Emerald Magazine: The Creative Spirit Issue
Rolling in Creativity: These Creative Cannabis Spaces are Shaping New York's Elevated Culture
By Rita Thompson
The cannabis industry has come a long way over the past decade, with dispensaries now dotting the map like corner stores. And while 420-friendly spaces to gather and consume may seem like a recent trend, they’ve actually been woven into the cultural fabric—albeit in more clandestine settings—of cities like New York since the 1880s. The city is home to some of the earliest mentions of cannabis lounges in the U.S., dating back to 19th-century Harper’s News Monthly articles about hashish smoking parlors. [continue reading for Collective High feature]
Today’s cannabis-friendly spaces not only promote creativity but play a key role in fostering community— offering a safe and inclusive environment.
From art studios to coworking spaces, today’s cannabis-friendly spaces not only promote creativity but play a key role in fostering community—offering a safe and inclusive environment for those often facing criminalization or stigmatization to participate in and enjoy cannabis culture. Let’s take a look at four cannabis spaces in New York.
A1Art Studio
A1Art Studio in East Williamsburg is a cannabis-friendly art space designed for relaxation, self-expression, and community. Founded by proud Latina entrepreneur Sabrina Palacio, the studio offers puff and paint sessions where guests can enjoy a laid-back evening of painting, music, and consumption. “I wanted to create a space where people could come to relax, create, and have a good time without feeling judged,” Palacio shared with The Emerald™. “It’s a cannabis-friendly environment where people can fully unwind and feel safe being themselves.”
“I knew there wasn’t a place like this in our community where creativity and cannabis could come together in a supportive, simply welcoming space, so I decided to create it,” Palacio added. “[It’s designed] to be a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable, whether you’re here to unwind, explore your creativity, or just have a good time.”
The classes cater to all levels, with options for seasoned artists or beginners. Some classes feature pre-traced canvases for a self-guided experience, while others start with a blank canvas and include step-by-step instructions. Guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks and cannabis, with snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and hookah available for purchase.
Collective High
Collective High is where high society meets high culture. A private, New York City-based social club focused on reshaping the public perception of cannabis, this exclusive yet inclusive spot offers a curated experience that blends education, socializing, and responsibility. Attracting a diverse group of members, from free thinkers and philanthropists to partiers, revolutionaries, and rebels, the space is centered around its exclusive events. These include monthly parties and quarterly salons, held at a private venue in Midtown. Collective High is a laid-back setting for accessing cannabis culture and community-building, or as founder June Johnson described it, a place for “being social, having deep and rich conversations with the community, partying with friends, and living in purpose.”
As a Black woman, Johnson said, “I’m keenly aware that we all get to enjoy the plant with greater ease and access because of those who carved out the blueprint for this landscape, who are currently behind bars while the newly legalized landscape thrives (or thrives more than someone sitting in prison). It’s an awareness central to the club’s core tent: partying with purpose.” “Membership requires philanthropy by either donating an hour each month of your time to pre-vetted initiatives that support cannabis justice (early release, record expungement, and post-release job pairing) or sponsoring another membership for someone who cannot afford to be a member,” Johnson explained.
Looking ahead to 2025, Collective High will transition into a private consumption lounge, offering flexible co-working hours and extended event programming. “We’re building a space that’s as much about community as it is about creating an elevated cannabis experience,” Johnson said.
Work’n’Roll
Since May 2022, Work’n’Roll has earned its reputation as a hub for brands to engage with their audiences in creative, immersive ways. Tailored specifically for the cannabis industry, the venue offers exclusive consumption-friendly environments where brands and guests can engage on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impression.
“Our mission is to provide a seamless platform for collaboration where brands can showcase their identity through innovative experiences, events, and campaigns,” co-founder Julia Deviatkina shared with The Emerald™.
For cannabis entrepreneurs, Deviantkina said, the space serves as more than just an event venue. “We handle everything—from curating the perfect audience to ensuring a flawlessly executed event,” she explained. “Each activation is thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of belonging—to the community, the industry, and the brand—while encouraging meaningful interactions between brands and their audiences.” Whether it’s a product launch, a private gathering, or an immersive showcase, Work’n’Roll ensures each experience is tailored and impactful. “Every detail is crafted to elevate the experience and make it truly special,” Deviatkina added.
Kakes NYC
Kakes NYC is redefining the cannabis lounge experience with its unique blend of elevated food, cannabis, and entertainment. Cofounded in 2022 by Karol Zapata, a seasoned pastry chef, it started as a pop-up offering infused treats and quickly grew into a sought-after destination. The menu features both infused and non-infused options, with fan favorites like Smack & Cheese, Mama Kakes Empanadas, and signature desserts made in collaboration with celebrities like Bobby Shmurda and Styles P.
The vibe at Kakes is eclectic and welcoming, offering an experience much more than just a smoke lounge or restaurant. “We host comedy shows with some of the most popular names hitting comedy circles, as well as a variety of other events like puff and paint nights, burlesque shows, magicians, high yoga, elevated karaoke nights, game nights, and other showcases,” Zapata told The Emerald™.
“We have hosted celebrities and company functions, industry trade shows, and we play sports games, MMA and boxing events,” Zapata added. “The crowd is so diverse. From date nights to girls’ nights, it’s a place for every occasion.”
The venue is divided into two main areas: the indoor lounge and The Garden at Kakes, a year-round outdoor space with a retractable roof, stage, and state-of-the-art air filtration.
Kakes is a membership-based venue. Annual membership grants access to exclusive events, priority seating, and discounts. For those looking for a more casual visit, day passes give access to the venue and its offerings. The space also runs special monthly promotions, including free entry on certain nights.