studies exploring the vast therapeutic benefits of substances like psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and MDMA have shown promising results in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
As with cannabis, the legal status of psychedelics varies significantly worldwide. While some countries have embraced the therapeutic nature of these substances and are allowing research and clinical trials (In February 2023, Australia became the first country to make a formal statement that psychedelics have therapeutic benefits), others maintain strict regulations or outright bans. However, there is a growing global recognition that a new approach to psychedelics is needed, one that prioritizes scientific research, harm reduction, and responsible use for the betterment of people and their ability to combat mental illness.
The psychedelic industry is preparing to ride this new focus on therapeutic benefits to solid economic growth. As evidence for psychedelics’ positive impact on mental health conditions grows, market analysis shows that the industry is expected to hit $12 billion annually by 2029, increasing from $4.87 billion in 2022.
This isn’t about losing your mind at Bonnaroo: the medicine of psychedelics
It’s important to emphasize that using psychedelics in a therapeutic context is not about tripping for the sake of tripping. It’s about harnessing the potential of these substances to heal, transform, and open doors to new perspectives. Many individuals who have undergone positive psychedelic experiences have been struck by the profound impact these substances can have on one’s sense of self, empathy, and interconnectedness with the world.
Anyone who has had a positive experience with psychedelics has undoubtedly thought, “If only world leaders tried mushrooms, there would be less violence.” before returning to the record player and starting The Piper at the Gates of Dawn again.
The potential for increased understanding, empathy, and peace would be tremendous. While this may seem far-fetched, the current resurgence of psychedelics offers a glimmer of hope that we are on the cusp of a paradigm shift—one where these substances are recognized for their therapeutic benefits rather than being dismissed as mere escapist “drugs.”
Cannadelic: embrace the revolution
In rapidly growing industries like cannabis and psychedelics, conventions are the epicenter of innovation, education, and community-building. This summer, from July 15th, 2023, The Factory and Fairgrounds in St. Petersburg will host the much-anticipated Cannadelic Summer: A Celebration of Cannabis and Psychedelics convention.
The convention is the brainchild of the Florida Cannabis Coalition and is produced by the husband and wife team Pete and Colleen Sessa. The Florida Cannabis Coalition started in Tampa in 2014 with an event at the Cuban Club. Since then, they have not slowed down in the mission “to help to educate and connect marijuana patients, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs on the community level.”
They were integral in getting medical marijuana passed in Florida, helping to establish the industry in Florida, and have hosted large-scale cannabis conventions and hundreds of local networking events at breweries and similar venues throughout the state.
In February 2022, they launched the first Canndelic event at the Miami Airport Convention Center. The event was the first-ever Cannabis & PSYCHEDELIC convention. The event was wildly successful. Over 8,000 people from all over the world attended. Emboldened by the success of this first event, they quickly hosted a second event in July 2022. Cannadelic Edu was held at Florida International University and brought in some of the leading cannabis and psychedelic researchers in the world.
Their most recent event in February 2023 drew more than 13,000 attendees from 40 states and 28 countries and featured keynote speakers like Paul Stamets, Rick Doblin, Jason Silva, and Nancy Whiteman. They closed the convention out with an afterparty performance by Afroman.
Cannadelic Summer lands in St. Petersburg
For the first time, Pete and Colleen Sessa bring their Cannadelic Convention to St. Petersburg, and the event promises to build on what is rapidly becoming an industry-leading gathering of some of the most respected thinkers, entrepreneurs, and trendsetters in the cannabis and psychedelic industries.
The event is on July 15 from 10 a.m.-midnight and is packed with plenty to see, do, and learn. Cannadelic continues its tradition of providing world-class speakers. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking talks and panel discussions led by industry pioneers, scientific experts, and visionary advocates. Gain insights into the latest research, emerging trends, and the future of cannabis and psychedelics. Scheduled speakers include visionary artist Chris Dyer, Founder & CEO of Magical Brands Garyn Angel, Ian Beckles, Dr. Gina Love, and Richard DeLisi.
The event will also feature activations and workshops, including guided meditations, sound healing, and more. There is also a full schedule of panel discussions on a wide range of topics, including:
- Cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic legalities in Florida
- Cannabis & psychedelics as treatments for addiction
- Mindfulness & psychedelic integration
- Psychedelic Art
- Cannabis, psychedelics & sports
- Sex, cannabis & psychedelics
What would a cannabis and psychedelic convention be without some truly mind-bending artwork? It wouldn’t be a Canndelic event, that’s for sure. The Fairgrounds St. Pete will feature a fully immersive art experience allowing visitors to enter a world of visual enchantment. Prepare to be captivated by the synergy of art and consciousness inspired by the psychedelic experience.
Riding the waves of change
The cannabis and psychedelic industries are riding the waves of change driven by innovation, scientific research, and shifting societal attitudes. Cannadelic Summer 2023 encapsulates the spirit of these evolving landscapes, providing a platform for education, connection, and celebration. Asked about Cannadelic Summer, Event Producer Pete Sessa said, “The event aims to cast away stereotypes and spread education about how when used mindfully, cannabis and psychedelics are powerful tools for healing ourselves and society.”
Canndelic Summer is sure to be an experience that embraces the medicinal reality, artistic expression, and collective vision of a world where cannabis and psychedelics are valued for their transformative power.
Secure your spot at Cannadelic Summer and join the community of cannabis and psychedelic enthusiasts, professionals, and advocates. Tickets are available at tampabaycannafest.com and come in various packages to suit your interests and budget.
This article appears in Jun 15-21, 2023.