The Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas was buzzing with excitement as the Canna Luxxe Wellness Expo took over AREA15. This event brought together a diverse community of innovative partners, sponsors, instructors, and exhibitors, all focused on showcasing the latest in holistic wellness.
A Diverse Showcase of Wellness
Upon entering the venue, attendees were welcomed by a soothing aroma courtesy of Red Rock Essentials, setting a tranquil tone for the day. The enlightening programs presented by ABC Body Art, Brandilynette, and Lizzy Jeff captivated audiences, providing valuable insights into holistic health practices.
Innovative Products and Services
The expo featured an array of eco-friendly and organic products. Niyama Sol’s sustainable fitness apparel drew the attention of eco-conscious visitors, while Purspace Herbal Care showcased organic household comforts designed to bring nature into the home.
Front Row Travels
Flower Powered Products’ infused lemonade offered a refreshing taste experience, and Analog Dope highlighted unique recreational hobbies.
Vendor Highlights: Tee’s Tea and Flower Powered Products
Tee’s Tea found the expo to be a remarkable opportunity to connect with like-minded brands and potential collaborators.
“The Canna Luxxe Expo allowed me to connect with other like-minded brands and potential collaborators. The expo reinforced our commitment to holistic wellness and sustainability, aligning with our brand values and connecting us with a community that shares these principles,” they said. Attendees loved their CBD Hippie Juice tea, and Tee’s Tea was able to educate many curious visitors about the benefits of CBD tea. The positive feedback received at the event has helped increase brand awareness, especially as they plan to bring Tee’s Tea to Nevada’s dispensaries this fall.
Flower Powered Products, a family-owned and operated CBD business, was thrilled to participate. “As a family-owned and operated CBD business, when I heard that there was a Black Owned Expo happening in Vegas I was immediately intrigued. As a certified Black Owned and Woman Owned Business I try to always support my folks!” they shared. The expo provided a platform to educate attendees about family-friendly ways to consume CBD, offering products like grade A butters, virgin olive oils, and fresh squeezed juices infused with their gold standard CBD.
Insight from Vanessa Oliver, Founder of CannaLuxxe Wellness Expo
Vanessa Oliver, the founder of Canna Luxxe, shared her inspiring journey and vision for the expo. “If you told me 10 years ago I would be working in the cannabis industry I would have laughed. ‘Never in a million years,’ I’d say. My first relationship with cannabis was shaped by my upbringing in East Oakland where the War on Drugs was prevalent. Watching family members get locked up or killed over the plant wasn’t worth it, so I stayed away from it.”
Vanessa’s journey into the cannabis industry began with a personal need to manage her anxiety. “I remember the day I went to the doctor and asked how to manage my anxiety; their immediate solution was a prescription for antidepressants. For a doctor that spent less than 5 minutes getting to know me and my triggers; how he correlated anxiety to depression I’ll never understand. Needless to say, I never took the prescription.”
A friend’s suggestion to try cannabis eventually led Vanessa to discover its benefits, despite an initial negative experience. “After my high wore off, I recognized a lightness I hadn’t felt in a long time. Prospects of the future and decisions I was making around my work felt much more hopeful and manageable.”
Vanessa’s passion for holistic wellness and event production culminated in the creation of the Canna Luxxe Wellness Expo. “My studio, Cloud 9 Studios, is a horizontally integrated alternative wellness studio radically innovating how consumers understand and enhance their lifestyle with holistic medicine.”
Memorable Moments from the Expo
Vanessa highlighted several standout moments from the Spring 2024 showcase. “Our Spring 2024 showcase in Las Vegas had several iconic moments. It took place at AREA15, an immersive family-friendly entertainment district that doesn’t typically host cannabis events. The venue offered a beautiful and colorful backdrop alongside our intentional use of aromatherapy to create a full sensory enhanced experience.”
Councilwoman Victoria Seaman’s visit during her mayoral campaign was another highlight. “Her intent was to connect with the businesses and gather more understanding around the principles and values of the conscious cannabis community in order to support future political efforts around cannabis policy.”
This year also marked the first after party, Cannaluxxe After Dark, featuring Lizzy Jeff’s Zen & Kush party, which explored the versatility of sexual health and intimacy.
Looking Ahead
Vanessa envisions a bright future for holistic wellness and plant-based medicine. “I envision our future will have an increased focus on personalized and sustainable wellness plans; using plant medicine to customize nutrition and tailored regimens catering to an individual’s genetic predisposition.”
The Canna Luxxe Wellness Expo aims to continue fostering generational wealth for black and brown professionals in the industry. “This is probably the most exceptional contribution Cannaluxxe Wellness Expo seeks to offer the industry through the business resource tools we offer participants like scholarships and business development support.”
The Canna Luxxe Wellness Expo in Vegas was a testament to the vibrant and evolving world of holistic wellness. It highlighted the limitless potential of plant-based medicine and alternative health practices, making a significant impact on all who attended.
