A Milestone for Small Producers
The festival celebrates a turning point for local cultivators who, until recently, faced a dearth of venues to legally market their crops. Among these pioneers is Joanne Kudrewicz, CEO of Ravens View Genetics. A former nurse turned cannabis entrepreneur, Kudrewicz secured a conditional cultivation license in August 2022. Driven by advocacy during the industry’s formative years, she helped establish the state’s inaugural growers’ showcases.
“In the first two years, when there were no dispensaries open… we got very involved with advocacy and lobbying,” Kudrewicz recounted. “It was my committee that worked with the OCM to get the cannabis growers showcases mounted in 2023… this just seemed like a no‑brainer.”
Growing Market and Momentum
Data from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) reveals a thriving legal market:
Retail sales have exceeded $1.7 billion, with consistent month-over-month gains over the past five months.
In May, dispensaries averaged $3.75 million in annualized sales, testifying to robust consumer demand.
So far in 2025, 221 adult‑use cultivator licenses have been granted, marking significant regulatory progress.
Education, Advocacy, and Community Focus
While showcasing business advancements, the festival also emphasizes educational outreach. Organizers intend to highlight cannabis’ therapeutic virtues. Reflecting on her previous career in healthcare, Kudrewicz emphasized cannabis as “a plant medicine… for New Yorkers, by New Yorkers.”
The festival promises vendor exhibitions, informative panel sessions, and networking opportunities tailored to both industry insiders and the broader public.
What to Expect at Maple Shade Farm
Grower exhibits featuring genetics and cultivation techniques.
Educational programs including Q&A panels and expert presentations.
Community-building events offering direct interaction with growers.
Celebratory ambiance, capturing the festive spirit of a pioneering, farm-to-table cannabis showcase.
Significance
“Cannabliss in the Catskills” serves not only as a celebration of state-level legalization but also as a pivotal platform for grassroots growers seeking greater visibility and full market integration. It offers consumers a rare opportunity to engage directly with cultivators and to learn about the plant’s medicinal potential.
Conclusion
As New York’s legal cannabis market expands, events like this festival play a critical role in uplifting small, independent producers and educating the public. For many cultivators, it’s more than commerce—it’s a culmination of years of advocacy and perseverance in forging a legitimate and fair marketplace.
Upcoming Event Details
Dates: July 26–27, 2025
Venue: Maple Shade Farm, Catskills, NY
Participants: Over two dozen small-scale cannabis cultivators
Highlights: Live demonstrations, educational panels, grower meet-and-greets
Organizers invite the public and industry stakeholders alike to attend, explore, and support this ground-breaking local initiative.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
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