In April, the cannabis magnate KushCon approached me on social media with hopes that I could spread marketing throughout Tampa. As a Tampa native, I was overjoyed to complete this mission. Then, in June, the stars aligned as my beloved Fat Nugs Magazine invited me to contribute. Ultimately this led to sharing a booth with Vee, The Traveling Cannabis Writer, at the KushCon convention. My cannabis future seemed to be taking shape. I hadn’t stepped foot in the Tampa convention center since being a kid, so I knew I was in for a surprise. 

Entering the convention center, I was in awe of the changes but still able to see the remnants of its history. I followed the aisle to guide me to Booth 330, but I couldn’t take a single step without the aura of those around me penetrating my comfort receptors. Crown City Flower was at the corner and stood out due to his large mason jars of CBD flower. He offered a sample of buds that actually contained floral aroma. I walked away with my new tote and CBD flower samples.

By this time, most booths were fully functioning, I stumbled upon CBD Honey Bear and took a sample to use for migraines. It was nice to have hard candy to suck on as I continued down this journey of mysterious delights. Another vendor, Sleepy Bear, called me over and by the time I left I was yearning for my next period to see if their claims to remedy cramps would stand the test of Mother Nature. 

I was speaking with people about the magazine and, during these networking dances, I ate an abundance of THC-gummies from Tiki Mike’s. My dedication to journalist accuracy demanded that I do so. I also devoured a sample of freshly baked gourmet edibles from local favorite, Higher Flour. This cannabis convention felt less like business and more like adult-trick-or-treating. Yet, turning the corner, seeing a giant, inviting, inflatable mushroom, I had not realized mushrooms would be on the menu - I mean, at the venue.

Psilo Mart smiled as I screamed out to them, “Amanita Muscaria!?'' They dispensed information with exposition about its benefits and advising dosages. Supposedly this natural mushroom helps fight common mental illnesses, such as depression. I walked away consuming two capsules, adamant to be anything but depressed. Enhancing them with mushroom chocolate was a decision I still ponder. Before casting judgment, this is a great example of why there should be more research and guidance in the plant medicine world. 

Fluorescent convention lights suddenly appeared as soft-glowing angels, blessing each step I took. I stopped by Peak Terpenes. I was hypnotized by their marketing, I grabbed a display box, turned it around to examine it, and asked “Are these mushrooms!?” The representative smiled and said, “They’re actually terpenes on a large scale.” Staring at the embodiment of flavor, I closed my eyes and allowed the scent to engulf me from the inside out. The limonene seemed to be enhancing my euphoria and my nose lived in the tumbler for what seemed like ten ethereal minutes. 

Hours later, I found myself outside, looking for The Women’s Cannabis Chamber of Commerce bus. I had just missed it and stood there, becoming entranced with water clacking in the bay. Staring out into the heart of Tampa, I felt that perhaps the effects of the plant medicine were providing the message that I never needed to chase cannabis outside of Tampa. The convention’s success made clear that cannabis had come home to me.