At a time when cannabis accessories have become futuristic and sleek chameleons slipping seamlessly into our lifestyles, and high-end dispensaries model themselves after apple stores, Puffco became the apple of cannabis simply by creating intuitive products and engaging with their fans on an emotional level. In less than a decade, what was once an accessories company has risen to a lifestyle brand whose joke products become best sellers and whose fans line up (online) to get the latest releases.
As they continue to grow, the natural progression of a company to begin affecting the culture it serves seems inevitable. In 2022 with the annual Glass Open, the release of the Proxy hash pipe, and the second year of its own festival, the company appears poised to transform into a culture-influencing brand, like a pokemon, into its third evolution.
Puffcon is a crucial part of this ongoing transmutation. A day-fest held right in their office’s backyard in downtown L.A., the event is designed as a massive thank you for anyone owning a Puffco Peak, Peak Pro, or Proxy. Imagine being shrunk Jumanji-style into a dabber’s version of Candyland with up to 5,000 other players. Along the path, you’ll run into fantastic people and places, and at the end of the trail, a celebration awaits you at candy castle.
While you wander the gameboard, you’ll run into games of double-dutch, marching bands, and even penalties for smoking cheap hash, all just examples of how Puffco wants the event to feel like you’ve stepped into a street fair instead of a day festival. Event Director Kevin Chapman expressed how everything from the food to the music, vendors, and street performances are part of making everything feel like a “true block party…curating that special experience people have had at parties in their streets.”
Formerly the Event Director for Chalice Festival, Chapman is uniquely qualified to take on the task of creating an unforgettable cannabis party.
The original concept for Puffcon was “Peak Day,” where people could be invited to come and bring their rig and have some fun with the whole company. The guest list and party ideas quickly steamrolled into what would be the plan for a much larger gathering, a plan that seemed too ambitious to pull off. After the success of their Drive-In Comedy event in partnership with Alien Labs and The Comedy Store, they felt it was finally the right moment to start work on this epic thank you to all of their friends and supporters. As Roger Volodarsky put it, the goal of Puffcon is to keep “setting the bar for other events, in our industry, in LA, and beyond.”
The Lot
Need a miniature dab rig pendant with torch earrings? How about a Daniel Johnston shirt that says How High Are You? Puffcon is your chance. Blending Shakedown Street and Designer-con, The Lot is where you can meet some incredible makers and artists Puffco follows and drools over online. With zero vendor fees for the event, these specially invited folks are encouraged to leave it all onstage, creating some of the coolest small batch items you’ll come across all year.
The Terp Cottage
Another lifestyle brand that heavily resonates with today’s stoner is Talking Terps. Though based out of New York, there’s been a rabid fanbase for their clothing, toys, and artwork featuring pieces by talented artists like Daniel Herwitt, Dave Farinella, and Brian Blomerth. For Puffcon, they build an entire activation to display their favorite products, including ones that haven’t yet made it to the production floor.
The Puffcon Store
For official merch, Puffco creates not just commemorative items commissioned by their favorite artists but also drops early releases and rare sales on many of their existing products. In its first year, event attendees got the chance to scoop up the first round of 3D atomizers, as well as different posters and shirt designs commissioned for each year.
Alien Labs
Known for mind-altering flowers and rosin that promotes astral travel, Sacramento’s Alien Labs is one of the few brands represented at Puffcon. Drop into a wormhole where the company drops a yearly event-inspired capsule as well as collabs that will never hit their website. Plus, get the chance to watch a filming of Alien TV.
The Food Court
Imagine designing a food court with all your favorite ideas and options. That’s exactly what the spread at Puffcon looks like. Each of the plates you’ll get represents a chef and cuisine that’s best and dear to their entire team’s hearts. Being a company full of cannabis fans, you’re sure to find a wide mix of savory and sweet delights.
