Applegarth Strategies

Cannabis and hemp tourism is an emerging and often complex sector at the crossroads of travel, wellness, agriculture, hemp, cannabis, and hospitality. This new industry vertical is rapidly growing, yet its unique blend of themes, regulations, and visitor expectations can create confusion and uncertainty for stakeholders, advocates, and the public. The 2025 Cannabis Tourism Lexicon is designed to simplify and strengthen communication within this space, providing a values-based vocabulary that captures the industry’s essence and aligns with stakeholders’ values. The lexicon employs an ideological and value-based appeal, using language to connect emotionally with community values and political priorities. Research has shown that facts alone are rarely persuasive; people interpret information based on their own values and beliefs. As with other sectors that have successfully redefined public perception—such as the gaming industry’s shift from “gambling” to “gaming”—our lexicon provides nuanced, intentional language to frame cannabis tourism accurately and positively, setting the foundation for a more favorable reception. Read more at the link in the comments.  #cannabistourism #lexicon #cannabistravel #insights #thoughtleadership #communication

We’re attending #MJBizCon this December 3-6 in Las Vegas! Don't miss Brian's panel called "How to Perfect the Consumption Lounge Experience and Promote Sales" on Thursday the 4th.  Get the answers to your burning questions and ignite business growth in 2025. Expect 200+ speakers, 1,400+ exhibitors, and thousands of attendees to fuel your fire!   Save on your tickets with our 10% code: MIPMXAB48 - https://lnkd.in/eJxkPa4A #events #MJBizCon #consumptionlounges #cannabistravel #experientialmarketing #BrianApplegarth #destinationmarketing

Don't miss Brian Applegarth at Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight in Anaheim coming up on the 12th! Alongside experts at the intersection of Travel and Cannabis, Brian will be part of a panel called "Travel & Tourism as a Growth Engine for California Brands & Businesses." This is one you won't want to miss! The one-day event takes place at the House of Blues on November 12th. Use promo code APPLEGARTH20 for 20% off your ticket to Benzinga in Anaheim: https://lnkd.in/gZqabUmi #Benzinga #cannabistravel #travelandtourism #Anaheim #experienceeconomy #growthengine #California #cannabistourism #thoughtleadership

The world of travel is undergoing a transformative shift, where the journey is no longer just about the destination but about the profound personal experiences that can be gained along the way. A significant part of this shift is the rise of entheogenic travel, a growing trend that blends exploration with the transformative power of psychedelics. This emerging sector is not just capturing the attention of intrepid travelers but also the medical community, which is increasingly recognizing the potential mental health benefits of these substances. As the lines between wellness, adventure, and spirituality blur, entheogenic travel is becoming a cornerstone of the experience economy, offering travelers a path to personal growth, healing, and deeper connection. But what exactly is driving this trend, and what should businesses in the travel and tourism industry know to tap into this burgeoning market? Explore the intersection of Entheogenic Travel and the Experience Economy in a recent blog post from Brian Applegarth and take a trip of a unique flavor... 🍄 Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2xcnjye

Brian Applegarth will be appearing on a panel at the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight: California event on  November 12th.  This targeted, one-day event offers a rare opportunity to talk, eat and network with the most important players in the California cannabis market. Brian's panel is at 3:40pm on the topic: Travel & Tourism as a Growth Engine for California Brands & Businesses. Learn how you can leverage the visitor audience and the experience economy to grow your brand beyond just cannabis on this panel of heavy hitters: Brian Applegarth, Owner/Founder – Applegarth Strategies SCOTT SCHMIDT , Executive Director – Emerald Village West Hollywood Jerred Kiloh , President – UCBA Erin Warady , Founding Board Member – Travel Santa Ana Maha Haq , Social consumption consultant; lounges and spaces – Maha Haq This November is the perfect time to gather in SoCal to reconnect with industry pros and discuss the market’s new outlook. We look forward to seeing you in Anaheim! Learn more about Benzinga Market Spotlight in Anaheim in the comments. 👇 #benzinga #anaheim #benzingamarketspotlight #californiacannabis #cannabistravel #experienceeconomy

Who's ready for the next Travel Tuesday broadcast on Beard Bros Pharms Travel? Brian Applegarth will be interviewing Arend Richard who is cooking up a great tourist destination called Cirrus Social Club in Denver on Tuesday, October 22nd. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gp_hRg_d Tune in to chat canna hospitality and much more with Brian Applegarth and this month's guest Arend Richard next week! And check out previous Travel Tuesday episodes on the Beard Bros YouTube channel. 🎙️ (link in the comments) #TravelTuesday #hospitality #experiences #experienceeconomy #cannabistravel #BeardBrosTravel

What’s the Experience Economy, and how's it transforming the cannabis industry? Brian Applegarth recently appeared on Highly Capitalized Network-HCN's Inside Retail with Marty Higgins to discuss the Experience Economy, how California's new law AB 1775 is set to transform the industry, and the opportunities for cannabis companies to reach new audiences in travel. Check out this valuable episode for: 💡 How the new California AB 1775 law is set to transform the Cannabis industry, setting a new standard for #consumptionlounges, expanding opportunities for on-site experiences. 💡 Urbana’s vision for leading experiential retail with safe, welcoming spaces that redefine cannabis hospitality. 💡 Brian’s insights on #cannabistourism trends and how curated, educational experiences can elevate visitor economies. 💡 The evolving role of Cannabis #lounges in creating social, community-driven retail environments. Watch the Highly Capitalized episode here:

🚀 What’s the ''#ExperienceEconomy,'' and how's it transforming the #Cannabis industry? In the latest episode of *Inside Retail with Marty Higgins* exclusive to Highly Capitalized Network-HCN, we dive into this emerging trend with none other than Brian Applegarth—pioneer of #CannabisTourism and founder of Applegarth Strategies. Brian is also the founder of the The Cannabis Travel Association International, The Cannabis Trail, Inc., and California’s #Hemp & Cannabis Experience at The #CaliforniaStateFair. With over a decade of groundbreaking work, Brian has been instrumental in shaping the future of Cannabis #hospitality & tourism, giving destinations the tools to tap into high-value, experience-seeking audiences. 🎙️ In this episode, we cover: 💡 How Cali's new law called AB 1775 is set to transform the Cannabis industry, setting a new standard for #consumptionlounges, expanding opportunities for on-site experiences. 💡 Urbana’s vision for leading experiential retail with safe, welcoming spaces that redefine cannabis hospitality. 💡 Brian’s insights on #Cannabis #tourism trends and how curated, educational experiences can elevate visitor economies. 💡 The evolving role of Cannabis #lounges in creating social, community-driven retail environments. Don’t miss out on how the *experience economy* & how it will #revolutionize Cannabis #retail! Subscribe to our #FREE newsletter at HighlyCapitalized.com & follow us here on LinkedIn so that you never miss an #HCNInterview in #Cannabis

We’re attending #MJBizCon this December 3-6 in Las Vegas! Brian Applegarth will be speaking on a panel called "How to Perfect the Consumption Lounge Experience and Promote Sales" on Thursday the 4th - don't miss it! 🎤 Get the answers to your burning questions and ignite business growth in 2025. Expect 200+ speakers, 1,400+ exhibitors, and thousands of attendees to fuel your fire! 🔥   Register by October 17 & you'll save up to $300 🎉 Save even more with our 10% code: MIPMXAB48 - https://lnkd.in/eJxkPa4A #events #MJBizCon #consumptionlounges #cannabistravel #experientialmarketing #BrianApplegarth #destinationmarketing #LasVegas