On a leisurely Sunday afternoon in Hollywood, a trendy crowd of cannabis industry folk, social media influencers, musicians, artists, canna-chefs, and the canna-curious gathered at the Sowden House — the site of the historic Black Dahlia murder mystery — for Afternoon Delight. The aptly named event series, featuring a number of chic cannabis brands, tea, massage, tarot, a brunch bar from Altered Place, and and live music (starting at 4:20) from indie band Low Leaf.
Event organizer and founder Katie Partlow, calls it a “choose-your-own-adventure” series “for all your physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.” The idea is to welcome both cannabis industry and non-industry folks. “It’s a space mainly to bridge the art, entertainment and cannabis worlds,” says Partlow. “There seems to be a huge interest in learning about cannabis, and a lot of cannabis experts that don’t want to go out into larger festival events. It’s important to have events like this because people get to share ideas and ask questions in a private space.”
With brands like My Bud Vase, Elevate Jane, Venice Cookie Company, Loki Lotion, Rice Device, and more, Afternoon Delight showcases the versatility of cannabis (and cannabis accessories), combining it with entertainment and creative activities. “I always wanted to pair a tea party with live music and art, why not be 420 friendly?” Partlow says. “A delightful afternoon indeed.”
She aims to get people together monthly for music, art, and ganj at the Sowden House. With cannabis plant decor, palm trees in the scenery, and local artists, musicians, and craft brands, it all feels uniquely LA. It can also be a platform for local activists, educators, and philanthropic groups, Partlow adds.
“I am so drawn to this historic venue, because it was originally designed for open-air gatherings and musical performances,” she says. “The Sowden House evokes a sense of mystery and exoticism. This space invites guests to leave their inhibitions at the door, and expand the mind to new thoughts and ideas.”
The Sowden courtyard offers brands the opportunity to each occupy an open-air room facing a central swimming pool. Guests can pick up a joint, peruse the room-to-room, nibble at edibles, get a massage, drink tea, listen to music, and learn more about the industry. “By having hands-on interesting cannabis related things to try, it opens up so many choices of consumption and canna curious options,” says Doreen Sullivan, founder of My Bud Vase. “t’s at the intersection of cannabis meets art which is why the audience is interesting to me.”
Like other craft brands featured at the event Sullivan says her brand is about breaking stigmas through beautifully sophisticated and artistic smoking devices. “My target is the future smoker who can enjoy cannabis frequently in their homes. Think cannabis meets art meets home decor,” she says. What the event proves is that cannabis has a lot to do with other seemingly unrelated industries — art, fashion, decor, body work, music — than someone outside the cannabis industry might initially think.
