On May 14, 2025, Munir Haque, President of Cure8, joined cannabis retailers, cultivators, processors, and brand leaders in the quiet riverside town of Hudson, New York, for one of the state’s most anticipated cannabis events: Revelry Buyers’ Club. Held at the historic Basilica Hudson, the event offered a full day of product showcases, networking, and critical discussions on the evolving cannabis market.
Despite rainy weather, the turnout and atmosphere were anything but subdued. Industry professionals, license holders, and service providers gathered under the cavernous roof of the Basilica to engage in conversations that reflected both the optimism and the persistent challenges in New York’s cannabis rollout.
What the Revelry Buyers’ Club Is All About
Revelry Buyers’ Club is more than a traditional cannabis conference or expo. It’s a curated meeting ground for licensed cannabis retailers and delivery services to explore new products, build relationships with brands, and get a finger on the pulse of the state’s complex regulatory environment.
The event also serves as a vital platform for face-to-face dialogue, where New York cannabis operators can share their stories, ask pressing questions, and find solutions directly from peers and experts. That ethos was on full display this year, with brands like Illicit, Onist, and dozens of others engaging openly with attendees on everything from packaging to compliance strategies.
The Human Side of Cannabis Retail
One of the most resonant themes at this year’s event was survival and adaptation. Retailers who had managed to open stores in New York, a state known for its layered regulatory hurdles, were visibly proud of their progress. Many were actively seeking partnerships with brands to diversify their inventory and build stronger relationships with customers.
These early-stage licensees also used the opportunity to discuss what had worked, and what hadn’t. A recurring issue that surfaced in multiple conversations was the oversight of IT infrastructure during the buildout phase. Several operators expressed regret that they had deprioritized technology, focusing instead on licenses, inventory, and compliance. The results: unreliable Wi-Fi, sluggish point-of-sale systems, and breakdowns in security cameras during peak hours.
In one discussion, a store owner shared that their tech would routinely freeze when the store got busy, disrupting customer service and sales. While they had checked the box on compliance, they hadn’t accounted for real-world technology demands. Conversations like these highlighted a growing awareness in the industry that IT isn’t a luxury, but a backbone in the overall structure.
Conversations That Mattered
One of the more forward-looking dialogues involved a conversation between executives from two cannabis-support service firms, including Ross Burtness, CEO of Onist. The discussion centered on how companies serving the industry can do more to equip operators with accessible, digestible information about navigating compliance, operations, and digital infrastructure.
Munir also joined other service providers in listening closely to the needs and frustrations voiced by retailers and licensees. The tone across these discussions was not promotional, but solution-oriented, and focused on how service partners could better support operators facing real-world challenges.
It was about building a more connected and informed community. In an industry where many licensees are new business owners, having a reliable source of education and consultation can make the difference between failure and sustained growth.
Observations from the Show Floor
Revelry Buyers’ Club is built around personal interaction and real-time dialogue. Throughout the day, clusters of conversations emerged in every corner of the venue. People discussed retail traffic patterns, consumer preferences, vendor reliability, and security camera upgrades.
The sense of community and collaboration was evident. For many, this was a chance to reconnect with familiar faces and industry veterans, while others were attending for the first time, eager to learn what it really takes to survive and thrive in New York’s cannabis market.
A lighthearted moment came when one attendee, visibly soaked from the downpour, shrugged and said, “Rain or not, this is where we need to be,” summing up the energy of the day: committed, undeterred, and mission-driven.
Brands That Caught Attention
Among the dozens of brands on display, Illicit stood out with its bold packaging and solid product reputation. While much of the market is still finding its voice, brands like these have managed to strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and product quality, winning attention not just from buyers but also from fellow operators and industry watchers.
It’s clear that in New York’s crowded cannabis space, branding and presentation are as crucial as the product itself. Vendors who could clearly communicate their value and stand out visually were the ones generating the most buzz.
Who Should Attend Revelry in the Future?
Revelry Buyers’ Club is designed for those who are actively building, expanding, or supplying within the cannabis space. The event offers real, actionable insight and connects people who can help one another succeed.
Prospective attendees who would gain the most include:
- Retailers and delivery license holders looking to expand their product offerings and form long-term partnerships
- Processors, cultivators, and brands aiming to introduce their products to decision-makers in retail
- Support service providers offering IT, security, compliance, or consulting, who want to hear directly from operators about pain points and opportunities
- Regulators and policymakers curious about how the roll-out is being experienced at the ground level
A Candid Look at New York’s Cannabis Market
What made Revelry 2025 unique wasn’t just the product showcases or industry matchmaking, but the honesty of the conversations. Attendees weren’t afraid to share where they were struggling or ask for advice. In a space still dealing with issues like limited access to capital, overregulation, and patchy infrastructure, this kind of openness is both rare and necessary.
It also became clear that while the cannabis market in New York is still young, it’s rapidly maturing. The people attending events like Revelry are no longer just passionate advocates. They are business operators, entrepreneurs, and strategists looking for ways to grow sustainably.
Final Thoughts
Revelry Buyers’ Club 2025 was a testament to the cannabis industry’s resilience and community spirit. It served as a hub for knowledge, partnership, and, most importantly, realism. This isn’t an easy industry, especially in a complex market like New York. But with continued collaboration, the right infrastructure, and a willingness to adapt, it’s one that holds tremendous promise.
As New York’s cannabis landscape continues to unfold, events like Revelry will play a crucial role in shaping its direction, come rain or shine.
