By PoppaDukes Serrano
Listen, if you’ve lived in New York as long as I have, you know that summer in the city isn’t just a season, it’s an energy. But the summer of 2026? That’s going to be something else entirely. We aren’t just talking about the heat coming off the asphalt in the Bronx or the breeze over the East River. We’re talking about the 2026 World Cup landing right in our backyard.
With the World Cup Final set to go down at MetLife Stadium, the eyes of the entire planet are going to be on the New York-New Jersey area. And while the games are being played across the bridge, we all know where the heart of the culture beats loudest: Queens.
Queens isn’t called the “World’s Borough” just for a catchy slogan. It’s a literal fact. You can walk three blocks in Jackson Heights or Astoria and hear five different languages and smell ten different types of incredible food. It’s the ultimate hub of globalization, where every corner of the earth has a representative. This makes it the perfect backdrop for what we’re seeing in the New York cannabis community right now.
As we gear up for the influx of global fans, there’s one place in Bellerose, Queens, that’s positioning itself as the crossroads for the international cannabis connoisseur: NYCCE (The New York City Cannabis Exchange).
The Global Pitch in the World’s Borough
When the world comes to town for the beautiful game, they aren’t just looking for a stadium seat. They’re looking for community. They’re looking for a taste of home, and for many, that includes the plant. The connection between international soccer culture and cannabis is deeper than most people realize. From the Rif Mountains of Morocco to the coastal fields of Senegal, cannabis has been a part of the cultural fabric of these nations for centuries.
Queens: The World’s Borough is the ultimate host for global cannabis culture.
This is a must-listen for anyone who thinks cannabis is just a local trend. We are witnessing a game-changing shift in how the New York cannabis community interacts with the rest of the world. As teams like Brazil, France, and England prepare to take the pitch at MetLife Stadium, local hubs like NYCCE are preparing to showcase the incredible diversity of the plant.
(“It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about honoring the heritage of where these genetics started.”)
A Guide to Global Strains at NYCCE
If you’re heading to Queens for the matches, you’ve got to know your history. The strains we see on the shelves today, the high-potency hybrids that dominate the market, all have roots in landrace strains. These are the original, wild-growing varieties that evolved naturally in specific regions of the world.
At NYCCE, the focus is on quality and variety, providing a bridge between these ancient genetics and modern New York excellence. Here’s a guide to the global origins you’ll find reflected in the glass jars this summer.
The African Connection: Senegal and Morocco
The World Cup schedule has some powerhouse African teams playing right here. When Senegal takes on France or Norway, the energy is going to be electric. In the cannabis world, Africa is the birthplace of some of the most legendary sativas on the planet.
- Durban Poison: Originally from the port city of Durban in South Africa, this strain is a trailblazer in the industry. It’s known for its uplifting, energetic effects, perfect for staying awake through a double-overtime match.
- Moroccan Heritage: While Morocco is famous for its hashish, the genetics from the Rif Mountains have influenced countless indica-leaning hybrids. It’s about that deep relaxation after a long day at the fan fest.
Latin American Legends: Panama and Ecuador
With Ecuador and Panama both slated for matches at MetLife, the Latin American presence in Queens is going to be massive. This region is responsible for some of the “Gold” standards of the 70s.
- Panama Red: A true powerhouse of the old-school era. While hard to find in its pure form, its influence lives on in many of the vibrant, red-haired sativas you’ll find at NYCCE.
- Colombian Gold: This landrace helped shape the modern cannabis landscape. Its genetics bring a sweet, citrusy profile that’s as bright as a summer afternoon in Flushing Meadows.
The genetic roots of today’s hybrids started in the wild mountains and coastal fields of the world.
The Asian Roots: Thai and Hindu Kush
You can’t talk about globalization in cannabis without mentioning Asia.
- Thai: Known for its “sticks” back in the day, Thai genetics are the backbone of many “Haze” varieties popular in the New York cannabis community. It’s spicy, floral, and cerebral.
- Hindu Kush: Hailing from the mountain range between Pakistan and Afghanistan, these genetics are the literal blueprint for nearly every “Kush” strain on the market. If you’re looking for a heavy hitter to help you wind down after a day of cannabis networking events, this is the lineage you want.
Why Globalization and Social Equity Matter
As we celebrate the “World’s Game,” we have to keep it real about the industry. For a long time, the global trade of this plant was handled in the shadows, often at the expense of the very communities that nurtured these genetics. In New York, we are working hard to change that narrative.
(“We have to make sure the people who kept this culture alive when it was illegal are the ones leading the way now that the world is watching.”)
The New York cannabis community is built on the backs of trailblazers and activists who fought for social equity. When you visit a place like NYCCE or listen to The OG Social Network Podcast, you’re supporting a vision where marginalized professionals, especially women and people of color, get their fair share of the “Green Rush.”
Did you know that despite the massive growth of the industry, less than 3% of cannabis founders receive major venture capital funding? This is why cannabis networking events in the Bronx and Queens are so vital. We’re building our own tables, and the 2026 World Cup is an opportunity to show the world how New York does it, with authenticity and street credibility.
Networking in the World’s Borough
If you’re an emerging professional or an established business owner, the weeks surrounding the World Cup are going to be prime time for cannabis networking events. Imagine sitting down at a spot like the Barcelona Lounge or attending one of our NYS Canna Farm Tours with people from five different continents, all sharing a common passion for the plant.
The New York City Cannabis Exchange isn’t just a retail spot; it’s a destination for those who want to understand the intersection of culture and commerce. Whether you’re a student looking to break into the industry or a politician interested in policy, these spaces are where the real conversations happen.
Global cannabis networking is turning New York into the worldwide capital of the industry.
What to Expect on Our Cannabis Farm Tours
If you’ve never joined one of our cannabis farm tours New York experiences before, here’s the short version: this isn’t just a bus ride upstate. It’s a full-day immersion into the people, places, and purpose driving the New York cannabis community forward.
The day usually starts early with a morning meetup in the city. Guests check in, grab coffee, connect with fellow attendees, and get a quick welcome from the team before boarding the bus. Right away, the vibe is set. You’re not just traveling with consumers. You’re riding with cannabis entrepreneurs NYC, students, advocates, legacy operators, media folks, and curious professionals who want a real view of the plant from seed to shelf.
Once the bus gets rolling, the networking starts naturally. People introduce themselves, swap stories, exchange contacts, and talk shop in a relaxed setting. That’s one reason these tours have become such valuable cannabis networking events. Before you even reach the first destination, you’ve already started building relationships.
At each stop, guests get a closer look at how licensed cannabis is grown in New York. Depending on the farm and the schedule, that may include a guided walk through cultivation areas, discussions about genetics, a breakdown of seasonal growing challenges, and candid conversations about compliance, labor, sustainability, and market realities. This is where the day gets real. You’re hearing directly from the cultivators and operators doing the work.
You’ll meet the farmers, ask questions, and learn what separates one operation from another. Some farms focus on premium flower. Some bring a wellness-forward approach. Others stand out for scale, regenerative farming values, or their role in shaping what legal cannabis can look like in this state. Either way, the point is access. These are the kinds of weed farms you can visit to understand the craft behind the product.
Tasting and sensory sessions are another big part of the experience when allowed within the event structure and host guidelines. Guests may explore aroma, terpene profiles, strain differences, and cultivation methods in a more intentional way. It’s educational, social, and memorable. You leave with a better sense of what quality looks and smells like, and you understand how farm practices influence the final product.
By the end of the day, the bus ride back usually feels different from the ride up. People are more connected. They’ve got new insight, new questions, and often new opportunities. That’s what makes our tours special. They combine education, access, and community in one place.
Meet the Farmers
One of the strongest parts of our cannabis farm tours New York programming is the chance to meet the operators and cultivators behind some of the state’s most respected farms. These are not faceless brands. These are real people helping shape the future of legal cannabis.
Goldfinch Flora Farms
Goldfinch Flora Farms brings a thoughtful, craft-driven approach to cultivation. Guests often appreciate the balance between agricultural discipline and plant passion. On tour, you get a sense of how much intention goes into every phase of the grow. For anyone curious about how boutique cultivation fits into the larger legal market, this stop offers serious perspective.
Cannacure Farms
Cannacure Farms stands out as a name many attendees remember after the trip. There’s usually a strong emphasis on plant care, quality control, and the day-to-day reality of operating in a still-evolving market. If you want to understand how New York growers are adapting while staying focused on product integrity, this is a valuable stop.
Eaton Botanicals
Eaton Botanicals brings a wellness-centered lens to the conversation. Guests often leave with a deeper appreciation for how cannabis can be positioned within broader health, lifestyle, and botanical traditions. It’s a great example of how the New York cannabis community includes more than one lane.
Green Spectrum CBD & Hepworth Farms
This stop highlights a powerful intersection of farming heritage and modern cannabinoid entrepreneurship. Green Spectrum CBD & Hepworth Farms helps show attendees how established agricultural infrastructure can support cannabis and hemp innovation. It’s especially useful for students and emerging operators trying to understand where farming, distribution, and brand-building meet.
Hudson Cannabis
When people search for a Hudson cannabis farm, this is exactly the kind of experience they’re hoping to find. Hudson Cannabis has become one of the standout names in the state, and for good reason. The farm represents scale, visibility, and a polished example of what legal cultivation in New York can become. Visiting Hudson Cannabis gives attendees a clearer picture of how a leading farm operates while still staying rooted in the land and the community.
Together, these stops make the tour feel dynamic. They show the range of approaches shaping legal cannabis across the state. For those researching long island cannabis tours, upstate cultivation, or other weed farms you can visit, our programming offers a broader and deeper look at the market.
Why Farm Tours Matter for Social Equity
Let’s keep it real. Access matters.
A lot of people want to break into cannabis, but not everyone gets the same shot. Some have capital, family networks, and inside connections. Others have talent, drive, and lived experience, but they’re still locked out of the room. That’s why these tours matter beyond the photo ops and fresh air.
Our tours are designed to create access points for the people who’ve historically been left out. Through the Sponsor a Seat program, we help bring students, social equity applicants, grassroots advocates, and marginalized professionals into spaces where they can learn directly from operators and build real relationships. For many attendees, this is their first time standing on a licensed farm, asking a cultivator direct questions, or connecting face-to-face with leaders in the field.
That’s a big deal.
The New York cannabis community talks a lot about equity, but equity has to be practiced. These tours make that practice visible. They help close the gap between aspiration and opportunity. They also create some of the most meaningful cannabis networking events we’ve seen, because the conversations happening on these buses and farms can lead to mentorship, internships, partnerships, and career moves.
For cannabis entrepreneurs NYC, these trips are a chance to step outside the city and understand the agricultural backbone of the business. For students, they offer a living classroom. For sponsors, they’re a concrete way to invest in the future of the industry.
Testimonials
Here’s what attendees often say after experiencing our cannabis farm tours New York events:
“I came for the farm visit, but I left with three real business connections and a much better understanding of how legal cultivation works in New York.” — Past Tour Attendee
“Meeting the farmers changed everything for me. You can read articles all day, but being on-site gave me a whole new respect for the process.” — Student Guest
“As someone exploring opportunities in cannabis, this was one of the most useful cannabis networking events I’ve attended. It felt authentic, welcoming, and informative.” — Emerging Professional
“The stop at a Hudson cannabis farm was a highlight for me. Seeing the scale, hearing the challenges, and talking directly with the team made the industry feel a lot more real.” — Tour Participant
“The Sponsor a Seat idea is powerful. It made it possible for people like me to attend, learn, and start building a path into the industry.” — Sponsored Attendee
What to Bring / What to Wear
To make the most of the day, come prepared. Farm environments are beautiful, but they’re still farms.
What to wear
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
- Weather-appropriate layers
- A hat or sunglasses for sunny days
- Light rain gear if the forecast looks uncertain
- Casual clothes you don’t mind wearing outdoors
What to bring
- Water
- Snacks
- Notebook or phone for notes
- Business cards if you’re networking
- A charged phone for photos and contacts
- Any personal essentials you’ll need for a full day out
A simple rule? Dress for movement, curiosity, and conversation. These are hands-on, community-centered experiences, not stiff corporate outings.
How to Sponsor a Seat
Want to do more than attend? Help open the door for someone else.
Our Sponsor a Seat program allows supporters to fund access for students, marginalized professionals, and rising leaders who want to take part in our cannabis farm tours New York events but may not have the resources to do it on their own. It’s one of the clearest ways to strengthen the New York cannabis community while supporting education and opportunity.
Sponsoring a seat helps:
- Expand access to weed farms you can visit
- Support future cannabis entrepreneurs NYC
- Increase representation at key cannabis networking events
- Create learning opportunities rooted in real experience
If you’re a business, brand, or individual who believes in social equity, this is your chance to show it in action. Join us, support the next generation, and help make sure these tours stay accessible to the people who need them most.
The Takeaway
The 2026 World Cup is more than just a tournament, it’s a celebration of global unity. In Queens, that unity is found in the food, the music, and the shared appreciation for world-class cannabis.
- Queens is the Hub: As the “World’s Borough,” it is the natural center for the cultural fusion happening in the cannabis space.
- Know Your Roots: Understanding global landrace strains helps you appreciate the quality of the products at NYCCE.
- Community First: Support the businesses and podcasts that amplify marginalized voices and promote social equity.
- Network Locally: Use the excitement of the World Cup to connect with the New York cannabis community at local events.
This is a historic moment for our city. Let’s make sure we welcome the world with the best of what New York has to offer.
Relax. Relate. Release.
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About the Author
PoppaDukes Serrano is the Executive Producer and Host of The OG Social Network Podcast. The podcast covers the intersection of cannabis, culture, politics, and community in New York. PoppaDukes has deep roots in advocacy. He is committed to amplifying marginalized voices in the industry. PoppaDukes brings real talk grounded in lived experience and leadership. Follow the podcast for conversations with the trailblazers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and activists shaping the future.