PromoTix University Podcast – Episode 4 🎙️
How to Legally (and Creatively) Integrate Cannabis into Your Events - Kristy Caldwell & Gopi Sangha

In this episode of the PromoTix University Podcast, host Will Royall explores the fast-evolving world of cannabis-friendly events with two industry trailblazers: Kristy Caldwell, founder of Harvest Fest in Oklahoma, and Gopi Sangha, co-founder of High Frequency and The Cusp Agency in California.

From underground roots to fully licensed retail and consumption zones at major festivals, Kristy and Gopi share how they’re pushing boundaries—and staying compliant—while creating unforgettable experiences for attendees. You’ll hear what it takes to pull off legal cannabis activations, the realities of working with patchwork state and local regulations, and how to rethink traditional alcohol-driven revenue models.

🌱 Gopi dives deep into the behind-the-scenes of California's cannabis lounges, delivery workflows, and festival activations like “Ganja Garden” at Dirtybird Campout. 🌾 Kristy breaks down how Harvest Fest navigates Oklahoma’s evolving laws and why trust and community are the secret ingredients in pulling it off.

🔥 Whether you’re eyeing your first 420-friendly event or want to level up your existing production, this episode delivers actionable advice on compliance, marketing, risk management—and how to create high-vibe, high-integrity experiences that resonate with today’s cannabis culture.

📖 Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the PromoTix University Cannabis Episode

01:14 - The Rise of Cannabis Events and Our Guests Today

02:08 - Gopi Sangha's Journey into Cannabis Event Production

03:24 - Navigating the Patchwork of Cannabis Policies

05:46 - Misconceptions About Cannabis Integration in Events

08:12 - Innovative Retail Models: The Ice Cream Truck Approach

09:25 - The Ganja Garden Experience at Dirty Bird Campout

11:36 - Compliance and Stakeholder Education in Cannabis Events

13:48 - Timeline for Cannabis Event Activations

15:32 - Navigating Marketing Challenges in Cannabis Events

19:56 - Payment Processing and Financial Challenges

23:41 - Shifting Demographics, Behaviors, and Consumption Trends

26:35 - Revenue Models for Cannabis Activations

30:25 - The Future of Cannabis Events and Activations

34:17 - Introduction to Kristy Caldwell and Harvest Fest

35:03 - The Birth of Harvest Fest

36:42 - Navigating Regulations, Vendor Challenges, and Trolley Rides

40:32 - Impact of Regulations on Small Growers

44:49 - Marketing Challenges in the Cannabis Industry

49:23 - Lessons from High Times Festival in Oklahoma

51:46 - Ticketing and Event Management Innovations for Cannabis Events

55:27 - The Future Vision for Harvest Fest

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