New York City lit up recently with the return of the Revelry Cannabis Festival, a celebration of music, culture, and the ever-evolving cannabis industry.
HipHopCanada was invited to take part in the festivities, joining thousands of attendees as the festival blended a live concert atmosphere with panel discussions, art installations, food vendors, and, of course, activations from some of the most exciting cannabis brands in the United States.
The event spotlighted the intersection of hip-hop and cannabis culture, a relationship that’s shaped music, fashion, and community for decades. Performances from emerging and established artists set the tone, while conversations around legalization, equity, and industry growth gave the festival a forward-thinking edge. For many attendees, Revelry Cannabis wasn’t just about the party—it was about connecting with the movement and envisioning where the cannabis industry is heading next.
Beyond the music, the Revelry Cannabis Festival grounds were alive with interactive activations, from cannabis education booths and brand pop-ups to art installations celebrating the cultural influence of hip-hop. Attendees lined up for exclusive merch drops, sampled innovative cannabis products, and engaged directly with entrepreneurs shaping the next wave of the industry. The presence of advocacy groups and community leaders underscored the importance of addressing social justice issues—particularly expungement, equity in licensing, and reinvestment into communities most impacted by prohibition.
The energy was amplified by the diverse crowd, which included students, artists, industry professionals, and everyday enthusiasts. What tied everyone together was a shared belief that cannabis is more than a product, it’s a cultural connector and a tool for empowerment. Revelry successfully bridged entertainment with education, leaving attendees not only entertained but also more informed and inspired about the future of cannabis and hip-hop culture in the U.S.
Photo: Jehovy Santiago
Why It Matters for Canadian Smokers
While cannabis has been federally legal in Canada since 2018, the U.S. market continues to push boundaries with innovation, branding, and cultural tie-ins that often arrive north of the border years later. Festivals like Revelry highlight just how diverse and creative the U.S. cannabis space has become, with companies exploring everything from high-design packaging to terpene-driven product lines.
For Canadian smokers, buyers, and industry professionals, keeping tabs on what’s hot in the U.S. isn’t just about curiosity; it’s about forecasting where the culture and the market are going next.
Photo: Remi Louis Harris / HipHopCanada
10 U.S. Cannabis Brands Canadian Smokers and Buyers Should Watch
During our time at Revelry, we explored and had the opportunity to speak with a variety of cannabis brands, discovering some that really stood out. For Canadian smokers and buyers looking to stay ahead of the U.S. market, here are 10 American cannabis brands making waves right now that should be on your radar:
MINTZ (Stoney Point, NY)
New York-based cannabis brand known for its carefully cultivated flower and consistent quality. Their strains are grown to highlight flavour and potency, making them a recognizable name for smokers looking for reliable, high-quality cannabis.
Entourage (New York, NY)
Entourage is a cannabis brand based in New York City, known for its clean, high-quality products. They offer a range of items, including flower, concentrates, and edibles, all produced with eco-friendly practices and a focus on health and well-being.
Canna Zip (Williamsville, NY)
Canna Zip hits the table with dense, sticky buds that glisten with resin, practically daring you to break them apart. The strains hit strong and clean—Indicas that melt you into the couch, Sativas that spark energy and focus—making it a brand smokers remember for both punch and flavour.
Gypsy Weed (Roscoe, NY)
New York cannabis brand known for its carefully grown, flavourful strains. From hybrids like Jet Fuel Gelato to Indicas like Jealousy and Huckleberry Soda, their flowers are consistent, potent, and made for smokers who want a reliable, enjoyable experience.
Bloomer (Miami, FL)
Bloomer is redefining the smoking experience with their plantable wax tips and cones. Made from all-natural wax and embedded with wildflower seeds, their products are designed to return to the earth and support pollinators.
Urban Xtracts (Warwick, NY)
New York brand known for its potent, carefully grown flowers and concentrates. Their strains, like Nana Glue, often hit high THC levels (30-45%), and they focus on sustainable growing practices and precise cultivation techniques to maximize flavour, aroma, and effect. Their pre-rolls and vapes offer a consistent experience for smokers who value quality and potency.
Jaunty (Hoosick Falls, NY)
Jaunty specializes in concentrates like distillate, live resin, and live rosin, all packed with flavor and punch. Their extracts hit strong, with sticky, terpene-rich textures that make them stand out—perfect for smokers curious about potent, clean concentrates from New York.
Elevate Cannabis (Mount Vernon, NY)
Elevate’s flowers have a dense, almost spongy feel, with sticky, crystal-coated buds that release a sharp, earthy aroma when broken apart. The effects hit steadily, making it the kind of strain you can trust to stay lifted without surprises.
Kushy Punch (North Hollywood, CA)
Kushy Punch is known for its THC gummies and edible products that pack a slow-building, long-lasting punch. Each piece hits with a consistent strength, making it easy to measure your high while enjoying flavours that are fruity, tangy, and potent.
UFO Rolls (Brooklyn, NY)
UFO Rolls offers premium, all-natural rolling papers and accessories. Their Grind & Roll Kits come with unbleached wood pulp papers, delivering a slow, even burn for the ultimate session.
