2023 Soulard Mardi Gras another huge success; this year introducing the CannaKrewe adding recreational cannabis into the party mix!
The first sales of recreational marijuana in the state of Missouri created a flurry beginning early on Friday, February 3rd.
Following the launch of recreational marijuana sales, Mardi Gras gave leading license holders and brands their first chance to participate in public events – no longer focused solely on education, but now with the ability to compliantly and legally gift samples to guests over the age of 21.
Rebecca Reardon, Head of Marketing with N’Bliss Cannabis Dispensaries said, “This is yet another proud first for us at N’Bliss as we continue to make history in the cannabis industry here in Missouri. We are lucky to have unbelievable partners and a historic event such as Mardi Gras right here in our own backyard… and yes, the timing couldn’t have been better.”
The CannaKrewe consisted of WYNK THC Seltzer, Clovr Brands, Wanabrands, Proper Cannabis, and Cannvocate bringing together some of the best leaders in the industry to pull this off.
These exciting activations spanned three days including the N’Bliss Cajun Cook-off, which included cannabis-infused Cajun cuisine demonstrations from Chef Mike Johnson of Sugarfire Smokehouse and Chef Adam Pritchett of the Hi-Pointe Drive-In.
The Taste of Soulard had thousands of people racing for beads and great cuisine around Soulard. Luckily this also offered up the chance to sample WYNK THC Selzer and Clovr and Wana products.
And then, of course, came the Bud Light Grand Parade! With the sun shining down on over 100,000 attendees this was the perfect first outing at the largest event in the state to introduce cannabis brands from across the region to the “canna-curouis” – showcasing brands, offering discounts, fun handouts, and for many, they explored the Cannvocate Lounge where attendees over the age of 21 were gifted products to sample.
N’Bliss worked very closely with the talented team at Mardi Gras Inc and our agency partner Cannvocate Associates to make sure all activations were compliant, given this new landscape. All sampling and consumption areas had dedicated perimeters, IDs were checked, and guests were then given wristbands. Appropriate signage was placed around the lounge and the tents and products were meant to stay within the parameters.
Nearly 5,000 attendees throughout the three days were engaged, gifted samples for trial and left with a better understanding of cannabis. “Being a part of Mardi Gras with our partners was incredibly fulfilling and the momentousness of this first time for people to engage with cannabis was felt across the event. From the parade to the consumption tent, those that took part had their eyes opened to the future of cannabis in Missouri. “ – Hannah Berg, N’Bliss Cannabis Dispensary
“N’Bliss and Mardi Gras Inc were the ideal partners for this opportunity and first-of-its-kind event. We are incredibly appreciative that they came to us to help ensure their vision was executed. To be able to provide a safe and legal cannabis educational experience for The Mardi Gras Grand Parade attendees, without incident, was an honor and a privilege. I’m not saying the drop in crime reported was a direct result of the addition of cannabis to the festivities but it’s nice to know it didn’t hurt,” Douglas Hall, President of Cannvocate, said.
About Soulard Mardi Gras
The Soulard Mardi Gras season will light up St. Louis with a full and varied calendar of celebrations until Fat Tuesday, February 21. This year, Grand Parade Day is Saturday, February 18. Details on all Soulard Mardi Gras events can be found at STLMardiGras.org.
Mardi Gras, Inc., a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization, is responsible for producing the Mardi Gras celebration in St. Louis, which celebrates its 44th year in 2023. Soulard’s celebration, which began with a house party among five friends in search of a theme, is now recognized as one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the world. The dozens of events of Soulard Mardi Gras season regularly draw thousands of visitors annually to the Gateway City and generates more than $20 million in economic activity for the region.
About N’Bliss
HOME OF MISSOURI’S 1ST LEGAL SALE OF CANNABIS!
Helping individuals find their path to Bliss.
On October 17, 2020, N’Bliss Cannabis Dispensary opened the doors of its Ellisville and Manchester locations to make the first legal sale of medical marijuana to the patients of Missouri. This day, which is now known as “N’Bliss Day” marks the monumental beginning of the medical marijuana industry for the State as we began to fulfill our mission to help individuals find their path to Bliss.
Today, N’Bliss stands at the forefront of the marijuana dispensary industry as an advocate for patients and consumers to access THC products. Our ongoing commitment is to provide the best selection of cannabis products in a welcoming, educational, and secure environment. Each N’Bliss Cannabis Dispensary location is staffed with highly-trained and professional Wellness Specialists to assist patients and consumers with product selections that best match the desired outcome.
As we look to the future of cannabis we vow to tirelessly charge forward to be the gold standard in the industry for service and advocacy.
We welcome you to visit one of our locations and discover YOUR path to Bliss.